In India, every state boasts its own variety of traditional sweet dishes that are usually prepared during religious rituals and festivities. No wedding, get-together, or even a casual party is complete without a super-delicious and mouth-melting sweet dish. Indian desserts are not just a part of Indian cuisine but an integral part of Indian culture as well.

In India, especially the eastern region of the country seems to be pretty well-known for its desserts. The date palms are known to thrive in the typical tropical climatic conditions and they provide a truly delicate sugar known as nolen gur. This is used for creating sweet and creamy payesh or rice pudding, fudgy sandesh that are sweets made from nicely sweetened cottage cheese. Indian desserts are any gourmet’s true delight.

Indian desserts basically come in two broad varieties, one is the typical milk-based stuff such as the super delicious Rabri, Ras Malai, Kalakand, Kheer, Gulab Jamun, Rasgullas, etc. and the other is usually flour-based stuff including malpua, besan ka laddu, atta laddu, Mysore Pak, Gavalu, suji halwa etc. It is believed that in reality, there is no other country that could match India as far as the exotic sweets are concerned. India boasts a broad spectrum of simply mind-blowing desserts. Here are a few very popular desserts that you could find in many restaurants abroad including a reputed Indian restaurant in St. Kilda as well.

Gajar ka Halwa

This is a delightful combination of grated carrots, condensed milk, khoya, ghee, sugar and lots of chopped cashew nuts and raisins. It is served both as a hot dessert and also a chilled one. This is a nutritious dessert with medium shelf life. Nowadays it is exported sometimes. This is a highly popular dessert all over India and appreciated across the globe.

Rice Pudding or Kheer

This is a traditional Indian dessert which is classically cardamom-scented. This is known for its amazing taste and richness that is attributed to whole milk that has been reduced until it forms a thick creamy base.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is made from milk solids and is really yummy. Gulab Jamun is a hot favourite dessert in South Asian countries especially India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Gulab Jamuns are super soft round balls made from milk solids, fried and dipped in hot sugar syrup. They usually melt in your mouth. Gulab Jamuns are usually served in weddings, birthday parties and on most of the special occasions and festivities in India.

Kulfi

Kulfi is a much-loved frozen dairy dessert that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is mostly referred to as the traditional & authentic Indian ice cream. This is made from reduced and sweetened milk and comes in numerous flavours. The kulfi is usually flavoured with basil, rose, tapioca pearls and jelly. Pista kulfi, mango kulfi, and badam kulfi are very popular and frequently ordered in any Indian restaurant in St. Kilda.

Ras Malai

This is a traditional Indian dessert that is loved by one and all. Ras malai generally consists of Rasogollas or paneer balls cooked and soaked in thickened milk or malai that is flavoured with cardamom and kesar.

Besan Ka Ladoo

Besan ka ladoo is a hot favourite Indian sweet that is served especially during festivals such as Holi or Diwali. It is made from lightly roasted besan or gram flour, ghee, powdered sugar, chopped nuts and raisins.

Come to a good Indian restaurant in St. Kilda and explore the dessert menu. You would be delighted to see the variety. Enjoy Indian desserts for a completely fulfilling gastronomic experience.