Embark on a sweet journey around the world with our curated list of top international dessert suggestions for your travels. From the delicate pastries of France to the exotic sweets of the Middle East, these delectable treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and enhance your travel experience. Discover iconic desserts from various cultures, each offering a unique taste and story that reflects the rich culinary heritage of their origins. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in something new, our recommendations will guide you to the must-try sweets that will make your travels unforgettable.
Churros (Spain)
Churros, a beloved Spanish dessert, are crispy, deep-fried pastries that are delightfully crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, these golden, ridged dough sticks are often sprinkled with sugar and can be served plain or with a variety of dips. The most popular accompaniment is a rich and velvety chocolate sauce, perfect for dunking each churro for an extra indulgent treat. Originating in Spain, churros have become a global favorite, offering a delicious taste of Spanish culture with every bite. Whether enjoyed at a local café or from a street vendor, churros are a must-try for anyone looking to savor the authentic flavors of Spain.
Dango (Japan)
Dango, a traditional Japanese sweet, consists of small, chewy rice flour dumplings skewered on bamboo sticks. These soft and slightly sticky dumplings are typically served in groups of three or four, each with a different flavor and color. The most common types of dango are mitarashi dango (glazed with a sweet soy sauce), anko dango (coated with sweet red bean paste), and hanami dango (featuring three different colors representing the blossoms of cherry, peach, and plum trees). Dango is a popular treat enjoyed throughout Japan, especially during seasonal festivals like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival). Its simple yet comforting taste, combined with its cultural significance, makes dango a delightful culinary experience for both locals and visitors alike seeking a taste of authentic Japanese sweets.
Gelato (Italy)
Gelato isthe beloved Italian dessert, is renowned worldwide for its unique allure. Unlike traditional ice cream, gelato boasts a softer, smoother texture achieved through a lower fat content and less air churned into the mixture during preparation. Each spoonful of gelato delivers deep, intense flavors crafted from a variety of ingredients, ranging from classic choices like chocolate, vanilla, and fresh fruit to specialty flavors such as pistachio, tiramisu, and regional fruits.
Served in elegant gelaterias, gelato entices with its array of choices, inviting patrons to indulge in different flavors and styles. The hallmark of Italian gelato lies in its diversity and high-quality ingredients, ensuring each scoop offers a refreshing and decadent experience. Whether enjoyed on a leisurely stroll through cobblestone streets or as a finale to a gourmet meal, gelato embodies the essence of Italian culinary craftsmanship, making each tasting a true delight for the senses.
Mango Sticky Rice (Thailand)
Mango Sticky Rice or “Khao Niew Mamuang” in Thai, is a beloved Thai dessert renowned for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dessert consists of sweet, ripe mango slices served atop a bed of glutinous rice that has been cooked with coconut milk and sugar. The rice, infused with the rich, creamy coconut flavor, is often drizzled with a generous amount of coconut milk and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for added texture and taste.
The star of this dessert is the mango—typically the fragrant and sweet “Nam Dok Mai” variety in Thailand—which adds a refreshing and tropical twist to the creamy rice. Mango Sticky Rice is enjoyed year-round in Thailand, especially during the peak mango season from April to June, when the fruit is at its peak ripeness and flavor. This dessert not only delights the palate with its creamy, coconut-infused rice and juicy mango but also offers a delightful glimpse into Thai culinary culture, where the combination of sweet and savory flavors is celebrated in every bite.
Pavlova (Australia)
Pavlova, an iconic dessert hailing from Australia, is a delightful meringue-based treat named after the famed Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. This dessert is characterized by its crisp and delicate meringue shell that encases a soft, marshmallow-like interior. The meringue is typically topped with a luscious layer of whipped cream and adorned generously with fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, passion fruit, and berries, creating a colorful and vibrant presentation.
The contrast of textures between the crispy meringue and the creamy whipped topping, along with the burst of flavors from the juicy fruits, makes Pavlova a truly indulgent and refreshing dessert, especially popular during the warm Australian summers. Each bite offers a symphony of sweetness and tanginess, complemented by the lightness of the meringue and the richness of the cream.
Pavlova is not only a dessert but also a centerpiece of celebrations and gatherings, symbolizing the joyous and festive spirit of Australian hospitality. Its elegant appearance and exquisite taste make it a beloved choice for special occasions, where it serves as a delicious finale to any meal, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to savor its charms.
