While global food enthusiasts often extol the virtues of tandoori chicken and fluffy naan bread, Indian desserts have not yet attained the same level of global fervor. However, much like Indian savory dishes celebrated for their aromatic spices, Indian desserts also boast unique flavors such as cardamom and nutmeg.
These sweet treats not only tantalize the taste buds but are also visually stunning, ranging from the intricate, multi-layered bebinca to the vibrant motichoor ladoo. Unlike desserts limited to post-meal indulgence, many Indian sweets are enjoyed for breakfast or as quick snacks during travel.
Mumbai-born chef Floyd Cardoz, owner of The Bombay Bread Bar in New York and culinary director of The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai, suggests that the high sugar content in Indian desserts may be a factor in their limited global popularity. However, he anticipates a rise in their appeal as more diners embrace gluten-free options and plant-based diets, given that many Indian desserts can be made vegan or without wheat flour.
Cardoz encourages Indian chefs to reimagine and present these desserts in a more accessible manner. Despite current challenges, the allure of Indian sweets remains undeniable. Here are six of Cardoz’s favorite Indian desserts and recommendations on where to savor them globally.
1. Bebinca: Originating from the Goa region of India, bebinca is a dense, rich cake with Portuguese influences. Comprising layers of batter made from eggs, flour, nutmeg, and coconut milk, this time-consuming delicacy is stacked with layers separated by ghee. Typically enjoyed during holidays, bebinca showcases a baker’s skill with its multicolored striations.
Where to find it: Jesus é Goês in Lisbon, Portugal
2. Aamras Puri: A seasonal delicacy from Maharashtra and Gujarat, aamras puri features pureed mango pulp, highlighting the vibrant flavors of ripe Alphonso mangoes. Served chilled, the mango mixture is accompanied by puri, a crispy deep-fried bread. This dessert is exclusive to mango season.
Where to find it: Thali in Sunnyvale, California
3. Gajar Halwa: Hailing from northern India, gajar halwa surpasses traditional carrot cake. Shredded carrots are cooked with ghee and milk until creamy, flavored with green cardamom, pistachios, and sometimes raisins. Best enjoyed with vanilla ice cream, gajar halwa is a popular Diwali treat.
Where to find it: Khau Gully in Toronto, Canada
4. Shrikhand: A simple and delightful Gujarati dish, shrikhand consists of thickened yogurt seasoned with green cardamom, sugar, and saffron. Often served with a salty puri, this dessert offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Where to find it: Gunpowder in London, UK
5. Mishti Doi: Hailing from West Bengal, mishti doi is a cold, yogurt-based dessert sweetened with jaggery. Served in terracotta or clay bowls, it features saffron, pistachio crumbles, or edible flowers as toppings. Despite being a dessert, mishti doi is versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
Where to find it: Mango Pickle in Chicago, Illinois; also available in drinkable form at The Kati Roll Company in New York
6. Motichoor Ladoo: Originating in northern India, motichoor ladoo consists of deep-fried chickpea flour balls sweetened with a thickened sugar syrup. Delicate and rich, a good motichoor ladoo should break in the mouth upon biting. Occasionally flavored with saffron or melon seeds, these treats may also feature vibrant orange food coloring.
Indian desserts offer a sensory journey, from intricate textures to aromatic flavors, providing a unique and delightful experience for those willing to explore beyond the more well-known elements of Indian cuisine. As global tastes continue to evolve, these exquisite sweets may find their way onto more international tables, offering a sweet taste of India’s rich culinary heritage.
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