India is a land of diverse and delectable sweets, but some truly stand out for their unique texture and preparation. One such traditional gem is Putharekulu (pronounced poo-tha-ray-koo-loo), a paper-thin sweet delicacy from Andhra Pradesh that has made its way into the hearts of dessert lovers in Chennai.
If you’ve spotted this wafer-like sweet in sweet shops across the city and wondered what it is β this blog is for you!
π¬ What is Putharekulu?
Putharekulu (Telugu: ΰ°ͺΰ±ΰ°€ΰ°°ΰ±ΰ°ΰ±ΰ°²ΰ±) literally means “coated sheets” β an apt name for this sweet made from ultra-thin rice starch sheets rolled with sugar, jaggery, or dry fruits and ghee.
Originating from the small village of Atreyapuram in Andhra Pradesh, it is lovingly handmade and celebrated for its delicate texture and melts-in-the-mouth sweetness.
ποΈ Putharekulu in Chennai β A Growing Craze
Chennai, known for embracing a wide variety of South Indian and pan-Indian sweets, has seen a steady rise in the popularity of Putharekulu. Thanks to food festivals, Telugu communities, and online sellers β this Andhra sweet has carved out a fanbase in Tamil Naduβs capital.
You can now find authentic Atreyapuram Putharekulu at:
Telugu sweet shops in T. Nagar, West Mambalam, and Ashok Nagar
Andhra messes and caterers during festival times
Online platforms offering delivery across Chennai
π Varieties of Putharekulu Available in Chennai
Sugar Putharekulu β The classic version with powdered sugar and ghee
Jaggery Putharekulu β Healthier option made with bellam (jaggery)
Dry Fruit Putharekulu β Loaded with cashews, almonds, pistachios, and ghee
Chocolate Putharekulu β A modern twist for kids and chocolate lovers
π‘ Prices in Chennai range from βΉ15 to βΉ60 per piece depending on the filling.
π Why Chennaiites Love Putharekulu
Unique texture β That crispy sheet is unlike any other sweet.
Rich but light β Despite being filled with ghee or nuts, it feels airy and satisfying.
Perfect for gifting β Elegant, traditional, and available in beautiful packs.
Festive favorite β Especially loved during Diwali, Ugadi, and weddings.
π§Ύ How is Putharekulu Made?
A batter is made from rice flour and spread on an inverted hot pot to create a thin rice sheet.
Once dried for a few seconds, itβs carefully peeled off.
This sheet is then filled with:
Powdered sugar or jaggery
Ghee
Optional dry fruits
It is rolled or folded and wrapped for storage.
It takes skill, patience, and delicate hands β making it an art passed down generations.
π Where to Buy Putharekulu in Chennai?
Offline Stores:
Andhra Sweets, T. Nagar
Sri Atreyapuram Sweets, West Mambalam
Adayar Ananda Bhavan (seasonal)
Local Andhra caterers during festivals
Online Options:
Amazon, Flipkart (search for Atreyapuram Putharekulu)
Swiggy Instamart / Dunzo β in select areas
Andhra sweet stores’ own websites
ποΈ Tip: Always check if the Putharekulu are fresh and individually packed to maintain crispness.
β FAQs About Putharekulu in Chennai
Q: Is Putharekulu available all year round?
Yes, but it is more popular during festive seasons like Diwali, Sankranti, and Ugadi.
Q: Are there vegan options?
Yes β choose versions without ghee. Some vendors offer jaggery-based vegan variants.
Q: How long does it stay fresh?
Up to 10 days if stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Q: Is it available in bulk for functions?
Absolutely! Many sweet shops and online sellers offer bulk and customized orders.
π° Final Thoughts
Putharekulu is not just a sweet β itβs heritage, craftsmanship, and love, wrapped in a whisper-thin sheet. In Chennai, the availability and appreciation for this Andhra delicacy are growing steadily.
Whether you’re nostalgic for your hometown treat or discovering it for the first time, Putharekulu is a must-try sweet that surprises and delights.
So next time you’re craving something truly special β hunt down a pack of Putharekulu in Chennai and savor a slice of Andhra magic!