10 international desserts that look so Indian!
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Some desserts from around the world look so much like Indian classics, you'd think they came straight from a familiar sweet shop. Fluffy layers, golden syrup, thickened milk, rose and cardamom hints make it seem like global sweets have been taking inspiration from Indian mithai for a long time.
Whether it's a flaky pastry that brings to mind a gujiya or a chilled pudding that reminds you of phirni, these treats travel across countries while holding on to a desi charm. These lookalikes don't just match Indian sweets in appearance — they share textures, ingredients, and even how they're enjoyed. Some are steamed, some are fried, and most carry that warm, celebratory feeling. The highlight is that each one brings a unique twist while still tasting close to home.
Here is a list of international desserts that could easily be mistaken for Indian favourites at first glance or first bite.
Baklava (Turkey)
With its flaky layers, chopped nuts, and sticky sweetness, baklava feels like it could be related to soan papdi or gujiya. The mix of rich buttery flavour and sugar syrup gives it an instantly familiar taste. It's one of those desserts that feels both new and nostalgic at the same time.
Basbousa (Middle East)
This soft, grainy cake made with semolina and soaked in syrup feels just like a syrupy rava cake.
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It's often topped with almonds and has a subtle coconut note, like a fusion between a barfi and halwa.
Kanafeh (Levant)
Made with shredded pastry, melted cheese, and rose-scented syrup, kanafeh looks like a luxurious twist on Indian sweets like chena toast or malai sandwich. The contrast of textures is pure magic.
Tres Leches (Latin America)
This milk-soaked sponge cake gives strong rasmalai energy. Soft and soaked in sweet milk, it's a rich, creamy experience that's surprisingly similar to Indian milk-based desserts.
Loukoumades (Greece)
These little deep-fried dough balls dipped in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon could easily be mistaken for mini gulab jamuns. They're light, airy, and just as addictive.
Mochi (Japan)
Soft, chewy, and filled with red bean or custard, mochi looks a lot like modaks or stuffed rice dumplings. Their minimal sweetness and smooth texture give them a very familiar festive feel.
Malabi (Israel)
This milk pudding topped with rose water and crushed nuts feels a lot like phirni.
Served cold and gently flavoured, it ticks all the Indian dessert boxes.
Crème Caramel (France)
This wobbly custard with a caramel top looks like a firni-flan hybrid. Its silky texture and milky richness make it feel like something straight out of an Indian thali.
Churros (Spain)
Long, fried dough sticks rolled in sugar feel a lot like shakkarpara or balushahi in a different form. Add a dipping sauce and it becomes a great tea-time treat.
Dondurma (Turkey)
This stretchy, chewy ice cream made with mastic and salep has the cool creamy charm of kulfi. It is dense, rich and takes time to melt making each bite feel just right.
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