“Kuch mitha hai kya?” (Is there something sweet to eat?)
This timeless phrase continues to resonate in Indian households, particularly after meals like lunch or dinner. No matter how satiated one feels, there's always room for a bite—or several—of a delectable dessert. India, with its rich cultural diversity, boasts an incredible array of sweet treats.
In exciting news, two of India's beloved traditional desserts have secured places on TasteAtlas’ annual 100 Best Desserts in the World 2025–2026 list. Can you guess which ones? Keep reading to find out. The Indian desserts that have gained international acclaim are...Rich, cold, creamy, and utterly indulgent, Kulfi claims the 49th position on the list.
Kulfi remains one of India’s most cherished frozen desserts. It is traditionally prepared by slowly reducing milk over low heat until it thickens and develops a deep, intensified flavour. Often topped with pistachios and assorted nuts, it delivers a luxurious and deeply satisfying experience.
To this day, the mere mention of kulfi evokes nostalgia across generations—from Boomers and Gen X to Millennials—transporting them to lazy summer afternoons when kulfiwallahs pushed their carts through streets, ringing bells to signal their arrival and attracting eager crowds for that dense, nutty, milk-based treat.
Dating back centuries, Kulfi is thought to have originated in the opulent Mughal courts. One of its earliest documented references is found in the Ain-i-Akbari, the historical chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign. In modern times, Kulfi has adapted to include fruit-infused varieties and numerous contemporary twists.
Phirni has also earned a spot on the 100 Best Desserts in the World list, ranking at 60th place.
This milk-based delicacy resembles a rice pudding, enriched with flavours of almonds, cardamom, and saffron. It is meticulously slow-cooked with ground rice and milk. Customarily served chilled in small clay pots known as shikoras (akin to kulhads), phirni is garnished with nuts, rose petals, or edible silver leaf (chandi warq), lending texture and an elegant, regal touch to its thick, creamy consistency.
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Though its precise origins are debated, Phirni is generally considered centuries old, frequently associated with Mughal cuisine and featuring Persian influences.
According to TasteAtlas's website, the rankings are derived from 97,422 valid ratings spanning 2,274 desserts, collectively shaping the 100 best desserts globally.
The top five positions showcase desserts from various continents and traditions, starting with Antakya Kunefesi from Turkiye, followed by England’s clotted cream ice cream. Italy secures two entries with gelato al pistacchio and strudel di mele, while Turkiye appears again with the renowned Gaziantep baklava.
Even if you're not typically a dessert enthusiast, it's nearly impossible to resist at least one spoonful. Indian treasures like kulfi and phirni deliver far more than mere sweetness—they evoke cherished memories and provide a profound sense of comfort.
Also Read: How mulled wine became a holiday tradition
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