Shemai (Bengali: সেমাই) is a traditional dessert item in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. It is a popular item during Eid.[1][2] While popular in Eid it is consumed throughout the year.[3] Shemai is sweet dessert form of Vermicelli.[4]
![]() Shemai | |
Alternative names | সেমাই |
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Place of origin | Bangladesh, India |
Region or state | Bengal, South Asia |
Main ingredients | Vermicelli, milk, cashew nuts, cardamom, Ghee |
Variations | Milk Shemai, Dry Shemai |
The staple ingredients of shemai are milk, ghee, sugar, roasted vermicelli, and various assortments of nuts and spices.[5][6] Shemai variations include a kheer version, dry fruits, and jodda shemai.[7]
Shemai originated from Bengal.[8] Ice Today described shemai as a distant cousin of Sheer khurma, an Afghani dessert.[9] Some recipes used powdered milk and/or condense milk.[10][11]
There has been some questions over the hygiene of factories producing shemai.[12][13] In June 2016, substandard shemai, produced in unauthorized factories, flooded the market in Saidpur, Bangladesh.[14] Next year there was widespread adultered shemai in Chittagong.[15] Sales of packaged shemai fell during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The prices also rose as many of the factories stopped production due to the pandemic.[16]
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