Discover 9 Classic Indian Desserts you must try! From Gulab Jamun to Laddu, explore the sweet symphony of India
India, a land of vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and of course, delectable cuisine! If
you're exploring India, get ready for a culinary adventure that extends beyond spicy curries and flavourful biryanis. The world of Indian desserts is a sweet symphony that everyone must witness.
Trust us, no trip to India is complete without indulging in these classic treats. So, ditch the diet plans for a while, loosen that belt, and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through the sweetest corners of India!
We've curated a list of 9 iconic Indian desserts that you absolutely HAVE to try before you bid adieu to this incredible land. Each dessert tells a story, a history of tradition, and a burst of flavour that will leave you craving more. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sugary goodness!
First stop
Gulab Jamun! These soft, spongy milk balls, deep-fried to a golden brown and soaked in a fragrant rose-flavored syrup, are a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Imagine biting into a warm, melt-in-your-mouth sphere that oozes sweetness with every chew.
Gulab Jamuns are often served warm, especially during festive occasions, and are the perfect ending to any meal. Each region in India has its own minor variations, but the core essence, that irresistible sweetness, remains the same. A truly perfect dessert and treat to behold.
You must try Gulab Jamuns from different locations as they can vary from place to place due to various chefs.
Jalebi: Crispy swirls in syrup, popular street food in India
Next, we have Jalebi. Picture this: crispy, spiralled swirls, deep-fried to perfection and dipped in a sticky, sugary syrup. Jalebi is the perfect combination of textures – the satisfying crunch on the outside and the soft, syrupy centre.
This vibrant orange treat is a common sight at street food stalls and sweet shops across India. It's a quick and delicious sugar rush that's best enjoyed hot, often paired with a scoop of rabri (a thickened milk dessert) for an extra layer of decadence.
This is one of the best combinations there is, an absolute must try for everyone who visits India.
Indulge in Rasgulla: airy, sweet cheese balls from Eastern India
Moving on, let's tantalise our taste buds with Rasgulla. These light and spongy cheese balls, simmered in a light syrup, are a specialty from Eastern India, particularly West Bengal. Rasgullas are incredibly light and airy, making them a guilt-free indulgence (well, almost!).
The subtle sweetness and delicate texture make them a refreshing contrast to the richer, heavier desserts. You'll often find them served chilled, which makes them even more delightful on a hot day, cooling you down with every bite, sweet in taste and soft around the corners. It’s a must try.
Delve into creamy world of Kulfi, denser than ice cream with nutty flavor, slow-cooked milk
Now, let's delve into the creamy world of Kulfi. Often described as Indian ice cream, Kulfi differs from its western counterpart in several ways. It's denser, creamier, and has a distinct nutty flavour. It is also not whipped.
Traditionally, it’s made by slow-cooking milk until it thickens which gives it a rich, caramelly taste. Kulfi comes in a variety of flavours, from classic cardamom and pistachio to more adventurous options like mango and saffron. Served frozen in a cone, it's the ultimate summer treat.
Beat the heat with this ice-cold amazing dessert.
Barfi: Indian milk-based sweet fudge, popular during festivals
Barfi is another indian sweet and it also finds itself on the must-try list. It is a milk-based sweet fudge. There are many different kinds of barfi, such as besan barfi, kaju barfi, pista badam barfi etc. The most common Barfi is the Milk Barfi, which is white in color.
Barfi made of Cashew is the Kaju Barfi, which is extremely popular and a bit on the expensive side. Barfi is usually served and gifted during festivals like Diwali and Holi. You can try it at your local restaurant or sweet store and enjoy this sweet tasting fudge!
Indian laddus: sweet spheres of joy in festivals
Laddu, the humble sphere of sweetness, holds a special place in Indian hearts. Made from various ingredients like gram flour, semolina, or coconut, and bound together with sugar and ghee, laddus are a common sight at festivals and celebrations.
Motichoor Laddu, with its tiny, pearl-like balls, is a particularly popular variety. Each bite is a burst of flavour and texture, making it a truly satisfying treat. Laddu's are often yellow in color or orange too depending on the kind of laddu. In some cultures laddu is a must during celebrations.
