Not Just Desserts, Everything is Made from Scratch
In a city full of dessert spots, Rihla stands out for one simple reason, they don’t cut corners. From syrups and jams to sponge cakes and creams, everything here is made in-house. No synthetic flavouring, no ready-made mixes, no shortcuts. Just pure ingredients and a lot of thought behind every dish.
With outlets in NIBM Road and Baner, this place is for people who actually enjoy understanding what they’re eating, not just finishing a dessert.
A Thoughtful Approach to Every Dish
What really sets Rihla apart is how deeply they think about their desserts. Neil Patil, the co-founder, shared that every dish is designed around textures. Each dessert has at least three different textures, plus an added crunch element to bring everything together.
So it’s not just about taste, it’s about how each bite feels.
Pistachio Raspberry Entremet, A Layered Experience
We tried their Pistachio Raspberry Entremet, and it’s a great example of how they build flavours.
It has three layers, a pistachio base, raspberry jam in the middle, and a light kesar cream on top, finished with a white chocolate cookie garnish.
The first thing you taste is the raspberry, slightly sweet and tangy. Then comes the pistachio, which is rich and slightly coarse, giving it a lingering flavour. And finally, the kesar cream, which is light, smooth, and melts instantly.
It’s not a one-note dessert, it changes as you eat it.
Death by Chocolate, Done Right
Next was their Death by Chocolate, which again plays with textures beautifully.
It has a rum-soaked sponge base, layered with chocolate ganache, and finished with a dark chocolate mousse on top. The sponge is soft and airy, the ganache is thick and rich, and the mousse is so light you can literally scoop it like a cloud.
Each layer brings something different, but together it just works.
Affogato with Kerala Vanilla, Simple but Outstanding
We also tried their Affogato, which is where simplicity really shines.
An espresso shot is poured over their Kerala vanilla gelato, and this gelato is something else. Instead of using artificial flavouring, they use real vanilla bean pods sourced from Kerala.
The result is a deep, rich vanilla flavour that you don’t usually find. Creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced with the bitterness of espresso.
Desserts That Let Ingredients Shine
One thing you’ll notice here, the desserts are not overly sweet. Sugar is used only as much as needed. The focus is on letting the actual ingredients stand out.
Also, these are not desserts you can rush through. They take a moment to understand. The flavours unfold slowly, and that’s what makes the experience special.
The Final Word
Rihla is not just a dessert shop, it’s a place where desserts are treated like a craft. If you enjoy detailed flavours, good ingredients, and something beyond the usual sugary treats, this is definitely worth trying.
Address– Shop no 9, Surya Apartment, Surya Society, NIBM Post Office Rd, Surya Society, Kondhwa, Pune.
Contact– 8421633469