These hidden sweets are so good they should come with a ‘try not to drool’ warning!
Meetha, or sweet dish, is how we refer to desserts in India. But let’s be real—why do the same old jalebis, rosogollas, and gajar ka halwas always steal the show? Today, we're skipping the usuals and highlighting some lesser-known sweets that truly represent the unique flavours of each Indian state. These hidden gems deserve some love too! Ready to discover some new favorites? Let’s get into it!
When Makar Sankranti rolls around, we all indulge in sweets that warm us up and make us grin like kids. Sure, we know the classics like rosogolla and cham cham, but let’s talk about Pati Shapta. Think of it as a Bengali crepe stuffed with sweet coconut and condensed milk filling, flavoured with a touch of cardamom. Pancakes and waffles might just start feeling a bit jealous once you’ve had a bite of this homemade bliss!
Alsi Pinni from Haryana, or Flaxseed Laddoos, are little sweet treats made with wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits. They’re rolled into laddoos and are not only delicious but also a healthy choice. They offer a great mix of sweetness and nutrition, making them a perfect snack to enjoy without any guilt.
This Kerala gem is truly mouthwatering! Rice Ada starts as a rice flour batter cooked until it thickens into a dough-like consistency. It's then dried out into thick, long ribbons. Ada Pradhaman, often served during Onam Sadhya, is a rich and comforting dessert that can be enjoyed any time. In Kerala, no celebration feels complete without this delicious treat.
This lesser-known Maharashtrian dessert combines jaggery and colostrum (rich milk from cows or buffaloes) with saffron and cardamom. Steamed like a pudding, it's a sweet treat that's cherished in Maharashtrian homes and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
While Jalebi was basking in the limelight, Imarati (or Jaangiri) was quietly waiting in the wings! So unfair! This flower-shaped sweet, made from urad dal and saffron, gets a sugary soak and a crispy finish. It's the perfect, colourful treat you’ll spot at weddings and street stalls in Northern India!
Madhya Pradesh isn’t just about killer street food; it's also got some seriously awesome desserts. One you’ve gotta try is Mawa Bati—made with mawa, sesame seeds, cardamom, and ghee. It's super rich and tasty, so don’t miss out!
The top dessert in Manipur, Chak-Hao Kheer, is a treat made with black rice that turns purple when mixed with water. Combined with milk and cardamom powder and topped with dry fruits, it’s a deliciously unique dessert you have to try!
Chenna Poda, which means "Baked Cheese" in Odia, is often called the Indian cheesecake. It’s a top pick for anyone who’s tried it, thanks to its unique flavour from caramelised sugar. This innovative sweet dish is a must-try for any dessert lover!
Nap Naang is a fantastic sticky rice cake from Nagaland. It’s made by soaking rice overnight and mixing it with sugar. The black rice gives it a naturally nutty flavour, so it’s tasty just on its own—no extra frills needed!
Awan Bangwi is a Tripura special that stands out for its uniqueness. It’s made by mixing rice with cashews sautéed in ghee and raisins. This flavourful mix is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
Balushahi is simply irresistible! Made by shaping dough into rounds and deep-frying them until golden, these treats are then soaked in sugar syrup. It’s one of the most mouthwatering sweets you’ve got to try when in Uttar Pradesh!
Oh, and don’t forget about Bal Mithai from Uttarakhand, Koat Pitha from Mizoram, Bebinca from Goa, and Nolen Gurer Sandesh from Bengal. These “secret sweets” are waiting for you to discover them. Seriously, they’re must-tries!
