Lallan Sweets Book Review: A Nostalgic Journey Through 90s India
Lallan Sweets by Srishti Chaudhary has been on my reading list right from when it came out; sold mostly because of laddoos. Also, I heard that it’s about the 90s, so why not? I went in expecting a light, feel-good read, but it didn’t quite live up the hype.
It’s definitely a nostalgic journey through 90s India, but kind of underwhelming. Only a part of it was about the quest to find the magic ingredient of their family sweet shop.
My Rating:
❤️❤️❤️🤍🤍
“A nostalgic journey through 90s India.”
Check Lallan Sweets on Goodreads
What the Book is About
Set in the fictional North Indian town of Siyaka, Lallan Sweets follows Taru (Tara Taneja). She’s on a quest to find the “magic ingredient” of their laddoos, along with her cousins. Whoever finds it, will get to be the next owner of their popular sweet shop. So, she sets off on a journey through towns and cities across North India to trace its origins.
The story isn’t just about sweets. It's also about the people she meets, the stories she collects, and the quiet truths she learns about herself and her family along the way. And then, there’s a peek into her bonding with her childhood friend Nikku (Nikhil).
What Works?
The nostalgia hits hard. If you’ve lived through the 90s or watched Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge one too many times, this book will give you flashbacks. From dusty streets and roadside dhabas to polite aunties with sharper-than-thou comments, the setting feels lived-in and familiar.
The book's strength lies in its atmosphere. It wraps you in a sense of comfort, like old memories that still makes you smile.
The writing is light and easy, perfect for when you want something low-effort but satisfying. Taru’s internal monologues are often thoughtful, sometimes funny, and rarely melodramatic. And while the romance is faint, it’s sweet enough to not distract from the main plot.
What Falls Short?
The pace definitely drags. Some chapters veer off into side quests that didn’t really contribute to Taru’s mission. Honestly, they often made me check how many pages were left more than once.
The writing, though clean, lacks that extra layer of edits to make the feelings hit harder and deeper.
Who Should Read It?
Fans of gentle, nostalgic fiction rooted in small towns and simpler times will love it. It’s also a good pick for readers who want to avoid high-drama or plot-heavy stories. This one’s more about the feelings than the fireworks.
Final Thoughts
Lallan Sweets isn’t a page-turner, but it’s a mood. It captures the nostalgia of 90s India, complete with slow conversations, light flirting, and the warmth of long-lost traditions. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and think about your own family. And maybe, just maybe, get laddoo craving while you're at it.
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