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If you’ve ever wondered which Indian sweets foreigners like and why, you’ll find the answer here! This list is based on real reactions from foreigners and observations from food vloggers who have tried Indian sweets. It will help you understand which sweets are most enjoyed by international visitors and why.
India has a huge variety of sweets, each with its own unique taste, texture, and ingredients. From rich, nutty treats to syrup-soaked desserts, Indian sweets come in many different forms. However, not all of them are equally loved by foreigners. Their taste preferences are often different from Indians, as they usually prefer less sugary and less syrupy sweets.
Related: 85+ Famous Indian Sweets Name with Pictures: A Sweet Lover’s Guide
Foreigners tend to enjoy dry or mildly sweet Indian sweets like Kaju Katli or less-sweetened Halwa. On the other hand, heavily syrupy and extremely sugary sweets—which are loved by most Indians—are often less preferred by foreigners. Interestingly, even for popular Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun, many foreigners prefer to pair it with ice cream or custard to balance the sweetness.
So, here’s a list of Indian sweets that foreigners like and those that they like less!
5 Indian Sweets That Foreigners Like
1. Kaju Katli (Cashew Fudge)
Why do foreigners like this Indian Sweet:
- Mild Sweetness and Familiar Texture: The subtle sweetness and smooth, fudge-like consistency make it approachable.
- Blogger Insight: A reviewer noted, “It is very good! On the sweet side with a subtle cashew taste.”
ijustwanttoeat.com - Smooth and Fudge-Like Texture: Its soft, melt-in-the-mouth consistency is appealing and not too sticky or grainy.
2. Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream
Why do foreigners like this Indian Sweet:
- Balanced Flavor Combination: While Gulab Jamun alone might be too sweet for some, pairing it with ice cream balances the richness.
- Blogger Insight: In a tasting session, foreigners enjoyed Gulab Jamun more when served with ice cream, appreciating the contrast in temperatures and flavors. youtube.com
- Universal Appeal: The milky, caramelized flavor of Gulab Jamun paired with vanilla or other ice cream flavors makes it a dessert that feels both exotic and familiar.
3. Nankhatai (Indian Shortbread Cookies)
Why do foreigners like this Indian Sweet:
- Familiar Taste: These cookies resemble Western shortbread, with a buttery and crumbly texture that’s easy to enjoy.
- Perfect with Tea or Coffee: The light sweetness and slightly spiced flavor make them a great companion to beverages, just like biscuits or cookies in Western countries.
- Soft Yet Crunchy Texture: The combination of ghee, flour, and cardamom gives it a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth feel with a slight crispness.
4. Coconut Barfi
Why do foreigners like this Indian Sweet:
- Coconut Flavor: Coconut is a globally appreciated flavor, and the chewy texture adds to its appeal.
- Blogger Insight: A food blogger shared a recipe for Coconut Ladwa, highlighting its delightful taste and texture.
kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com
- Globally Loved Ingredient: Coconut is a widely appreciated flavor, making Coconut Barfi an easy favorite for many.
5. Milk Cake
Why do foreigners like this Indian Sweet:
- Mild Sweetness: Unlike heavily sugary sweets, Milk Cake has a balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Its soft, slightly grainy texture and slow-cooked caramelized flavor make it a delightful treat.
- Familiar Taste: The flavor of condensed milk and cardamom feels familiar to many foreigners, making it an easy favorite.
6. Egg Halwa
Why do foreigners like this Indian Sweet:
Mild Sweetness: Egg Halwa has a gentle sweetness that isn’t overwhelming, making it enjoyable even for those who prefer less sugary desserts.
Blogger Insight: In a YouTube video where foreigners had different reactions to Rasgulla, they all liked this the most in all Indian sweets they had tried.
Unique Yet Familiar Flavor: The blend of eggs, ghee, sugar, and cardamom creates a taste that feels both unique and familiar, somewhat resembling Western custards or flans, making it an intriguing dessert for foreigners.
