Traditional sweet lovers across the region have long enjoyed classic confections, but a dedicated sweet shop in Purnia, Bihar, has elevated the craft with an extraordinary multi-layered delicacy. Located near Kalibari Chowk in the bustling Bhattha Bazar area, Chaudhary Misthan Bhandar produces and sells a specialized 156-layer Pipra Khaja. Unlike standard crispy flour snacks available in regular sweet marts, this preparation stands out for its delicate flakiness and exceptionally soft bite. It is so tender that it dissolves effortlessly in the mouth, allowing young children, senior citizens, and even elderly individuals without teeth to relish it comfortably.
Master Craftsman Puran Mandal on the Art of Layering
Crafting such an intricate dessert demands specialized skill and steady culinary discipline. Puran Mandal, an artisan who prepares the Pipra Khaja at the shop, explained that he has been employing this specialized recipe here for several years. According to him, the secret behind the dish lies in rolling multiple paper-thin sheets of refined dough directly over one another. This painstaking folding and wrapping method creates the iconic 156 distinct folds that define the structure, yielding an airy and crunchy texture once fried.
From Dough Preparation to Hot Sugar Syrup
Puran Mandal outlined the step-by-step procedure required to construct the 156-layer sweet. The process begins with kneading refined flour thoroughly with water until the dough achieves the right consistency. It is then left aside to rest for a specific duration. After the resting period, specified seasonings and select ingredients are worked into the flour before it is kneaded a second time to ensure absolute pliability. Following this, the dough is rolled into remarkably thin, translucent layers and stacked carefully atop one another.
Once the multi-layered sheet is fully rolled and assembled, it is neatly sliced into measured portions. Each piece is then pressed inside a dedicated mould to impart its traditional structured form. The shaped pieces are submerged into hot cooking oil and deep-fried on regulated heat until they develop a gentle golden hue. After reaching optimal crispness, the fried layers are removed from the oil and immediately steeped in warm sugar syrup. They remain submerged for a calculated period to allow the sweet nectar to permeate each layer before being lifted out and readied for customers.
Priced at ₹240 per Kilogram with Year-Round Demand
Customers can purchase this distinct 156-layer Pipra Khaja at Chaudhary Misthan Bhandar for ₹240 per kilogram. According to the shop management, sales remain active throughout the entire year rather than being restricted to specific festivals. Along with neighborhood residents of Bhattha Bazar, travelers and food enthusiasts arriving from outside the city frequently stop by the shop to sample and purchase this melt-in-mouth treat.
