A short while back, two delectable Indian desserts, phirni and kheer, earned a spot on the list of the world’s top 10 puddings, as revealed by Taste Atlas, a renowned food and travel guide. The world of Indian cuisine is renowned for its array of sweet indulgences, each region offering its own delightful specialities. Not surprisingly, two more Indian mithai have recently gained international acclaim, as TasteAtlas unveiled its list of the ’50 Best Desserts In The World,’ featuring sweets from across the globe, including India.
Topping the list was a well-known classic – French crepes, followed by the Brazilian Bombocado (a coconut-infused pastry), Peru’s Queso helado (similar to ice cream), and the Italian favourite, tiramisu. France secures two more places in the top 10, with creme brulee at 5th and souffle au chocolat at 9th. Baklava finds its place at 27th, while brownies and chocolate chip cookies take the 49th and 50th spots, respectively.
Rasmalai takes the 31st position, while Kaju Katli is positioned at 41st. As per the official site, “Ras malai hails from West Bengal and is often described as a creamy cheesecake without a crust. The name itself combines two Hindi words, ‘ras,’ signifying juice, and ‘malai,’ denoting cream.” Both Rasmalai and Kaju Katli find their peak popularity during festive occasions like Diwali and Holi. Taste Atlas describes Kaju Katli as, “This sweet delight is often presented in an edible silver foil, symbolizing opulence and gratitude for the consumer.”
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Rasmalai is of West Bengali origins and is occasionally likened to a sumptuous cheesecake minus the pastry base. The dessert’s nomenclature is a fusion of two Hindi terms, with ‘ras’ connoting juice and ‘malai’ signifying cream.
In the case of Kaju Katli, Taste Atlas provided insights by mentioning, “This delectable sweet is frequently presented in an edible silver covering, symbolizing both luxury and an appreciation for the consumer.”