Growing up in Nepal, Pustakari was my chocolate. While others might think of candy bars and sweets wrapped in shiny paper, for us, this traditional Nepali sweet was everything. One bite could make your jaw work a little harder, but your heart instantly happier. It brings back so many childhood memories — school days, village shops, winter mornings, and sharing pieces with friends.
For those who don’t know, Pustakari (also known as Chaku) is a traditional Nepali sweet made mainly from jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), ghee, and nuts or seeds like sesame. It is slowly cooked until it reaches a thick, chewy texture and then shaped into round discs or flattened pieces. Traditionally, it’s eaten during winter because it’s known to provide warmth and energy to the body. In Nepal, it’s also considered nutritious — rich in iron, minerals, and natural goodness compared to processed sweets.
Pustakari isn’t just a sweet; it’s part of Nepali culture. It’s often enjoyed during festivals, cold seasons or simply as a treat from the local pasal. I still remember choosing Pustakari over chocolate without a second thought – that deep caramel-like flavour, the nuttiness, and the satisfying chew were unbeatable.
Recently, I was so excited to find Pustakari here in Sydney — and honestly, it felt like a piece of home found its way to me. This one is from the Swastik brand, and it tasted absolutely delicious. Just like the ones I remember, rich in flavour, perfectly chewy, and so comforting. This is how it looks, just like shown in the video – simple, traditional, and full of nostalgia.
Some tastes never leave you. No matter how far you go, flavours like Pustakari instantly take you back to your roots. Finding it here reminded me of my childhood, my country, and the simple joys we grew up with. Truly grateful for these little connections to home 🤎
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Take care,
M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO
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