Satisfying a sweet tooth is the ideal way to end a meal, and when it comes to street food sweets, nothing beats the thrill of indulging in freshly prepared sugary delights from roadside vendors. TasteAtlas, a Croatia-based online travel and food guide, has revealed its list of the 'Best Street Food Sweets in the World,' providing a tantalising array of options to explore. Notably, several popular Indian sweets have made the list, demonstrating their global appeal and culinary excellence.
Among the standout performers from India, Mysore Pak, a delectable sweet hailing from southern India, claimed the 14th rank. Known for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, Mysore Pak is a treat beloved by many. Additionally, the beloved Indian frozen dessert, kulfi, secured the 18th spot, impressing with its creamy and refreshing flavors. Another Indian sweet that caught the attention of TasteAtlas was kulfi falooda, which claimed the 32nd position, offering a delightful combination of the traditional kulfi with falooda noodles and rose-flavored syrup.
Taking the coveted title of the best street food sweet globally is pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart. This delectable treat traces its origins back to the Catholic monks and nuns of Santa Maria de Belem in Lisbon, Portugal, who crafted the tarts using leftover egg yolks. Eventually, the monks collaborated with a local bakery to commercially produce and sell the iconic pastel de nata, becoming a beloved street food sweet worldwide.
Securing the second rank is serabi, a delightful Indonesian pancake made with rice flour and a choice of coconut milk or shredded coconut. These small pancakes, available in both sweet and savoury variations, are versatile and can be topped with a variety of delicious ingredients, ranging from jackfruit and chocolate to bananas and crushed peanuts. Serabi's inclusion in the list reflects its popularity and the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia.
Claiming the third spot is dondurma, a unique Turkish ice cream originating from the city of Kahramanmaras. Known for its resistance to melting and dense, chewy texture, dondurma has captivated the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Its delightful flavors and unusual consistency have made it a sought-after street food sweet in Turkey and beyond.