From the royal courts of the Mughals to the global spotlight, India’s iconic sweets are finally claiming their due. In TasteAtlas’ prestigious 2025 list of the 100 Best Desserts in the World, the dense, slow cooked kulfi dessert, along with the silky phirni have secured impressive ranks at 49th and 60th positions, respectively. This recognition among the top desserts in the world celebrates more than just sugar. These award winning desserts honour the centuries old tradition of slow food, as well as complex flavour profiles. As these heritage delicacies outshine their global contemporaries, phirni dessert and kulfi prove that the world is finally developing a serious appetite for the authentic, creamy soul of Indian confectionery.
What is phirni?
Unlike its rustic cousin, kheer, which uses whole grains, phirni dessert is a masterclass in texture. It is a regal, slow cooked pudding that is essentially prepared from coarsely ground Basmati rice simmered in full cream milk until it reaches a velvety, custard-like consistency.
What truly sets phirni apart is its traditional presentation in shikoras, which are small unglazed earthen bowls. These clay pots serve a dual purpose, they chill the dessert naturally while absorbing the excess moisture, and also thicken the pudding into a dense, creamy dream infused with a faint, soulful scent of petrichor.
Often called the ‘food of angels’ due to its Persian roots, phirni dessert is more than just a sweet. It is a chilled aromatic embrace that has defined celebratory feasts from the Mughal era to the modern day.
What is kulfi?
Securing the 49th spot on TasteAtlas’ list, kulfi dessert is often introduced to the West as the Indian ice cream. However, those who actually know of it understand that such a comparison barely scratches the surface. Born to the 16th century Mughal kitchens, kulfi is a dense, frozen marvel that prioritizes richness over fluffiness.
Unlike the Western ice cream, which is churned to incorporate air, kulfi is not churned. It is the result of pure patience, simmering full fat milk for hours until it reduces into a caramelised, nutty concentrate. This high density gives kulfi its legendary slow melting quality, allowing you to savour every velvety bite even in the height of summer.
While the modern iterations of kulfi dessert often include mango and blueberry, the soul of this award winning dessert remains the malai, kesar, and pista varieties.
Decoding the TasteAtlas ranking
In the competitive arena of the TasteAtlas 100 Best Desserts in the World 2025-2026, Indian heritage sweets have done more than just participate. Rather, they have emerged as global heavyweights.
Decoding the list of the top desserts in the world reveals a fascinating shift in the global palate. It shows a move that is away from the airy, whipped textures towards a more dense, labour intensive, and soul satisfying sweets of the East.
Securing the 49th position in the list, kulfi is celebrated for its nutty and caramelised depth, as well as its iconic conical shape. The phirni, on the other hand, is lauded for its velvety smoothness and ceremonial roots.
Why these Indian desserts stole the spotlight
The ranking highlights two major trends that have aided the kulfi and phirni to climb the list of the best desserts in the world.
- The power of slow food- Both kulfi and phirni are the antithesis of modern fast food. TasteAtlas specifically highlighted the simmering process, and the reduction of milk for hours as the secret to their unmatched richness.
- Cultural experiences- Unlike the generic cake, phirni and kulfi come with an ‘experience.’ Whether it is the earthy scent of a clay bowl or the nostalgic sound of a kulfiwalla’s bell, the rankings reflect a global appreciation for desserts that carry a story.
Iconic eateries where you can try phirni and kulfi
According to the TasteAtlas 2025-2026 guide, these are some of the specific establishments that have set the global standard for experiencing the best kulfi and phirni.
Where to taste the world’s best kulfi
- Prakash Kulfi (Lucknow)- Ranked as the most iconic spot for Kulfi Falooda, this 1956 landmark in Aminabad is praised for its dense, saffron infused kulfi that melts perfectly without ice crystals.
- Barbeque Nation (Bengaluru)-A surprising but highly rated modern favourite, the kulfi served at Barbeque Nation is noted for its pure milk base and variety of traditional and seasonal toppings.
- Gokul Chat (Hyderabad)- Famous for its Pista Kulfi, this bustling spot offers a no-frills, authentic street side experience that captured global attention.
- Baba Falooda (Mumbai)- This spot is a legendary Mahim institution where the Kulfi Falooda is served in generous portions with rose syrup and basil seeds.
Where to experience the finest phirni
- Kesar da Dhaba (Amritsar)- Crowned as the #1 place in the world for phirni. Kesar da Dhaba was established in 1916, and is celebrated for its sinfully thick texture served in traditional earthen shikoras.
- Karim’s (New Delhi)- Located in the heart of Old Delhi near Jama Masjid, this spot offers a phirni that is considered as the definitive version of the Mughal classic.
- Bukhara (New Delhi)- For a luxury take, this world renowned restaurant at ITC Maurya serves a velvet smooth phirni that food critics describe to be even better than their own kulfi.
- Dhaba by Claridges (Gurugram)- Noted for its smooth consistency and perfect aromatic balance, this place makes for a top pick for modern foodies.