No Indian festival feels complete without something sweet on the plate! Whether it’s the first bite of a warm Gulab Jamun or the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Rasmalai, Indian sweets have a way of stirring nostalgia, warmth, and celebration all at once. While Western desserts like cheesecakes and brownies have carved their niche in the Indian market, the timeless appeal of traditional mithais continues to dominate every festive spread.
India still loves its mithai
A 2024 survey conducted by Scandalous Foods among 1,000 consumers and 100 restaurants has revealed a heart-warming truth, traditional Indian sweets made up 55% of all festive dessert sales. The findings highlight how mithai remains deeply intertwined with our emotions and customs. In India, gifting sweets isn’t just a tradition; it’s a gesture of love, goodwill, and togetherness.
From wedding boxes filled with Kaju Katli to Diwali hampers bursting with laddoos and barfis, sweets are a language of celebration that transcends generations. Even as global dessert trends enter Indian homes, the humble mithai continues to rule hearts and dessert tables.
Western desserts make space, not competition
The same Scandalous Foods survey found that Western desserts account for just 25% of festive dessert sales, while ice creams and chocolates together contribute another 20%. Despite the rise of patisseries, fusion bakeries, and gourmet gifting, it’s clear that India’s collective sweet tooth still leans towards its desi roots.
It’s not that Western desserts are fading rather, they’ve found their own celebratory corner. Brownies, mousse cups, and cupcakes are seen as trendy alternatives, but when it comes to cultural celebrations like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or Holi, nothing replaces the emotional connection of mithai.
The comeback of traditional flavours with a modern twist
From the evergreen Rasmalai and Gulab Jamun to inventive fusion delights like Rasmalai Tiramisu or Motichoor Cheesecake, India’s festive palate is evolving. Today’s consumers are embracing innovation while staying rooted in tradition. Chefs and home bakers across the country are experimenting with textures, ingredients, and global techniques to reimagine Indian sweets — and the results are nothing short of delightful.
This fusion movement reflects the modern Indian identity: open to experimentation but deeply proud of its heritage. The modern mithai isn’t just a sweet; it’s a cultural bridge between the old and the new.
Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai: The undisputed sweethearts
When it comes to festive indulgence, Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai remain unbeatable favourites. Their soaring demand every festival season proves how timeless flavours never go out of style. Whether served in their traditional syrupy form or reinvented with a twist think chocolate-stuffed Jamuns or pistachio Rasmalai cake these sweets continue to define the heart of Indian celebrations.
It’s not just about taste it’s about sentiment. These sweets remind us of family gatherings, temple offerings, and festive afternoons when everyone reached for that one extra piece of mithai.
A sweet future ahead
As India’s dessert scene evolves, one thing remains certain — the charm of traditional mithais is eternal. They embody the essence of Indian festivals: joy, unity, and indulgence. So while macarons and tiramisu may tempt the taste buds, it’s the familiar comfort of Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and Kaju Katli that continues to define India’s sweetest celebrations.
Because in India, dessert isn’t just a course; it’s an emotion, a memory, and a celebration in itself.