Strawberry shortcake (UK)
Strawberry Shortcake, a classic dessert with roots in both British and American culinary traditions, is a delightful treat that showcases the simplicity of fresh ingredients and harmonious flavors. This dessert typically consists of a light and tender shortcake or biscuit base, often sweetened and enriched with butter, which serves as the foundation.
Layered atop the shortcake is a generous portion of sliced fresh strawberries that have been macerated with sugar to release their juices and intensify their natural sweetness. The strawberries are then crowned with a fluffy layer of whipped cream, which adds a creamy richness and a hint of indulgence to the dessert.
The combination of the buttery, crumbly shortcake, the juicy sweetness of the strawberries, and the airy lightness of the whipped cream creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Strawberry Shortcake is typically enjoyed during the summer months when strawberries are in season, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice for afternoon teas, garden parties, and festive gatherings.
In the UK, Strawberry Shortcake is cherished for its nostalgic appeal and its ability to evoke memories of sunny days and leisurely moments shared with loved ones. It continues to be a beloved dessert that embodies the essence of British culinary heritage and the joy of simple, yet delicious, pleasures.
Bingsu (South Korea)
Bingsu is a popular Korean dessert, is a refreshing and indulgent treat that has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Originating in South Korea, bingsu is characterized by its finely shaved ice base, which has a texture akin to freshly fallen snow. This fluffy mound of ice is generously topped with a variety of ingredients that add both flavor and texture.
The most traditional and beloved variety is Patbingsu, which features sweet red bean paste (pat) drizzled over the shaved ice and is often accompanied by chewy rice cakes (tteok), sweetened condensed milk, and a sprinkle of toasted grains like crushed soybeans and sesame seeds. Another popular version is Fruit Bingsu, adorned with a colorful array of fresh fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, kiwi, and more, offering a burst of natural sweetness.
Bingsu is not only a dessert but also a social experience in South Korea, commonly shared among friends and family during hot summer days or as a special treat after a meal. It is served in large, shallow bowls or even in hollowed-out fruits, making it both visually appealing and satisfying to enjoy. The contrast between the light, airy ice and the rich, flavorful toppings creates a delightful harmony of tastes and sensations, making bingsu a beloved culinary icon that embodies the essence of Korean hospitality and creativity in dessert making.
Crème Brûlée (France)
Crème Brûlée is a quintessential French dessert, is celebrated for its luxurious simplicity and irresistible combination of creamy custard and caramelized sugar. This dessert starts with a rich custard base made from egg yolks, cream, sugar, and vanilla, which is gently baked until it achieves a silky-smooth texture and a delicate consistency.
The hallmark of Crème Brûlée lies in its caramelized sugar topping, achieved by sprinkling a thin layer of granulated sugar over the chilled custard and then using a culinary torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. The contrast between the crunchy caramelized topping and the creamy, velvety custard beneath creates a symphony of textures and flavors that captivates the palate.
Traditionally served in individual ramekins to preserve its elegant presentation, Crème Brûlée is a dessert that embodies sophistication and indulgence. It is often garnished with fresh berries or a mint sprig to complement its richness and add a touch of freshness. Crème Brûlée is not just a dessert but a culinary masterpiece that showcases the French passion for craftsmanship and culinary finesse, making it a beloved finale to any fine dining experience or a delightful treat enjoyed on its own.
Pecan Pie (USA)
Pecan Pie is a classic American dessert that embodies the rich flavors and comforting indulgence of Southern cuisine. This decadent pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious mixture of pecans, eggs, sugar, butter, and corn syrup or molasses. The filling is typically sweet and gooey, with a distinct caramel-like flavor that is enhanced by the toasty richness of the pecans.
The pecans, arranged neatly or scattered throughout the pie, add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling. Pecan Pie is often served warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together and the filling to set slightly, creating a satisfying texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
Pecan Pie holds a special place in American culinary culture, particularly in the Southern United States, where it is a staple dessert during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is enjoyed both as a homely treat and as a symbol of hospitality, offering a taste of tradition and a reminder of the simple pleasures found in homemade desserts. Whether served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Pecan Pie remains a beloved dessert that continues to delight generations with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
Sesame Balls (China)
Sesame Balls known as “Jian Dui” in Chinese, are a popular and delightful Chinese dessert that showcases the artistry of Chinese pastry-making. These golden, crispy treats feature a chewy, glutinous rice flour dough that is traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste. The dough is carefully rolled into balls, coated with sesame seeds, and then deep-fried until they achieve a crunchy exterior with a soft, chewy center.
