One of the greatest pleasure when travelling is trying the culinary delights of different cultures around the world. And in this universe of flavours, desserts are always close to every traveller’s heart. French confectionery and Italian ice cream always spring to mind among people’s favourites but what about Asian desserts? Asia is synonymous with the exotic, and its desserts never fail to amaze. If you’re planning on visiting any of the incredible countries in Asia, don’t miss out on the splendid culinary offerings that this mystical destination has to offer.
Mochi
This delicious dessert is made from rice flour mixed with sugar, coconut milk, condensed milk and food colouring and filled with a sweet red bean paste, which gives it a sweet taste and its spongy consistency. Mochis are eaten throughout the year, although there is a traditional, seasonal speciality for the Japanese New Year.
Khanom Chan
An ancient Thai dessert which the country’s ancestors believed attracted happiness and prosperity for both the person who makes it and the eater. Ingredients include three types of flour (rice, talcum and tapioca), coconut milk, sugar and artificial colouring. The final result is a delicious gelatin with a mousse-like consistency with thin coloured layers.
Mooncake
Mooncake is a small Chinese pastry that’s traditionally eaten with a cup of Chinese tea during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are usually filled with a lotus seed paste, and some versions may use cooked eggs, meat or vegetables for the filling, and are surrounded by a thin crust made from chewy, flaky or tender pastry depending on the region where they are made. According to Chinese custom, the mooncake should be given as a present as it provides harmony and longevity.
Ras Malai
This delicious Indian dish consists of small balls of chhenna cheese dipped in a sugar syrup mixed with milk, saffron and cardamom and usually served with pistachios, almonds and dried fruits. What really makes this dessert irresistible is the creamy texture and sweet flavour, and it’s often been described as a rich cheesecake without a crust.
Tangyuan
Tangyuan is prepared especially to celebrate the Chinese New Year as it’s believed to attract a prosperous future and symbolise family togetherness. They are made from sweetened balls of rice flour in different sizes that can be filled or unfilled that are cooked in a little water and later served in a clear soup broth.
These are some of the most famous Asian desserts capable of awakening cravings among even the most disciplined. So don’t hold back and make sure to savour the bold and distinctive flavours of Asian cuisine.
