Silao Khaja
| GI number | GI-48 |
|---|---|
| Typical price | ₹200 - ₹350 per kg |
| Verified cooperatives | Silao Khaja Manufacturing Cooperative |
| State | Bihar |
About Silao Khaja
Silao Khaja is a layered, flaky sweet from the town of Silao in the Nalanda district of Bihar. It resembles a many-layered pastry that is fried and soaked in sugar syrup, and it has a light, crisp texture that crumbles when bitten. Silao's khaja is a favourite of travellers on the road to Rajgir and Nalanda, and it is also bought for weddings and festivals.
Heritage and place
Khaja is an old sweet found in several regions, but Silao's version is celebrated for its very thin, distinct layers. The local halwais have practised the craft across generations, and shops line the roads near the town. The GI protects the name so that only khaja made in the Silao style can be sold as such and helps preserve a food tradition tied to Nalanda's landscape.
How it is made
Fine flour is kneaded with ghee and rolled into thin sheets, which are layered and folded so that layers remain distinct. The dough is cut and deep-fried on a low flame, so it puffs and turns golden without burning. The pieces are dipped in sugar syrup and dried, giving a light, crisp shell. Getting the layers right takes practice and careful control of oil temperature.
Registry record
Silao Khaja is listed in this catalogue as GI-48, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Bihar in the food stuff category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.
◈ How to spot a fake Silao Khaja
What to check
Look for visible thin layers that separate easily, with a crisp bite and a sweet, ghee-scented taste. Soggy or dense khaja means the syrup was too thick or the sweet is old. Check the date on packaging, especially in humid weather. Buy from well-known Silao sweet shops, and store in an airtight box to keep it crisp. Eat within a few days for the best texture.
- Multi-layered crispy dessert pastry consisting of up to 52 distinct wafer-thin flour layers that split cleanly; fake khajas are hard and heavy.
Price to expect
Genuine Silao Khaja typically sells in the range of ₹200 - ₹350 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.
Where to buy
Look for authorised sellers such as Silao Khaja Manufacturing Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Bihar.
Catalogue record
Catalogue record: GI-48 · Bihar · reviewed
Frequently asked questions
What is the GI registration number of Silao Khaja?
This catalogue lists Silao Khaja as GI-48. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.
Where is Silao Khaja made?
Silao Khaja is produced in Bihar, in the food stuff category of this catalogue.
Can Silao Khaja legally be made outside Bihar?
No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Bihar may legally sell goods under the name “Silao Khaja”.
What does genuine Silao Khaja cost?
Genuine Silao Khaja typically sells in the range of ₹200 - ₹350 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.
How can I spot a fake Silao Khaja?
Multi-layered crispy dessert pastry consisting of up to 52 distinct wafer-thin flour layers that split cleanly; fake khajas are hard and heavy.
Where should I buy genuine Silao Khaja?
Look for authorised sellers such as Silao Khaja Manufacturing Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Bihar.
