Tasty sugar-free desserts

ONE_of Bahrain's first Indian sweet marts is bringing a special treat for the kingdom's weight-watchers with a new range of sugar-free sweet dishes and desserts.

Asha's in Manama is setting its stall by unveiling a set of healthy muesli bars ... offered with an option of Belgian chocolate for those who want to throw caution to the wind. Also on the serving tray are traditional Indian sweets such as rasmalai and kulfi in malai and kesar flavours.

Partner Neeraj Asar said: "People highlighting the 'health factor' these days - especially concerning Indian sweets which have a reputation for being very sugary.

"My father, Mahendra Dhamanmal, had introduced a range of diabetic sweets last year and this new addition offering is a continuation of the theme.

"We are always experimenting with new tastes. The diabetic range has been very popular so far - our trays are emptied in no time!"

The new range of muesli bars include four types of flakes and a range of dried fruits and high-fibre ingredients such as figs, dates, walnuts, apricots and black raisins.

Brothers Tarun and Milan Gopal, from Ras Ruman, put the bars to the taste test. Tarun, 12, said: "It was interesting and nice."

Six-year old Milan on the other hand couldn't keep his hands off the chocolate layered muesli bars as he grabbed and licked one, keeping the muesli part aside.

"I love the chocolate, not the other stuff!" he said.

Another popular healthy choice is the newly-introduced nutritious atta - wheat flour mixed with small amounts of white soya and a range of pulses.

A specialty of Asha's is its 'designer sweets'. On order, the shop prepares custom-made sweets for various functions in the shape, size and colour of a customer's choice.

The summer specials include falooda in different colours and flavours including mango and chocolate with almonds and cashew.

Asha's is part of the Sweet Mart in Manama, one of the region's first stores to have started producing and selling the Arabic mattai.

Mr Dhamanmal, owner of Asha's, shares a favourite childhood recipe with GulfWeekly readers.

He said: "My mother used to prepare this for me when I was a really thin and weak boy. It is an energy booster and is best consumed early in the morning with a glass of milk. It is very good for students and hard working professionals."