“There is no love more sincere than the love of food,'' said George Bernard Shaw, in his very famous play Man and Superman. But our beliefs are aligned in a slightly different direction! We believe that even though the relationship between humans and food has been, and continues to be sacred, there’s something without which this equation is just not complete! Yeah, you guessed it, DESSERTS!
What’s a good mean without savoring your sweet buds at the end? The satisfaction of scooping the first bite out of the dish with that tiny spoon has very less or almost no comparison! And the fact that you’re not already hungry, let’s you enjoy it for what it is, in an even better fashion. To celebrate this mutual love for desserts, we’re bringing to you a carefully curated list of the best desserts you must try at least once (and if possible, again and again) in your life!
We have covered everything, from local desserts to the ones known worldwide, simply because we feel every dessert is special.
1. Shrikhand
It would be unfair to start with anything other than the dessert that is most famous in the city I’m writing this article in, Shrikhand!
This sweet wholesome dish is made of strained dahi (curd) and comes in a wide variety of flavors ranging from mango, chocolate, pistachio, lemon amongst many others. For all the health conscious people out there, Shrikhand can also be used as a healthy replacement when you’re really craving ice cream.
This amazing delicacy can be easily found anywhere in Maharashtra, India as it is a very popular local dish. It is one of the best sweets you will get in India.
2. Carrot Halwa (gajar ka halwa)
Carrot halwa is the dessert that consists of ground Carrot, Sugar and Milk. This halwa can also include Almonds, Cashewnuts and Pista and other dry foods as per your choice. Sometimes even Curd and ‘Kova’ are added to get more flavours.
This dish can be easily found anywhere in North and central India, and can also be prepared at home. So, it is one of the favourite sweets of India.
3. Ras Malai
This cream-filled goodness from Bengal will have you licking your fingers because it is just so delightful. Made with cottage cheese (paneer), cream, semolina (rawa) and lots of love, Ras Malai resembles a cheesecake minus the crust.
This dish can be found in abundance throughout sweet shops in India, but being from Bengal, this dish can be best found at Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick (Kolkata), and even at Ashok Parnami Misthaan Bhandar (Jaipur). Ras Malai has been rated as one of the best Indian sweets.
4. Jalebi
These round and twisted orange colored desserts are definitely going to set your taste buds straight. Coated with sugar syrup as well, this dessert comes in twisted circles. You can savour this sugary treasure after your meals or even while having them. If this sounds so sweet, then how can it not be the one of the best Indian sweets? Jalebi goes perfectly with spicy dishes but is best known to be complemented by Rabdi.
5. Rasgulla
Rasgulla is one of the famous Desserts in India. They are basically dumplings dipped in Sugar syrup. The Rasgulla is made by cottage cheese (paneer) and Semolina (soojee). Such an easy combination has become one of the favourite sweets of India.
This dish can be found in abundance throughout the country but is served best at KC Das & Grandsons, Kolkata. This is the best sweets you will get in India.
6. Gulab Jamun
The first cousin of Rasgulla and Brown in color; these balls are coated with sugar syrup and saffron. Though they can also be served when chilled, Gulab Jamuns are best enjoyed when served hot. Gulab jamun has won many hearts so it is one of the best Indian sweets.
This dish can be found in abundance throughout the country but is served best at Thaaru Sweets (Mumbai) and Mystique Mélange (Delhi).
7. Kulfi
Kulfi is an Indian Dessert Ice-cream, which is made out of Milk. This is the best sweet you will get in India. Kulfi is usually served in a stick and also in small pots. They are the favourite sweets of India because of its easy availability.
8. Cocoa powder brownies
There’s no form of chocolate brownies chocolatier than the ones made with Cocoa powder instead of actual melted chocolate. Once you taste these, there’s something that makes us think you’ll be attracted forever!
9. Gourmet donuts
Our love for the Classic donut knows no bounds, but this new version of the dish is definitely the next big thing. The next time you or anyone you know happens to be in New York City, ‘Dough’ is a must visit!
10. Hawaiian shave ice
This recipe is the western counterpart of the famous Indian ‘Barf ka Gola’. It is made with shaved ice, which is obtained from a giant block of ice, instead of crushed ice as we have in India or in most parts of the USA. It is served with tropical flavours which actually infuse with the shavings homogeneously instead of just settling at the bottom. It can also be served with vanilla ice cream and sweetened condensed milk!
11. Burnt Almond Tart at Pranti’s, Pittsburg (USA)
This burnt almond tart is like no cake you have/will ever taste. It has also been once elected as the best cake in America, which gives you all the more reason to try it.
12. Oliebollen (Holland)
This Dutch term translates to ‘Oily Balls’ which is sheer injustice!
This dish is traditionally eaten to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and is studded with raisins and dusted with powdered sugar. Since 1993, there has been an oliebollen competition which is held every year by the Dutch newspaper ‘Algemeen Dagblad’, with winners coming from all regions of the nation.
13. Alfajores, South America
This delicacy consists of shortbread, which paves the way for a sweet layer of dulce de leche, a caramel-like candy, which is made by cooking sweetened milk until it turns into a rich treat.
You’re likely to find this dish anywhere in Argentina and Peru.
14. Dragon Beard Candy, China
This beautiful candy is not only a dessert but also a longstanding tradition of the country. This dessert is made primarily from sugar and maltose syrup along with some peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut.
15. Belgian Waffles
Even though this dish has now gained worldwide popularity, it’s still best experienced in the streets of Belgium, where it is a common snack. These buttery treats taste the best when eaten warm, and with Nutella or powdered sugar.
For concluding this article, it’ll be best to simply say that even though we have listed 15, there’s no limit to which the world of desserts can surprise you. One should keep on trying new things, and even a newer version of existing desserts. Let’s celebrate this love together!
