Inside the Wrapper: How Putharekulu Became Andhra’s Signature Sweet

Putharekulu (pronounced poo-tha-ray-koo-loo) is a famous sweet from Andhra Pradesh.
It’s made using very thin sheets of rice starch, filled with jaggery, sugar, or dry fruits.
The name comes from two Telugu words – “Putha” (coating) and “Rekulu” (sheets)
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What Is Putharekulu?

  • Putharekulu (pronounced poo-tha-ray-koo-loo) is a famous sweet from Andhra Pradesh.

  • It’s made using very thin sheets of rice starch, filled with jaggery, sugar, or dry fruits.

  • The name comes from two Telugu words – “Putha” (coating) and “Rekulu” (sheets).

  • It looks like paper, but it melts in your mouth!

Where It All Started

  • The sweet was first made in Atreyapuram, a small village by the Godavari River.

  • Women in the village still make Putharekulu by hand, early in the morning, with great care.

  • Over time, this sweet became one of the most loved Andhra sweets.

Why Putharekulu Is So Special

  • It’s not just a sweet—it’s an art. Making it needs patience and skill.

  • Each sheet is made by gently pouring rice batter on a hot pan.

  • The filling can be jaggery (for a rustic flavor), sugar (for a smooth bite), or even modern ones like chocolate.

  • It’s thin, light, and beautifully layered.

More Than Just a Sweet – It’s Part of a Culture

  • In Andhra homes, sweets and pickles go hand in hand with daily meals and celebrations.

  • Alongside atreyapuram putharekulu, people also enjoy mamidi tandra, a chewy, mango-based sweet.

  • The spicy side includes items like the bold and tangy gongura pickle.

  • For those living away from home, andhra sweets and a spoonful of andhra pickle bring back warm memories.

  • Today, you can even find andhra pickles online, making it easier to stay connected to your roots.

How It Became So Popular

  • At first, only local people knew about it. Now, it’s loved across India—and the world!

  • Social media and food festivals helped spread the word.

  • Women in villages formed small groups to make and sell the sweet, turning a skill into income.

  • Food lovers and travel vloggers also shared their experiences with Putharekulu, making it go viral.

Modern Touch to a Traditional Sweet

  • New versions include dry fruit, chocolate, and even fusion flavors.

  • It's now a part of wedding gift hampers, festivals, and fancy restaurant menus.

  • Chefs and home cooks are using it in new and fun ways—mixing tradition with creativity.

How It's Made – Step by Step

  • Step 1: Soak rice and grind it to make a thin batter.

  • Step 2: Pour a thin layer on a hot plate to create the delicate sheet.

  • Step 3: Add the filling – sugar, jaggery, or ghee-roasted dry fruits.

  • Step 4: Fold it carefully, layer by layer, without breaking it.

  • Step 5: Wrap and pack it—ready to eat or gift!

Other Andhra Favorites You Should Try

Here are a few more Andhra treats that go great with Putharekulu:

  • Mamidi Tandra – Sun-dried mango leather, naturally sweet and tangy.

  • Gongura Pickle – Spicy, sour, and a perfect match with hot rice.

  • Avakaya and Tomato Pickles – Homemade and full of flavor.

Why People Love It

  • It reminds them of home and childhood.

  • It’s unique—unlike any other sweet in India.

  • It’s light, delicious, and doesn’t feel too heavy.

  • It carries tradition, made lovingly by hand.

In the End, It’s More Than Just a Dessert

  • Putharekulu isn’t only about taste. It tells a story—of a village, of women’s skill, and of Andhra’s pride.

  • It's a reminder that even the simplest things—like rice, ghee, and jaggery—can become something beautiful.

  • Whether you try it for the first time or are buying it again, this sweet always leaves you wanting more.

Little Andhra

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