The sesame seeds not only add a nutty flavor but also provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth and sweet filling inside. Sesame Balls are often served freshly fried, allowing the sesame seeds to retain their crispness and the filling to be warm and gooey. They are typically enjoyed as a dessert or snack during festive occasions such as Lunar New Year celebrations or as a delightful treat with tea.
Cendol (Malaysia)
Cendol is a beloved Malaysian dessert that is as refreshing as it is delicious, offering a delightful respite from the tropical heat. This dessert features green pandan-flavored rice flour jelly strands, known as cendol, that are submerged in a bowl of sweetened coconut milk and palm sugar syrup. The combination creates a symphony of flavors and textures—creamy, sweet, and fragrant—that tantalize the taste buds with every spoonful.
In addition to the cendol strands, the dessert is often garnished with ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, and occasionally glutinous rice. The addition of shaved ice further enhances its cooling properties, making it a popular choice during hot and humid days in Malaysia.
Cendol is not just a dessert but a cultural icon in Malaysia, enjoyed as a street food snack or a treat served at local eateries (known as “warungs”). It is cherished for its ability to provide instant refreshment and satisfaction, offering a unique blend of flavors that reflect Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage and tropical climate. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or as a sweet conclusion to a meal, Cendol continues to captivate locals and tourists alike with its irresistible charm and refreshing taste.
Gulab Jamun (India)
Gulab Jamun is a beloved Indian dessert that exudes richness and sweetness, making it a favorite at celebrations, festivals, and special occasions throughout India. These soft, golden-brown balls of fried dough are made from a mixture of milk solids (khoya or mawa), flour, and a pinch of cardamom powder, kneaded into a smooth dough and shaped into small balls. After frying to a golden hue, they are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with rose water, saffron, and cardamom.
The name “Gulab Jamun” translates to “rose berry” in Persian and Urdu, reflecting the dessert’s aromatic essence and spherical shape resembling berries. Each bite of Gulab Jamun offers a delightful contrast—soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the dumpling, balanced with the sweetness and floral notes of the syrup.
Gulab Jamun is often served warm, allowing the syrup to permeate the dumplings, enhancing their flavor and moistness. It is typically garnished with slivered almonds, pistachios, or sometimes even edible silver leaf (varak), adding a touch of elegance and crunch to the dessert.
This iconic Indian sweet is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of hospitality and warmth, often shared generously among friends and family during festive gatherings and celebratory moments. Its popularity extends beyond India, making it a well-loved dessert appreciated by dessert enthusiasts worldwide for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Oliebollen (Netherlands)
Oliebollen, a traditional Dutch treat, is a delightful fried dough pastry that is synonymous with festive celebrations in the Netherlands, particularly during the winter months. These round, golden-brown balls of dough are made from a yeast-based batter enriched with ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and sometimes raisins or currants.
The dough is deep-fried until it achieves a crispy exterior while remaining fluffy and light inside. Oliebollen are typically dusted generously with powdered sugar before serving, adding a touch of sweetness to complement their rich flavor.
Traditionally enjoyed during New Year’s Eve (Oudejaarsavond) celebrations, Oliebollen are best served fresh and warm, straight out of the fryer. Their irresistible aroma and comforting taste evoke feelings of warmth and togetherness, making them a cherished part of Dutch culinary tradition.
Oliebollen are not just a dessert but also a symbol of festivity and joy, enjoyed by people of all ages as they gather to welcome the New Year or during other special occasions throughout the year. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or as a standalone treat, Oliebollen continue to hold a special place in Dutch hearts as a delicious symbol of tradition and celebration.
Medovik (Russia)
Medovik, a classic Russian dessert, is a layer cake that delights with its rich flavors and tender texture. Known for its distinctive honey-infused taste, Medovik consists of multiple thin layers of soft sponge cake generously spread with a creamy filling made from sweetened condensed milk or sour cream.
The sponge cake layers are baked to a golden hue and then soaked in a syrup made from honey and sugar, which imparts a moist and slightly sticky texture to the cake. Assembling the cake involves alternating layers of cake and filling, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a harmonious balance between the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the cream.
Medovik is traditionally garnished with crumbs of the baked cake layers on the sides and sometimes topped with grated chocolate or nuts, adding a touch of elegance and texture. It is typically served chilled, allowing the flavors to develop and the layers to set, resulting in a dessert that is both creamy and satisfyingly dense.
This beloved Russian dessert is enjoyed during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays, where its comforting taste and nostalgic appeal evoke fond memories of home and tradition. Medovik continues to be a symbol of Russian culinary heritage, cherished for its delightful taste and the artistry involved in its preparation.
