Manali, a hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural diversity. There are several delightful sweet dishes and desserts that you can enjoy in the region, showcasing the flavors and traditions of Himachali cuisine.
1.Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic dessert made by filling a pastry crust with sliced or diced apples, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The pie is baked until the apples become tender and the crust is golden brown. It can be served warm or cold and is enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
2.Lemon Tart
A lemon tart is a dessert made of a buttery pastry crust filled with a sweet and tangy lemon-flavored custard. It is baked until the filling is firm, resulting in a delicious contrast of crisp pastry and zesty lemon goodness.
3.Milk Cake
Milk cake or milk burfi is a popular Indian sweet dessert. It is made by simmering milk and sugar together until thickens and solidifies and then a fudge-like confection is flavored with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts. Milk cake is enjoyed for its creamy texture and sweet, aromatic taste and is commonly served during festivals, special occasions, and celebrations in India.
4.Malpua
Malpua is an Indian sweet pancake or fritter. It is made from a batter of flour, milk, and flavorings such as cardamom or saffron. The batter is deep-fried or pan-fried until it becomes golden and crisp. It is soaked in sugar syrup, which gives it a sweet and sticky texture.
5.Rabri
Rabri, also known as rabdi, is a popular Indian dessert made from condensed milk. It is prepared by simmering full-fat milk over low heat for an extended period until it thickens and reduces significantly. It is flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water and can be garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios.
6.Apricot Jam
Apricot jam is a sweet spread made from ripe apricots and sugar. The fruit is cooked with sugar to create a thick, sweet, and fruity preserve that can be spread on bread, toast, or used in baking and cooking.
7.Meetha Bhaat
Meetha Bhaat is a sweet rice dish prepared with aromatic spices, saffron and garnished with nuts and dried fruits. It is known for its sweet and rich flavor. The sweetness of Meetha Bhaat contrasts with the savory dishes served in the Himachali feast, creating a well-rounded culinary experience.
8.Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar ka halwa or as carrot halwa, is a popular Indian dessert. It is made from grated carrots, cooked with ghee, milk, sugar, and sometimes condensed milk or khoya (milk solids). Gajar ka halwa is flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios. It is a popular winter dessert and is enjoyed both warm and cold.
9.Phirni
Phirni is a creamy and fragrant Indian rice pudding. It is made from ground rice or rice flour cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar. It is flavored with cardamom, saffron and garnished with slivered almonds, pistachios, and rose petals. It is served in small earthenware pots or bowls, which adds a unique earthy flavor to the dessert.
10.Khatta
Khatta is a popular street food of Manali which is loved by the locals and the travellers. It is a made by mixing Pumpkin, dry mango powder and Boondi, which gives it a sweet, and tangy flavor. It is a sweet and sour dessert and a must-try dish for everyone.
11.Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue is a delightful and popular dessert that involves melting chocolate and serving it as a dipping sauce. It is prepared using a fondue pot or a similar set-up, where the melted chocolate is kept warm. It is a fun and interactive dessert perfect for social gatherings and parties.
12.Sandesh
Sandesh is a popular sweet dish from India. It is made from fresh paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and sugar. The paneer is kneaded until it becomes smooth and mixed with sugar and often flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. The mixture is then shaped into small, sweetmeat-like pieces or discs. It is known for its delicate and creamy texture and is garnished with pistachios or other nuts.
13.Ras Malai
Ras malai is a popular Indian dessert. It comprises flattened paneer (Indian cottage cheese) balls soaked in sweet, saffron-infused milk. The cheese balls are made by curdling milk, draining the whey, and then kneading the paneer until it’s smooth. They are then simmered in a sweetened milk syrup that is flavored with cardamom and saffron. It is served chilled and is a delicious and creamy dessert.
14.Kulfi
Kulfi is a traditional Indian frozen dessert similar to ice cream but denser and creamier in texture. It is made by simmering milk until it reduces and thickens, then flavoring it with ingredients like cardamom, saffron, pistachios, and almonds. The sweetened, flavored milk is poured into molds or cups and frozen without whipping, which gives kulfi its unique texture.
15.Patande
Patande is a traditional pancake-like dish from the Himachal Pradesh region of India, which is popular in the Kullu Valley and other hilly areas. These pancakes are made using wheat flour and are often flavored with spices such as cardamom, fennel seeds, and sometimes jaggery or sugar for sweetness.
16.Mithi Tikki
Mithi tikki is a traditional sweet snack in India. It consists of small, flat discs made from roasted rice flour, mixed with jaggery and flavored with cardamom. These sweet tikkis have a delightful, crunchy texture, and are a popular snack in Himachal. They are also known for their relatively long shelf life, making them a convenient and sweet treat.
17.Honey Pancakes
Honey pancakes are a delicious breakfast or brunch option. They are made by preparing pancake batter, which usually consists of flour, eggs, milk, baking powder and a touch of sweetener such as sugar or honey. Instead of simply using honey as a sweetener, you can also drizzle it on top of the pancakes when serving.
18.Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is one most of the famous desserts of India, which is liked by everyone. It is made by small-sized fried balls of dough which then are dipped in sugar syrup. It tastes fantastic when served warmly and is a holiday favorite sweet in India.
19. Sweet Siddu
While traditional Himachali Siddus are typically savory, some variations are sweet. Sweet Siddus are prepared by adding sugar or jaggery to the dough, along with spices, to create a sweet and slightly spicy taste. They are steamed just like savory Siddus and are enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Sweet Siddus are a unique twist on the traditional dish.
20. Sweet Kadhi
Sweet Kadhi in Himachal Pradesh is a traditional dish with its own regional twist. Himachali Sweet Kadhi is made by combining yogurt with chickpea flour and sweetening it with jaggery or sugar. It is a unique variation of kadhi. Sweet Kadhi is typically served with rice and is a beloved dish in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the regional flavors and culinary traditions of the state.
