Indian Food in Orlando: Top Desserts You Must Try at Least Once

Indian cuisine is globally loved for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and cultural depth. While much is said about savory dishes, the sweet side of Indian food deserves just as much attention. For those exploring Indian food in Orlando, diving into the world of Indian desserts is an absolute must. These treats are steeped in history, tradition, and a knack for balancing indulgence with unique flavors.

Whether you're attending a festival, hosting a party, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, Indian desserts offer something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best Indian desserts you should try at least once.

• Gulab Jamun: Gulab jamun is probably the most famous Indian sweets possible and it is definitely loved by everybody. These soft spongy milk-based balls are basically known as Gulab jamuns and these are prepared by deep frying and soaking them in sugar syrup with cardamom, rose water and occasionally saffron as well. They are best served when still hot and are therefore a favorite dessert across all ages.
  
  

• Jalebi: If you enjoy crispy sweets soaked in syrup, then you are likely to enjoy jalebi. From a simple batter that is deep-fried in spiral forms and then immersed in sugar syrup, jalebis are a favorite snack at any Indian event. The color is bright orange and gives them a great taste that is both tangy and sweet.
  
  

• Rasgulla: Coming from the eastern region of India, particularly from Bengal, rasgullas are soft spongy cheese balls that are cooked and then soaked in a thin sugar syrup. The texture of both is tender with a mild, natural sweetness, making them ideal for serving as a light and cool ending to a rich meal.|
  
  

• Rasmalai: While the rasgulla is known for its simple spongy texture, its cousin ras malai raises the bar of decadence a little higher. It is a dish of flattened, cheese balls immersed in a sauce made from thickened and flavored milk with cardamom and saffron, with a garnishing of nuts. Rasmalai to be described in many ways is a mouth-melting delicious dish that takes your taste buds for a ride.
  
  

• Kheer: A simple Indian rice pudding or kheer is made from milk, rice, sugar and a hint of cardamom. Served with raisins, almonds, or cashews as a topping, kheer can be easily experimented with by adding elements such as vermicelli or tapioca, or even jaggery. This is a staple at most Indian homes and anyone who wants to taste the local dishes should consider trying this dish. If you are in search of the best Indian food in Orlando, don’t miss out on this delight.
  
  

• Ladoo: It would be an injustice not to include ladoos in any Indian occasion. These are round, bite-sized sweets, which can be besan ladoo – made from gram flour, boondi ladoo – made from small fried gram flour pearls, or motichoor ladoo – a finer Boondi ladoo. The rich-nutty flavored and aromatic ladoos are especially relished during Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi.
  
  

• Barfi: A favorite and very flexible sweet that involves the use of condensed milk or sugar and flavorings such as coconut, pistachios, or saffron. It takes on a creamy texture and a fudge-like quality – perfect for those who cannot get enough of sweets.
  
  

• Kulfi: Also known as Indian ice cream, the kulfi is more condensed and richer than conventional ice cream. Kulfi is an ice cream that comes in flavors like pistachio, mango, cardamom, and saffron; it is ideal for consumption in hot climates. It has a slow-melting quality which gives that delicious and succulent feel to each chunk taken.
  
  

• Gajar Ka Halwa: This classic Indian dish is prepared with carrots grated and cooked with milk, sugar, and ghee is favorite in winter and served with nuts. This delicious sweet dish is quite warm and has a deep taste and is preferred especially during weddings and festivals.
  
  

• Peda: Peda is a delicate sweet often compared to a melt-in-the-mouth type of sweet prepared with khoya or reduced milk and sugar. Owing to its simplicity and functionality it is commonly used during religious activities and other related celebrations.
  
  

• Mysore Pak: Hailing from Karnataka, Mysore pak is a melt-in-your-mouth sweet dish that has gram flour, sugar, and an extensive amount of ghee as its primary ingredients. Since it is crumbly and has a nutty taste it is preferred especially by those who like rich desert-like foods.
  
  

• Sandesh: Similar to the above preparation, Sandesh is one more Bengali sweet dish that is made from fresh paneer and sugar. Coming with the delicate flavors of cardamom or saffron and sometimes garnished with nuts, Sandesh is one of the truly outstanding examples of Indian sweets.
  
  

• Payasam: Like kheer, Payasam is a South Indian sweet dish made out of milk, rice or vermicelli with sugar or jaggery as an ingredient. It has the coconut flavor from coconut milk, flavored further with cardamom and has the nutty taste of roasted cashews.

What’s Your Order?

No Indian meal is considered complete without the touch of sweets at the end of the meal. Choose form the mentioned sweets and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to have an unforgettable dining experience with your loved ones.