5 Indian Sweets That Foreigners Don’t Prefer
1. Rasgulla
Why They Don’t Prefer It:
- Texture Issues: The spongy and syrup-soaked nature can be off-putting.
- Overwhelming Sweetness: Some find it excessively sugary without contrasting flavors.
- Blogger Insight: In a video, foreigners trying Rasgulla for the first time had mixed reactions, with some commenting on its unique texture.
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2. Jalebi
Why They Don’t Prefer It:
- Extreme Sweetness: The intense sweetness can be overpowering for those unaccustomed to it.
- Sticky Texture: Its syrupy and sticky nature might be unappealing to some.
3. Petha
Why They Don’t Prefer It:
- Unfamiliar Flavor: Made from ash gourd, its taste is not universally appreciated.
- Texture Concerns: The chewy consistency can be off-putting for some.
4. Cham Cham
Why They Don’t Prefer It:
- Texture Issues: Similar to Rasgulla, its spongy texture soaked in syrup may not appeal to all.
- Excessive Sweetness: The high sugar content can be overwhelming.
5. Soan Papdi
Why They Don’t Prefer It:
- Flaky Texture: The dry, flaky consistency can be messy and unfamiliar.
- Flavor Profile: Some find it lacking in robust flavor, describing it as bland.
6. Rasmalai
Why They Don’t Prefer It:
- Mixed Reactions on Texture: While some enjoy its soft, spongy texture soaked in flavored milk, others find it too mushy or soggy.
- Milky Aftertaste: Some foreigners are not used to heavily milk-based sweets and find the aftertaste a bit too strong.
Why Do Foreigners Prefer Some Indian Sweets Over Others?
- Sweetness Levels: Many foreigners are accustomed to desserts with moderate sugar levels; excessively sweet treats can be overwhelming.
- Texture Familiarity: Smooth, creamy, or dry-textured sweets are generally more preferred, while spongy or syrup-soaked textures may feel unfamiliar.
- Flavor Profiles: Sweets that include flavors similar to Western desserts—like chocolate, coconut, nuts, or caramelized milk—tend to be more appealing.
Final Thoughts
Indian sweets come in so many different flavors and textures, making them a unique experience for everyone. The diversity of Indian sweets means that there is always something new to try, and personal preferences play a big role in which ones become favorites.
Not everyone has the same taste, and that’s completely normal. Some may love syrupy sweets, while others prefer drier, mildly sweet options. The best way to know about Indian sweets that foreigners like is to try them and find out for yourself. Have you ever tasted an Indian sweet? Which one was your favorite, and what was your experience? Let us know!
FAQs
1. Which Indian sweet is the most popular in the world?
Answer: Gulab Jamun is one of the most internationally recognized Indian sweets. Its rich, soft, and syrupy texture makes it a favorite in Indian restaurants worldwide. Other popular sweets include Kaju Katli and Jalebi.
2. Which is considered the international sweet of India?
Answer: Jalebi is often considered the international sweet of India due to its widespread recognition and availability in many countries. However, Gulab Jamun and Kaju Katli are also strong contenders.
3. Why do foreigners find some Indian sweets too sweet?
Answer: Many Indian sweets have high sugar content, especially syrup-based ones like Rasgulla, Jalebi, and Gulab Jamun. In Western countries, desserts usually have a balance of sweetness and other flavors, making heavily sugary sweets overwhelming for some.
4. Are there any Indian sweets that foreigners like without hesitation?
Answer: Yes! Kaju Katli, Besan Ladoo, and Nankhatai are often well-received because they have mild sweetness, a smooth texture, and familiar nutty flavors.
5. How can foreigners best enjoy Indian sweets if they find them too sweet?
Answer: Pairing sweeter Indian desserts with ice cream, custard, or tea can help balance the flavor. For example, many foreigners enjoy Gulab Jamun with vanilla ice cream instead of eating it alone.