Kuch meetha ho jaaye! You are not a true Indian if you don’t crave for these 20 desi sweets

We Indians are known for having a sweet tooth. Eating ‘something sweet’ at the end of our meal is almost a ritual. On festive occasions, the sweet craving meter just shoots up to unimaginable levels.

The number of popular Indian sweet dishes is never-ending. Some of these mithais have even gone to become symbolic in the global food map.

From  mouth-watering Rasgullas to piping-hot Jalebis, here’s a list of 20 sweets an Indian can never say no to.

1. Rasgulla

Kolkata’s gift to mankind, the sheer sight of this white pearl of goodness dipped in a sweetened syrup is enough to set your sweet tooth on fire.

2. Payasam/Kheer

Oh! that delicious creamy milky mithai that transcends you into paradise. A spoonful will never suffice.

3. Gulab Jamun

These deep fried soft balls of Khoya dipped in divine sugar syrup is an instant hit among Indians. Oh wait, no they have nothing to do with roses!

4. Jalebi

Sometimes served hot with Rabri, these criss-crossed web of sweetness is an essential part of the traditional Gujarati breakfast. Wow! What a way to start your day, right?

5. Gajar ka Halwa

Miss home food? Gajar Ka Halwa will surely top the list. Made out of pure desi ghee, a  hint of khoya brings that slight barfi-like texture to the dish.

6. Modak

Ganesh Chaturthi or not, who cares? Modak is most welcomed anytime and every time.

7. Laddu

These round balls of sweetness is a must at every auspicious occasion. What’s more, they come in different types too. Be it the boondi variety or the motichur one, just one Laddu would hardly do any harm, right?

8. Sandesh

Another goodie from the land of sweets – Bengal, the Sandesh is a divine milk cake that comes in different varieties like korapak (with jaggery), ice cream sandesh, mango sandesh etc.

9. Kaju Katli

The sparkling diamond of the world of Indian sweets – the mouth-watering Kaju Katli is filled with the rich flavour of cashews. A famous Marwari dish, you cannot stop at just one piece.

10. Barfi

A simple, yet mind blowing sweet dish – the humble Barfi is a super hit in most parts of North India. Barfi, typically, comes in many varieties like Badaam Barfi, Chocolate Barfi, Mango Barfi etc.

11. Peda

Usually kept as an offering to God for most poojas, Pedas are extremely sweet and are usually rolled out into small round balls.

12. Mysore Pak

As the name suggests, this sweet hails from the royal city of Mysore. Made out of gram flour and pure desi ghee, that melting moment of the sweet in your mouth is irresistible.

13. Rasmalai

A popular sweet dish in the Northern belt, the creaminess and richness of Rasmalai makes it a must-eat Indian sweet dish.

14. Malpua

Deep fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup, Malpua tastes best when served with Rabri. Can it get anymore sinful?

15. Ghewar

Planning a visit to Rajasthan anytime soon? Don’t forget to gorge into a mouthful of Ghewar. This Indian sweet is made out of khoya and is mostly prepared on special occasions across the state.

16. Phirni

If you want to have the most delicious Phirni of your life, then it’s best to wait for the holy month of Ramadan or Eid. This dish typically involves thickening milk and storing it in earth pots.

17. Shrikhand

A popular Gujarati and Maharashtrian sweet dish, Shrikhand is made of strained yoghurt and has a hint of cardamom, saffron and other flavours.

18. Shahi Tukda

As the name suggests, this sweet dish is most definitely a royal treat to the taste buds. The dish is simple and easy to prepare and is lightly flavoured with saffron and cardamom.

19. Soan Papdi

Originating from Gujarat, this flaky sweet is a hit among those people who prefer less of sugar in their sweets.

20. Malai Kulfi

Last but not the least is Malai Kulfi. Also known as Indian-style ice-cream, biting into these cool, nutty and creamy popsicles after a wholesome meal is surely satisfying.

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