Kanitkar’s Laddoo: Mumbai’s Taste of Tradition

On a sunny day, Local Samosa reached the ultimate shopping hotspot in Mumbai, Dadar! As the festive season is upon us, Mumbaikars are gearing up for their Diwali essentials. From vibrant Diwali decor, aesthetic lights, traditional attire, to mouth-watering faral and sweets, Dadar has everything! Tucked away, at Ranade Road, is a haven of laddoos! This spot, a popular one in Dadar, seemed like a crowd-favourite based on the number of people who kept visiting every five minutes. Step into Kanitkar’s Laddoo during Diwali, and the air itself feels celebratory — rich with the aroma of roasted besan, cardamom, and ghee. Behind the counter, boxes of golden laddoos are packed with care, each one carrying the essence of home, tradition, and a family’s legacy that has sweetened Mumbai since 2017.

Founded on October 13, 2017, Kanitkar’s Laddoo began not in a commercial kitchen but in the warmth of a family home. “The idea was my father’s, Sanjay Kanitkar,” shares Shreejay Kanitkar, who runs the business today. “He always dreamt of a shop dedicated only to laddoos. With my mother and father’s support, we turned that dream into reality.” What began as a simple home setup quickly won hearts across Mumbai. “People would tell us our laddoos tasted like their grandmother’s. “We take that as the biggest compliment. It’s because we still make them the same way — with high-quality ingredients, pure ghee, and a lot of love", says the founder. 

A Legacy Handcrafted Through Generations

The Kanitkar family’s connection with food runs deep. Long before laddoos became their signature, Shreejay’s grandparents had founded Poli Bhaji Kendra, a humble eatery that became a local favourite. “Food has always been part of our family’s story,” Shreejay explains. “Each generation has added its own chapter. For us, it was the laddoo.” That sense of continuity defines the brand’s philosophy: purity over shortcuts, quality over quantity. “The one thing passed from generation to generation is our commitment to using the best ingredients and keeping everything adulteration-free,” says Shreejay.

This unwavering focus on quality has helped Kanitkar’s Laddoo stand apart in a crowded market. “Our attitude is less commercial and more quality-driven,” he adds. “We don’t stock laddoos — everything is made fresh daily. Advance orders help us plan better so that every customer gets fresh, homemade-quality sweets.” From the popular Besan, Rava, and Motichur Laddoos to the lesser-known Gulbundi, Shingada, Satu, and Rajbhog, the brand offers an impressive array of flavours. Each one comes with its own touch of nostalgia. “Some of our varieties, like Gulbundi and Diet Laddoo, are rare,” Shreejay explains. “But honestly, every laddoo we make is special — because using 100% pure ghee itself is rare these days.”

Their Gulbesan and Sabudana Laddoos are among the most sought-after, especially for those who prefer traditional Diwali flavours. For health-conscious customers, Dry Fruit and Millet Laddoos made from Ragi, Jowar, and Bajra are increasingly popular. “Yes, the younger generation has changed the game,” laughs Shreejay. “They want sweets that are healthy but still taste good. So we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone.” This year, the brand has also started exporting its culinary delicacies globally. If you're far from home and craving some delicious traditional homemade laddoos and faral, then Kanitkar's is here to your rescue. Citizens all in the UK, US, Germany, Canada, UAE, Australia and New Zealand can now celebrate Diwali, the Kanitkar way! 

The Diwali Rush

Every year, as Diwali approaches, the Kanitkar kitchen becomes a whirlwind of activity. “Diwali is our busiest time,” says Shreejay. “We get a huge rush, especially for corporate orders. Managing that volume without compromising quality is tough — but we love the challenge", says Chaitali Kusurkar, a friend of the founder's who manages the Dadar outlet. The team begins preparations about ten days before Diwali, carefully sourcing raw materials to ensure freshness. “We never store laddoos for long,” Chaitali explains. “The idea is to serve them fresh, just like how you’d make them at home.” It’s a philosophy that has earned Kanitkar’s Laddoo a loyal following across Mumbai — families who return year after year for their festive sweets.

In a world full of chocolates and imported desserts, gifting laddoos has become a thoughtful return to roots. Kanitkar’s Laddoo has leaned into this with their festive “Happy Diwali Boxes,” beautifully packed and perfect for gifting. “People love gifting our laddoos because they’re different,” says Chaitali. “They carry a personal touch — a sense of tradition and care.” For many customers, these boxes have become a Diwali staple, symbolising not just sweetness but the joy of shared heritage. The brand has stores all over the city, in places like Kalyan, Dadar, Thane, Ghatkopar, and Dombivli. While the Dombivli outlet has the monopoly, during Diwali, the Dadar outlet witnesses a footfall of around three thousand people. While the brand offers a variety of 26 laddoos, Local Samosa personally loved the Rajbhog Laddoo, which was packed with dry fruits.

A Brand Uplifted by Mumbai

If there’s one thing the Kanitkar family never forgets, it’s the city that believed in them. “Mumbai uplifted us without any marketing,” says Shreejay with gratitude. “Our customers became our biggest promoters. Their support has been overwhelming.” It’s a love story between a city and a family business built on honesty, effort, and heart. What began as a kitchen experiment is now an iconic name in Diwali sweets in Mumbai. As the city gears up to sparkle again this festive season, Shreejay shares a message that sums up their philosophy: “A very Happy Diwali to everyone! Celebrate with healthy yet tasty laddoos — because tradition can be delicious too.” In every bite of a Kanitkar laddoo, there’s a reminder of what Diwali truly means — sweetness, togetherness, and the joy of things made with love.