Travelling around the globe is one of the biggest treats in life. You get to experience a new world, its people, its architecture, and of course, even its tasty eats! In countless cultures, eating and drinking together is a cornerstone of socialisation. So for many, immersing themselves in the food and drink of a destination is a surefire way to get a better sense of the culture and the people while you travel.
Related: Check out the best chocolate cake recipes from around the world.
If you’re looking for a guide to the indulgent desserts you’ll encounter on your worldwide travels, it’s your lucky day! Expat Explore has rounded up some of the yummiest desserts to try all across the globe.
Take a look at our top 10 indulgent desserts from around the world:
Künefe (Turkey)
Best described as a sweet cheese pastry, Künefe is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that’s become a staple in Turkey among locals and travellers alike. This dessert is made by soaking a cheese pastry in a sugar-based syrup. The Kadayif pastry is filled with stringy cheese and cooked until a crispy, golden brown before drenching it in the sugar syrup and serving it warm.
A visit to Turkey wouldn’t be quite the same without trying this classic dessert. The combination of warm, stringy cheese and the syrupy goodness it’s topped with makes for an unmatched dessert you’d regret not tasting.
Related: Find out the best times to travel to Turkey for an unforgettable experience
Black Forest Cake (Germany)
Originating in Germany, Black Forest Cake is named after the Black Forest region where it found its start. Traditional Black Forest Cake is made by layering soft and light chocolate sponge cake drenched in cherry syrup with whipped cream in between. Topped with fresh cherries, this cake perfectly combines the chocolatey richness of the sponge cake with the fresh and tart cherries for a dessert like no other!
Make sure to try this iconic German dessert when you travel to the region. Or, make it at home before or after your trip. You won’t regret it!
Related: Visit these incredible German destinations on your trip!
Kanelbullar (Sweden)
Similar to cinnamon buns but not quite the same, Swedish Kanelbullar are made with cardamom in the dough and a buttery cinnamon sugar filling. These delicious cinnamon and cardamom flavoured buns are a favourite in Sweden and worldwide due to their softness, sweetness and spiciness. What more could you want from a dessert when you travel?
Next time you’re in Sweden, make sure to try this classic dessert that’s taken the world by storm!
Related: In case you need more reasons to visit Sweden, read our blog!
Baked Alaska (USA)
Simply put, the Baked Alaska is an ice cream cake covered in caramelised meringue. But one bite of this classic American dessert and you’ll realise that such an oversimplification does this dessert no justice. By combining tart sorbet, vanilla and chocolate ice cream before covering it in pound cake and topping it with caramelised meringue, this dessert ticks all of the flavour, texture and temperature boxes. For some added theatrics, restaurants will light it on fire and caramelise the meringue right before your eyes!
When you travel to the United States of America, be sure to try this unmissable dessert in its country of origin.
Related: Try delicious American dishes when you join our Eastern USA and Canada tour!
Mochi (Japan)
If soft, sweet and sticky are what you look for in a dessert, then Japanese Mochi is your best bet! This classic rice cake dessert is made of mochigome (short-grain rice) to form a chewy dough. This is then wrapped around your favourite ice cream or filling of choice in modern variations.
When you visit Japan, make sure to try this tasty dessert in its homeland. Many people make many different variations, but you can’t beat the classic recipe still used in Japan. Have fun exploring all the different types!
Related: Check out some more things to do in Japan and be sure to try these foods!
Rogel (Argentina)
This Argentininian dessert, made of crispy pastry layered with dulce de leche and topped with meringue, is a staple at most celebrations like weddings and birthdays for good reason. This classic dessert is sweet, crispy and relatively easy to make. However, the Italian meringue on top may be a bit trickier to master than the classic meringue.
So, when you visit Argentina, make sure to give the Rogel a go so you can say you’ve had it made and served the traditional way! Now, if that isn’t a good enough reason to travel…
Related: Ready for the South American adventure of a lifetime?
Tiramisu (Italy)
While you may have tried this Italian classic somewhere else in the world, as it’s become a popular dessert almost everywhere, there’s nowhere better to try the Tiramisu than in Italy. This iconic dessert is made by dipping lady finger biscuits or sponge cake in coffee. Then, it is layered it with a creamy mascarpone custard and whipped cream and topping it with cocoa powder. It’s rich, creamy and undeniably satisfying!
On your next trip to Italy, add Tiramisu to your list of things to try. It might just be a highlight of your experience!
Related: Check out other top local Italian events and experiences.
Tarte Tatin (France)
This popular dessert, with origins in France, is made with caramelised fruit (traditionally apples), a crispy pastry and a dark, rich caramel. This sweet single-crust pie is made upside down in a skillet, allowing for the fruit to perfectly caramelise and the pastry to fully cook.
While you can get it pretty much anywhere in the world, you’ll thank the Tatin sisters who (allegedly, accidentally) invented it once you’ve tasted it on a trip to France. There truly is nothing like it.
Related: Discover the top 10 travel destinations in France to visit!
Tres Leches (Mexico)
Tres Leches cake is a simple yet delicious Mexican dessert consisting of light, airy cake soaked in three delectable milk variations: condensed milk, evaporated milk and whole milk, and covered with a lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit (strawberries). While the sponge layers are drenched in milk, the cake retains its light texture due to the perfectly airy cake layers.
Add this delectable dessert to your itinerary when you plan on visiting Mexico or anywhere nearby! This dessert alone makes it worth the visit.
Malva Pudding (South Africa)
This South African staple is a must-try when you visit! Think of this dessert as a caramelised sponge cake with apricot jam, sweet cream sauce, and served warm with custard. While locals in South Africa have many different family recipes, the final product usually looks and tastes the same: a rich, sweet and sticky sponge cake topped with freshly made custard.
If you’re ever lucky enough to try a real South African malva pudding made by a local, you’ll understand why this one made the list. Be sure to give it a go on your next South African trip!
Related: Discover more interesting facts about South Africa before you travel.
Now that you’ve discovered some of the most popular and delicious desserts from all over, you can give them a try in their countries of origin when you book a tour with Expat Explore!