Traveling isn’t just about sights—it’s about tastes too. Sweet treats can turn any trip into a memorable adventure. Some are simple and traditional, others are playful twists on familiar flavors. Here’s a roundup of 10 fun desserts and sweet treats from around the globe.
1. Burmese Treat: Sour Plum Candies – Myanmar
Hand-rolled sour plum candies from Bagan are a delightful mix of sweet and tangy, rolled in sugar. Sold by local women’s collectives at roadside stalls near temples, these candies are iconic. Runner-up: Jaggery candies made from cooked sugarcane, often served as a complimentary dessert.
2. Nepali Treat: Lapsi Candy – Nepal
Chewy hog plum candies sweetened with sugar, sometimes spiced with chili. Mild, addictive, and inexpensive, they’re perfect for sampling while exploring Nepal.
3. Jordanian Treat: Knafeh – Jordan
Knafeh is a blend of sweet and savory—fine semolina or noodle-like dough soaked in syrup, layered with cheese. Amman’s Habiba Sweets offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a must-try Middle Eastern dessert.
4. Indian Treat: Candy-Coated Fennel Seeds – India
At the end of meals, bowls of sugar-coated fennel seeds cleanse the palate. The licorice-like flavor is unique, alongside other favorites like makhania lassi, kheer, and gulab jamun.
5. Thai Treat: Mango Sticky Rice – Thailand
A tropical delight with ripe mango slices, sticky rice, sweetened coconut milk, and toasted sesame seeds. Available at street stalls across Thailand, it’s a dessert that’s easy to fall in love with.
6. Bosnian Treat: Turkish Delight – Bosnia & Herzegovina
Soft, chewy, and aromatic, Bosnia’s Turkish Delight comes in flavors like rose with pistachios, lemon, or date with walnut. A sweet reflection of the region’s rich Turkish influence.
7. Cambodian Treat: Black Sesame Seed Squares – Southeast Asia
Protein-packed black sesame squares, bound with honey or sugar syrup. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for quick snacks during travel in Southeast Asia.
8. Middle Eastern Treat: Dried Figs – Middle East & Nepal
Dried figs are naturally sweet and versatile. Sold in local markets from Nepal to Jordan, they make a healthy, energizing treat.
9. Asia: Mango-Flavored Everything – Asia
From mango-flavored cornflakes in Nepal to sodas, chips, cookies, and yogurt, mango dominates Asian snack aisles. Fresh or dried, it’s a tropical obsession across the continent.
10. Global Treat: Fun Chip Flavors – Worldwide
Chips around the world go bold—prawn, crab, paprika, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, emmental cheese, and seaweed. Sampling these quirky flavors is a fun, bite-sized way to experience local culture.
Final Thoughts
From street sweets to playful packaged snacks, the world is full of unexpected desserts. Next time you travel, explore not just the meals, but the fun, quirky treats that make each place unique.
Which of these would you love to try first? Share your favorite sweet discoveries from around the world in the comments!