This is a common phrase that still echoes in Indian households, especially after every meal, mostly lunch and dinner. Even when you’re full, you’re never truly full when it comes to a bite (or more) of a delicious dessert. And India, being the land of diversity that it is, offers a myriad of dessert options.

Meanwhile, two of India’s most popular desi desserts have earned a spot on the food guide TasteAtlas’ annual 100 Best Desserts in the World 2025–2026 list.
 

Indian desserts that made it to the global stage are...

Cold, creamy, and undeniably indulgent, the first dessert on the list is Kulfi, which secured the 49th position.

Kulfi has long been India’s favourite frozen dessert. Traditionally made by slowly simmering milk until it thickens and intensifies in flavour, Kulfi is often garnished with pistachios and other nuts, offering a rich and satisfying indulgence.

Even today, the very mention of kulfi is enough to transport everyone - from Boomers and Gen X to Millennials - back in time, to summer afternoons when kulfiwallahs wheeled their carts through neighbourhood lanes, ringing bells to announce their arrival and drawing crowds eager for that dense, nutty, milk-based delight.

A centuries-old dessert, Kulfi is believed to have been part of the royal Mughal court. One of its earliest recorded mentions appears in Ain-i-Akbari, a historical text that documented the reign of Emperor Akbar. Today, Kulfi has evolved to include fruity flavours and countless modern variations.

https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/food/story/two-desi-sweet-dishes-kulfi-phirni-100-best-desserts-in-the-world-2836132-2025-12-15