In conversation with Gyanendra Prasad Kar, Founder, Indian Delights

When it comes to Indian sweets—think gulab jamun, laddoos, and halwa—there’s nothing known as too much ghee or sugar. Why should moderation take a backseat when it comes to Indian sweets?

Moderation has no place here. Indian sweets are about indulgence, about allowing yourself to get lost in the flavors and memories they evoke. They transport you back to when you sat next to your mother or grandmother as they prepared your favorite mithai, filling the house with aromas that made your mouth water. The elders say, “The way to the heart is through the stomach.” So why compromise? Health-conscious versions may exist, but there’s always that lingering sense of something missing, perhaps that extra spoonful of sugar that makes all the difference.

Why is it essential for us to pass down traditional Indian recipes from one generation to another?

Food is a direct line to the soul, a connection to those who came before us. Walk into an Indian household, and you’ll notice that no two families make a dish the same way. There’s always a unique twist—an extra pinch of cardamom here, a different technique. Passing down traditional recipes isn’t just about preserving flavors but safeguarding stories, memories, and identities. It’s about sitting with family, sharing a dish made just the way great-grandma did, and feeling the warmth of generations past. Food is about comfort, belonging, and being part of something larger than yourself.

Gifting dry fruits and chocolates is not how to celebrate Indian festivals, so why is mithai still the best token of love?

Gifting dry fruits and chocolates during Indian festivals might seem convenient, but where’s the soul in that? Mithai, on the other hand, is pure essence. When you give someone mithai, you’re not just offering sweets; you’re offering thoughtfulness. You remember the flavors they like and the exact sweetness they prefer. Giving an apple-shaped Peda because they adore apples or a box of Kaju Katli because it’s their favorite is an act of love. Mithai captures the spirit of the festivals—each piece is carefully handcrafted and infused with time, effort, and love. It symbolizes the sweetness of relationships, blessings, and prosperity, making it far more meaningful than store-bought chocolates, which lack cultural and emotional depth. Indian festivals are inseparable from their associated sweets. Lord Ganesha is celebrated with Modak, and Lord Krishna is celebrated with Mishri. Gifting sweets on these occasions isn’t just tradition—it’s an expression of love, an affirmation of community and culture.

One most underrated mithai that you want to be globally recognized?

The Malpua! This humble dessert is India’s oldest known sweet, yet it doesn’t get nearly the recognition it deserves. Imagine small, deep-fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup, each bite transporting you back to a simpler time. I remember having Malpua with chai as a child – those were magical moments. And the best part? It’s so easy to make. It’s like a pancake with an Indian twist, bursting with flavor and nostalgia.

Fusion kills Indian meals, so sticking to authentic recipes and not messing up is the key to flavor!

Experimentation in cooking is fantastic, especially in the diverse food industry we have today. Yet, when it comes to Indian cuisine, especially sweets, people often crave authenticity, a taste that connects them to home. Fusion dishes have their place, but they can never truly capture the essence of tradition. There’s something deeply comforting about a traditional mithai, made just as it was by previous generations. This is why, in places like Dubai, people often seek out the flavors that remind them of home, preferring the classic recipes over the modern, fusion ones.

Mithai, with its vibrant colors, rich textures, and heartwarming flavors, embodies the spirit of our festivals. Each piece is a labor of love, a thoughtful gift that carries the blessings and warmth of relationships far beyond what any box of dry fruits or chocolates could ever hope to convey.

Gifting dry fruits and chocolates during Indian festivals might seem convenient, but where’s the soul in that? Mithai, on the other hand, is pure essence. When you give someone mithai, you’re not just offering sweets; you’re offering thoughtfulness.