Thekua

5 Traditional Variations of Thekua You Can Now Enjoy Beyond the Classic

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 Festivals in India are vibrant and so are the sweets and snacks that come with them, a delicious core of the country's tradition and culture. One such snack is Thekua, an essential part of Chhath Puja celebrations in Bihar and wherever this beautiful festival is observed across the country. This deep-fried delight is famously prepared not just as a snack, but as a prasad offered with devotion. Over time, Thekua has evolved from being a festival favorite into a beloved snack enjoyed by anyone lucky enough to try it.

At DesiTesi, our classic Thekua has already won the love of so many customers - whether they grew up eating it or discovered it for the first time through us. But here's something you might not know; Thekua isn't just one recipe. across households and regions, there are different variations, each with its own flavor twist, texture and occasion. And today we're diving deep into the five most loved traditional variations of Thekua each with its own flavor, charm and backstory.

So sit back with a cup of chai and let's explore the irresistible world of Thekua.

Jaggery(Gur)Thekua

If you've ever had Thekua during Chhath Puja, chances are it was this one. Jaggery Thekua is made by mixing liquid jaggery syrup with wheat flour and ghee, creating a rich sweetness and a deep golden-brown color. The aroma of fennel seeds and the occasional bite of grated coconut make it extra special. It's not just delicious, jaggery also brings natural minerals and a rustic sweetness that pairs beautifully with fried, crisp edges of the Thekua.

Coconut Thekua

For those that love a mix of texture and flavor, Coconut Thekua is a treat worth trying. Freshly grated or dessicated coconut is kneaded into dough, giving the snack a chewy center and a naturally sweet, nutty flavor. Pairing coconut with jaggery elevates the richness, while fennel seeds add a gentle, aromatic balance. If you're someone who likes sweets with a little chew and depth, this one's for you.

white plate thekua
sooji thekua
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Dry Fruit Thekua

If Thekua had a luxury version, it would be Dry Fruit Thekua. This can be the festive showstopper. Chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios and raisins are kneaded into the dough, turning a simple snack into a premium celebratory sweet with every bite having a crunchy, nutty experience. Perfect for special occassion, this version brings an extra crunch and a beautiful look when served on a plate.

Sooji Thekua

Thekua is traditionally made with whole wheat flour, jaggery or sugar and ghee. In sooji thekua, semolina(sooji) is either partially or fully substituted for wheat flour. This gives the snack a grainier texture and a crispier bite, compared to the slightly dense wheat-based version. The dough is prepared with roasted or raw sooji mixed with jaggery syrup, flavored with cardamom, shredded coconut and dry fruits(optional). Sooji absorbs ghee beautifully, so these thekuas are extra crunchy and often lighter on the stomach. This version is popular in some households as a tea-time snack beyond festive occasions.

Stuffed Thekua

This one is a more creative, festive adaptation where instead of pressing plain dough into moulds, a filling is added inside. The outer dough is still made of wheat flour and jaggery, but inside a stuffing is placed before shaping. It beautifully combines the rustic essence of thekua with the indulgence of a sweet filling, keeping the tradition alive in a more elaborate form.

Across its many variations, this traditional sweet reflects how a simple recipe can adapt to local tastes while holding on to its cultural significance. From the plain, rustic form to richer versions like stuffed or flavored thekua, each carries a story of festivals, family gatherings and regional identity. Exploring these variations is not just about taste it is about understanding how food continues to connect generations and preserve traditions in everyday life.

Which variation have you tried at home? Share your favorite in the comments below and follow @DesiTesi for more updates!

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