Til-Gul Trails: 10 Local Shops Where Mumbai Finds its Sweetest Makar Sankranti Treats

Mumbai may not slow down in winter, but it certainly sweetens up. As January arrives, the city fills with the comforting aroma of roasted sesame and warm jaggery. Makar Sankrantiin Mumbai is less about spectacle and more about tradition carried forward through food. Til-gul laddoos, gajak, and gul poli take centre stage across homes and sweet shops. Every bite quietly echoes the sentiment of til-gul ghya, goad goad bola. Here are 10 local shops in Mumbai, where you can find the best Makar Sankranti treats. 

1. Panshikar Sweets

Panshikar is a revered name when it comes to Maharashtrian festive sweets. Their til-gul laddoos are aromatic, balanced, and deeply rooted in tradition. The gul poli here tastes unmistakably homemade, with soft polis and rich jaggery filling. Quality and consistency remain their strongest traits year after year. During Sankranti, loyal customers line up early, knowing these specials don’t last long.

Where: Shop No. 03, Popatlal Chawl, Near Axis Bank, Ranade Road, Dadar - West. 

2. Kanitkar’s Laadoo

Kanitkar’s Laadoo holds a nostalgic place in many Maharashtrian households. Their til-gul laddoos are dense, fragrant, and made using old-school preparation methods. The sweetness never overwhelms the sesame flavour. Each laddoo feels carefully shaped rather than mass-produced. It’s the kind of Sankranti sweet that instantly brings back childhood memories.

Where: Gauravi building, besides Maru Button Mart, Ghantali Devi Rd, near Ankit Sports, Naupada, Thane West. 

3. D Damodar Mithaiwala

A heritage sweet shop that has stood the test of time, D Damodar understands festive nostalgia well. Their Sankranti specials focus on classic til-gul laddoos made without excessive sweetness. The flavours feel earthy and familiar, much like sweets prepared at home. The texture remains soft yet firm. It continues to be a dependable stop for traditionalists.

Where: Harganga Mahal, Khodadad Cir, Dadar East, Dadar. 

4. Dhupkar’s

Dhupkar’s is a much-loved name in central Mumbai for Maharashtrian snacks and sweets. During Sankranti, their til-gul laddoos attract loyal neighbourhood crowds. The flavours stay true to tradition without unnecessary richness. Portions feel generous and satisfying. It’s a comforting stop for those who value consistency and authenticity.

Where: Abdullah Building No.2, Opposite Damodar Hall, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel. 

5. Gauri Shankar Sweets

Gauri Shankar Sweets is known for staying rooted in simplicity and tradition. Their til laddoos and jaggery-based winter sweets are firm, fresh, and honest in flavour. There is no unnecessary experimentation here. The sweetness is controlled and balanced. Locals return every Sankranti knowing exactly what they’ll get.

Where: Shyam Bhavan, Naka, Parel East, Parel, Mumbai

6. Mumbai Ladu Samrat

This iconic shop is synonymous with laddoos across Mumbai. During Sankranti, their til laddoos strike a balance between crunch and softness. Sesame and jaggery remain the stars of the flavour profile. The laddoos hold well, making them ideal for gifting. It remains a popular festive favourite.

Where: Shop No.: 1 Habib Terrace Lalbaug, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Rd, Ganesh Gully, Parel. 

7. Jain Sweet Shop

Jain Sweet Shop is a familiar sight across many Mumbai neighbourhoods. During Sankranti, their counters are stocked with til-gul laddoos, gajak, and jaggery-based sweets. The flavours are approachable and consistent. Quality remains uniform across outlets. It’s a convenient and reliable option for festive shopping.

Where: Shirin Mansion, Station Rd, opp. Mc Donalds, Railway Colony, Andheri West. 

8. Gulati’s Sweets & Snacks

Gulati’s is a dependable neighbourhood favourite in Andheri East. Come January, their shelves quietly fill with til-gul laddoos, gajak, and revdi. These sweets are prepared for regular customers rather than festive spectacle. Freshness is a clear focus here. Locals consider it a trusted Sankranti stop.

Where: Shop No. 3, Ambika Apartment, Mahakali Caves Rd, Subhash Nagar, Andheri East. 

9. Aadarsh Sweet Shop

Aadarsh Sweet Shop is known largely through word of mouth. Their Sankranti sweets feel warm, understated, and familiar. The til-gul laddoos carry a comforting homemade quality. The jaggery flavour is rich but not overpowering. Families often return here year after year without needing reminders.

Where: Ground floor, Sanchit CHS, Shop no 8 & 9, Sonawala Rd, Jay Prakash Nagar, Goregaon. 

10. Gajamatol

Gajamatol has built a loyal following for its sesame-based sweets. Their gajak is crisp, light, and never overly sweet. The texture feels carefully crafted rather than factory-made. Jaggery flavours remain clean and well-balanced. It’s especially popular among those who enjoy traditional textures done right.

Where:  Vazira Riddhi Siddhi CHS, 201, Sai Safalya Rd, near Pranay Nagar, Pranay Nagar, Koliwada, Vazira, Borivali West.