Indian cuisine has been making waves globally, captivating taste buds with its diverse flavours and rich culinary heritage. In a recent accolade,
Taste Atlas
, the renowned experiential travel guide, spotlighted two beloved Indian desserts –
Phirni
and
Kheer
– among the top 10 best rice puddings worldwide. These creamy delights secured impressive spots, ranking at number 4 and 5 respectively.
Adding to India's dessert dominance, the traditional South Indian delicacy, Sakkarai Pongal, also clinched a place in the prestigious list, grabbing the 9th spot.
This triple triumph underscores the universal appeal of Indian sweets, cherished by connoisseurs across the globe.
Phirni and Kheer, cherished staples in Indian households, hold special significance in festive and celebratory gatherings. While Phirni, a Ramadan classic, delights with its fragrant aroma and creamy texture, Kheer is a perennial favorite, gracing festive feasts with its indulgent sweetness. On the other hand, Sakkarai Pongal, a quintessential offering during the harvest festival of Pongal, captivates with its unique blend of flavors, featuring jaggery as its primary ingredient.
The recognition of Phirni and Kheer on the global stage is not new. These delectable treats secured impressive ranks of 7 and 10 respectively in last year's rankings, further solidifying their status as culinary gems. This year, they share the spotlight with international delights such as Sholeh Zard from Iran, Khao Niao Mamuang from Thailand, and Firin Sutlac from Turkey, showcasing the diverse tapestry of global dessert offerings.
As enthusiasts celebrate these accolades, the question arises – what's your favourite rendition of Phirni or Kheer? Whether it's the classic version or an innovative twist, share your preferences and recommendations in the comments below. After all, there's nothing quite like savouring these timeless treats, whether prepared at home or savored at your favourite local eatery.
How to make Phirni
Here’s the easiest way to make Phirni at home. Soak rice for 30 mins, then grind to a coarse paste. Boil milk, add rice paste, and cook until thickened. Add sugar, cardamom, and saffron. Pour into molds, cool, and refrigerate. Garnish with nuts before serving. Enjoy chilled Phirni as a creamy Indian dessert.
How to make Kheer
To make Kheer, boil milk and add rice or vermicelli. Simmer until grains are cooked and mixture thickens. Add sugar, cardamom, and nuts. Cook until desired consistency. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy creamy Kheer, a traditional Indian dessert, garnished with nuts and a sprinkle of saffron.
FAQs
Taste Atlas recognizes Indian desserts Phirni, Kheer, and Sakkarai Pongal among top rice puddings globally. These sweets, rich in cultural significance, offer a delightful experience during festive gatherings, showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine.
What is India's most popular dessert? ›
1Gulab jamun
Gulab jamun is one of the most popular Indian sweets appearing at festivals, birthdays and weddings. While soft little dumplings soaked in syrup exist around the world, what sets gulab jamun apart is that the dumplings are made from milk.
Which sweet is at no. 1 in India? ›
If we talk about Indian sweets then Gulab Jamun needs no introduction because it is one of the most popular Indian sweets due to its delicious taste and silky texture. Apart from other sweets, Gulab Jamun is popular all over the world.
What is the national dessert of India? ›
India's national sweet is "Jalebi." Jalebi is a delicious and popular dessert made by deep-frying a wheat flour batter into a pretzel or spiral shape and then soaking it in sugar syrup. It's known for its crispy texture and sweet taste, making it a favorite treat for many people across the country.
What is Indian rice pudding made of? ›
In a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat, combine cooked rice and whole milk. Heat until mixture begins to boil. Decrease heat to low and cook to a simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture begins to thicken, approximately 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium, add heavy cream, coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom.
What is the oldest known dessert of India? ›
But the malpua deserves a lot of respect after all it is India's oldest known dessert! Malpua, which are small deep fried pancakes that are soaked in a sugary syrup, come in various forms across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. The first reference to these sweetmeats is in the Rigveda where it is called apupa.
What is the Favourite sweet of India? ›
besan ladoo is one of the most popular mithai in Indian cuisine. It might be known by various names, but this delicious laddoos of spiced and sweetened besan is famous all over the country. besan ladoo are made and relished for festivals, family events and different occasions.
What is a dessert that is popular in India but is not from India? ›
Gulab Jamun came to the country from past Persia (Iran) when Muslim rulers began showing up in India and laying out their lines here. These desserts are made of khoya, which is a ball-formed milk powder. The khoyas are broiled and dunked in a sweet syrup, which is typically seasoned with saffron and rose water.
What is the most famous dessert in the world? ›
- Baklava. ...
- Crème Brûlée. ...
- Panna Cotta. ...
- Cheesecake. ...
- Mochi. ...
- Flan. ...
- Gulab Jamun. ...
- Churros. Popular in Spain and many Latin American countries, this fried dough pastry is frequently served with chocolate dipping sauce.
Arroz con leche (rice with milk) is the Spanish and American type of rice pudding.
Kheer | Rice Pudding, Indian Cuisine & Sweet Dish | Britannica.
What type of rice is pudding rice? ›
This is not a specific type of rice, but a generic description for short-grained white rice used for making rice pudding. The term is rarely used outside England. Whichever rice you use, the important thing is that it should give a soft, creamy, slightly sticky result.
What is the main sweet of India? ›
North
| Name | Main ingredients |
|---|
| Gulab jamun | Fried milk balls soaked in sweet syrup, such as rose syrup or honey. |
| Imarti | Sugar syrup, lentil flour. |
| Jalebi | Dough fried in a coil shape dipped in sugar syrup, often taken with milk, tea, yogurt, or lassi. |
| Kaju katli | Cashews, ghee with cardamom and sugar. |
23 more rowsHomemade gulab jamun is usually made up of khoya, a pinch of all-purpose flour/refined wheat flour/ wheat flour (optional), baking powder and clarified butter (ghee); milk kneaded to form a dough, moulded into balls, deep fried and dropped into simmering sugar syrup.
Who is the king of Indian sweets? ›
Even though there's a vast variety of Indian sweets, Ladoos are still considered the king of sweets by Indians worldwide!
