Desserts are a delicious reflection of the cultures they come from, each offering a unique combination of flavours, textures, and traditions. From creamy, indulgent treats to light, refreshing delights, sweet dishes have a way of bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. Here’s a roundup of eight must-try desserts that showcase the best of international flavours in the UAE.
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun consists of soft, golden balls made from milk solids, deep-fried and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. Known for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle notes of cardamom and rose, this beloved Indian dessert is a treat for the senses. In the UAE, where South Asian cuisine is widely celebrated, you can enjoy authentic Indian dessert at speciality sweet shops and upscale restaurants. Served warm, it offers a comforting and indulgent taste of traditional Indian sweetness.
Country: India
2. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved Thai dessert that pairs luscious, ripe mango with sweet, creamy sticky rice cooked in coconut milk. The tender, slightly chewy texture of the rice combined with the natural sweetness of the mango and a drizzle of rich coconut sauce creates a harmonious and satisfying treat. In the UAE, you can enjoy this tropical delight at Thai restaurants and Asian dessert cafés, making it a perfect choice for anyone craving an authentic taste of Southeast Asia.
Country: Thailand
3. Kunafa
Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with delicate, golden pastry threads, layered with creamy cheese or semolina, and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. The combination of a crisp, buttery exterior and a soft, luscious filling, often infused with hints of rose or orange blossom water, creates a truly indulgent treat. Kunafa offers a delicious taste of traditional regional flavours that is both comforting and memorable.
Country: Middle East
4. Mochi Ice Cream
Soft, chewy rice dough wraps around a creamy ice cream centre in Mochi Ice Cream. This delightful Japanese dessert, now popular among desserts in the UAE, combines a unique texture with a refreshing flavour. It comes in a variety of flavours, from classic green tea and red bean to chocolate and mango. Each bite offers a playful contrast between the slightly sticky exterior and the smooth, cold filling, making it a standout among modern desserts in the UAE.
Country: Japan
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5. Baklava
Layers of thin, flaky pastry are filled with a mixture of finely chopped nuts and sweetened with rich syrup or honey, creating Baklava, a decadent dessert cherished across Turkey and the Middle East. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a melt-in-the-mouth sweetness, often enhanced with a hint of cinnamon or cardamom.
Country: Turkey and the Middle East
6. Churros
Churros are a popular Spanish pastry that has delighted dessert lovers for generations. Rolled in cinnamon sugar and often paired with a thick, velvety chocolate sauce for dipping, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Their warm, comforting flavour and satisfying crunch make them a universally loved dessert that brings a touch of Spanish tradition to any table.
Country: Spain and Portugal
7. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in rich espresso with a luscious mascarpone cream. Lightly dusted with cocoa powder, it offers a perfect balance of coffee bitterness and creamy sweetness in every bite. Often chilled to allow the flavours to meld, Tiramisu has a silky, melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes it both decadent and comforting.
Country: Italy
8. Halo-Halo
Halo-Halo, which means “mix-mix” in Filipino, is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that combines a variety of ingredients, such as sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, and shaved ice. It is topped with evaporated milk and a scoop of ice cream, creating a colourful and indulgent treat. Each spoonful delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavours, from chewy and crunchy to creamy and icy, making it both fun and satisfying to eat.
Country: Philippines
Each of these desserts in the UAE reflects its country’s unique culinary traditions, and in the country’s multicultural setting, these flavours, textures, and aromas tell a story with every bite.
Cover Image Courtesy: : Canva Pro/FineArtFortress, pixelshot and Anna Tekkol
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First Published: November 14, 2025 3:29 PM