The Best Authentic Indian Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

A Journey Through Regional Sweet Treats

With nearly half of diners in the UK ordering a dessert when eating out, it is clear we are a nation of sweet lovers! After savouring a fragrant, spice-rich regional Indian meal, there is nothing quite like finishing with an authentic sweet treat to perfectly balance the palate. Keep reading to discover the traditional Indian desserts you simply must try..

Discover more about our authentic fine dining experience in West Sussex

The Heritage of Indian Confectionery

Indian desserts are integral to the cuisine, featuring ingredients such as coconut, rose petals, and various fruits. These sweets are known for their rich flavours and are often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

Sweet syrup-filled Rasgulla dumplings served at Zari Indian Restaurant in Crawley.

Our Guide to the Best Traditional Desserts

Traditional Indian sweets are characterised by their luxurious richness, often utilising premium ingredients such as pure ghee, roasted nuts, and jaggery. Fragrant spices including green cardamom, nutmeg, and delicate saffron strands add aromatic profiles, making these regional delicacies truly distinctive.

This is our list of the 11 best in our humble opinion.

An assortment of colorful traditional Indian sweets and ladoo at Zari Crawley.

1. Rasgulla

A Light, Syrupy Delicacy

Rasgulla is a light syrup-filled dumpling cooked in sugar. Its texture is squishy, similar to Asian mochi, and the flavour is beautifully sweet with hints of bitterness.

White syrup-filled Rasgulla dumplings garnished with pistachio at Zari Restaurant.

2. Kulfi

A traditional Indian take on ice cream, Kulfi is crafted from slowly simmered milk rather than heavy cream. The caramelisation process yields a wonderfully dense, rich texture that melts slowly on the palate, carrying vibrant infusions of pistachio, mango, or saffron.

Traditional creamy Indian Kulfi ice cream dessert at Zari Restaurant Crawley.

3. Petha

Because authentic Indian banquets are wonderfully hearty, a large dessert is not always necessary. Petha is a beautifully translucent, candied white pumpkin sweet that offers a light, refreshing end to a rich culinary experience.

Sweetened authentic Petha pumpkin candy pieces at Zari Indian Restaurant, Crawley.

4. Jalebi

As India’s signature dessert, Jalebi is a must-try. This treat is made from deep-fried flour batter soaked in sugar syrup for a crunchy and sweet finish.

Crispy golden deep-fried Jalebi spirals in sugar syrup at Zari Restaurant Crawley.

5. Mishti Doi

Hailing from Bengal, Mishti Doi is an exquisite sweet yoghurt dessert set in traditional clay pots. Its beautifully thick, creamy texture and subtle caramelised notes make it ideal for cleansing the palate after savouring vibrant, spicy dishes.

Thick sweet Mishti Doi yogurt dessert in a traditional clay pot at Zari Crawley.

6. Chhena Guja

If you love sweet and savoury flavours combined, this is the option for you. These are deep-fried cottage cheese balls which are finished with a rich syrup.

Assorted authentic mithai, burfi, and laddu desserts at Zari Indian Restaurant.

7. Rice Kheer

Kheer is a classic Indian rice pudding crafted from slow-cooked rice, milk, and sugar. It is traditionally simmered until beautifully thick and creamy, then elegantly finished with a garnish of crushed pistachios, dried fruits, and edible rose petals.

Traditional Rice Kheer pudding topped with nuts and rose petals at Zari Crawley.

8. Sooji Halwa

This comforting, delicately spiced semolina pudding is a beloved classic. Gently roasted in premium ghee to bring out a warm, nutty aroma, it sets into a beautifully rich texture that is perfect for sharing with family.

Sweet spiced Sooji Halwa semolina pudding served at Zari Restaurant in Crawley.

9. Lassi

An incredibly popular alternative to a plated dessert is a freshly churned Lassi. This traditional, cooling yoghurt beverage serves as a fantastic palate cleanser and can be expertly blended with sweet mango or delicate rose water.

Refreshing sweet mango Lassi yogurt beverage at Zari Indian Restaurant, Crawley.

10. Gujiya

Another popular option is these sweet dumplings. Filled with sweetened khoa and dried fruits, they are also brushed with ghee before cooking to ensure the perfect level of crunch.

Crispy fried sweet Gujiya pastry dumplings filled with dried fruits at Zari Crawley.

11. Sitabhog

Lastly, we have Sitabhog, which looks like rice but is cottage cheese mixed with rice flour and sugar. It is often eaten with syrup and dried fruits but can be combined with any flavours for a unique dessert.

Authentic sweet Sitabhog cottage cheese rice dessert at Zari Restaurant Crawley.

Experience Authentic Sweet Treats at Zari

Craving something wonderfully sweet? Join us at Zari to indulge in beautifully crafted, authentic Indian desserts prepared fresh daily by our expert chefs. From beloved traditional favourites to our own unique regional creations, there is a perfect sweet ending for every diner.

Learn more about our award-winning culinary heritage

The Perfect Ending to a Vibrant Feast

The finest Indian desserts offer a joyful conclusion to any dining experience, showcasing a spectacular diversity of flavours and textures. Just like our meticulously prepared main courses, each sweet delicacy pays homage to its specific regional origins through exquisite spice blends and cooking techniques. We warmly invite you to book a table at Zari and savour these magnificent traditional sweets firsthand.

Mango, raspberry, and vanilla sorbet scoops in a dessert glass at Zari Crawley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Desserts

GETTING HERE

Ifield Station
(10-minute walk)
National Rail (Southern and Thameslink)

Crawley Station
(5-minute taxi)
National Rail (Southern and Thameslink)

Buses
These buses stop at Ifield Parade / Ifield Drive:
2, 200 (Metrobus)

OPENING TIMES

Open 7 Days a Week

Lunch
10am to 3pm

Evenings
5pm to 11pm

Closed bank Holidays

Site by PGWD
Back to top