When it comes to culinary indulgence, few things rival the sheer delight of sinking your teeth into a perfectly fried treat, especially in the realm of desserts. Recently, Taste Atlas, a globally recognized food rating platform, embarked on a quest to unearth the top 50 doughnuts from around the world, showcasing the diverse array of flavors and textures celebrated across cultures. Among these delectable discoveries were two beloved Indian delicacies, Gulab Jamun and Achappam, reaffirming the universal love for deep-fried delights in the sweetest way possible.
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The top 5 spots on the list are occupied by Bombolini, Bola De Berlim, Giraffe Napoletane, Kkwabeaegi, and Krapfen, forming a truly international selection of deep-fried delights. Among Indian entries, Achappam claimed the 39th spot, while Gulab Jaman secured 44th place. Meanwhile, in a separate ranking by Taste Atlas focusing on the Top Deep-Fried Desserts, Gulab Jamun ranked 8th and Achappam followed at 92nd.
Gulab jamun, a delightful sweet, originates from the Persian terms ‘gol’ and ‘ab,’ translating to flower and water, with rose water being the essence used in this confection. Dough balls are fried until golden brown, then immersed in sugar syrup, making it a beloved mithai across India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives (known as gulab ki janu), Bangladesh, and even Myanmar.
On the flip side, Achappam resembles more of a cookie than a traditional doughnut, yet as a deep-fried dessert, it’s a highly coveted treat for many. Commonly referred to as rose cookies, they originate from Kerala and are believed to have been introduced to India by the Dutch. Variations of the rose cookie can be discovered throughout India and beyond, with Andhra Pradesh offering its own eggless version known as Gulabi Puvvulu or the Persian ‘Nan Panjereh’.
Doughnuts and various other deep-fried desserts hold a unique significance across many culinary traditions. This collective exploration of the worldwide array of doughnuts and their diverse interpretations provides valuable insights into the indispensable role these sugary delights play in the gastronomy of each nation.
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