7 South Indian Unique Desserts That Everyone Should Try 

Payasam 

Payasam is a dessert cherished in South India, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. This creamy delicacy is prepared for special occasions and its name is thought to originate from ‘peeyusham’, signifying nectar or divine food. 

Mysore Pak 

The mere mention of ‘Mysore Pak’ has the power to enchant the taste buds of a dessert enthusiast. It’s like flipping a switch that instantly ignites a mouthwatering sensation. This delectable confection, crafted with generous amounts of ghee, sugar, gram flour, and fragrant cardamom, makes it difficult to resist savouring another delectable bite..

Boorelu 

Originating from Andhra Pradesh, boorelu are deep-fried sweet spheres that symbolize happiness and celebratory moments. These delectable treats are stuffed with a mixture made from Bengal gram, jaggery or sugar, coconut, and cardamom powder, adding a delightful burst of flavour. 

Kozhukkattai 

Kozhukkattai is a well-loved South Indian sweet dumpling composed of rice flour, and it includes a filling made of grated coconut and jaggery, sharing similarities with the ‘modak’ found in other parts of India. 

 Maa Ladoo 

Maa ladoo, also known as maladu, is a high-protein delicacy believed to have its roots in the Tirunelveli district. This delectable treat is crafted from roasted gram dal. 

Unni Appam 

Much like the tender and sweet gulab jamuns, this treat is a favourite in Kerala. Referred to as karollappam, it’s a bite-sized, round sweet composed of rice, jaggery, banana, toasted coconut fragments, toasted sesame seeds, ghee, and cardamom powder. 

Rava Kesari 

Similar to semolina halwa (sooji ka halwa), South India’s rava kesari is an absolute delight, boasting a creamy and toasted flavour profile. Typically adorned with a vibrant orange hue, thanks to the infusion of saffron, it is visually appealing and highly enticing.