Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, then you must explore the rich and diverse world of traditional sweets from Karnataka. This southern Indian state is renowned for its wide array of sweet delicacies that are deeply rooted in its culture and traditions. Indulge in the delectable world of famous Karnataka sweets, where every bite is a celebration of flavours and traditions.

Hailing from Karnataka, the sweets and savouries of the state are much more than that for us. Wrapped in their sweetness is the warm essence of nostalgia. Each and every sweet that we write about here has some or other special memory associated with it. Be it the ubiquitous Mysore Pak, or the relatively rare Halbai, every sweet is a trigger to release a million sparks of nostalgia.

Karnataka, known for its rich culinary heritage, offers a unique array of special sweets that leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. From the melt-in-your-mouth Mysore Pak to the aromatic Obbattu (Holige), these traditional delicacies reflect the cultural diversity and culinary prowess of the state.

The traditional delicacies of Karnataka evoke a sense of nostalgia and cultural heritage. Embark on a delightful journey as you savour the irresistible sweetness of these special sweets of Karnataka, making Karnataka a paradise for sweet lovers. So, if you haven’t had the pleasure of trying out these traditional treats yet, it’s time to embark on a sweet journey through the flavours of Karnataka.

Famous Karnataka Sweets

Experience the essence of Karnataka’s culinary heritage with the traditional sweets of Karnataka. From the iconic Mysore Pak to the heavenly Obbattu (Holige), these famous Karnataka sweets showcase the state’s rich tradition and diverse flavours.

Each bite transports you to a realm of authentic sweetness, leaving a lasting impression and creating a haven for those with a sweet tooth, these traditional sweets turn Karnataka into a paradise for dessert connoisseurs. Delve into a delightful journey of taste as you explore the irresistible charm of these traditional delicacies of Karnataka.  

Karnataka Sweets | Traditional Sweets of Karnataka 

Karnataka is known for its authentic traditional sweets that have been cherished for generations. Delightful traditional sweets from Karnataka offer a unique taste and texture that reflects the culinary richness of the region.

Karnataka sweets hold a special place in the hearts of the locals, being an integral part of every household, cherished not only during festivals and celebrations like house-warming and weddings but also exported to share the age-old tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Here is the South Indian sweets list – a list of traditional sweets from Karnataka:

Mysore Pak | Mysuru Pak

Mysore Pak is a treasured delight that is synonymous with the royal city of Mysore, known for its heavenly taste and the melt-in-your-mouth texture that brings pure bliss with every bite. When it comes to the best Karnataka sweets, Mysore Pak undoubtedly stands out as an iconic and irresistibly delicious delicacy.

Mysore Pak is known for its two distinct types. The first type is a soft and melt-in-your-mouth version, prepared by blending generous amounts of ghee, sugar, and gram flour to create a dense and luscious confection that effortlessly dissolves on the tongue, leaving a delightful and lingering taste.

The second type is the hard Mysore Pak, which has a firmer texture and a crumbly consistency, offering a delightful bite that gradually dissolves into a rich and sweet experience. Both variations of Mysore Pak have their own unique charm and are equally loved by sweet enthusiasts.

Dharwad Pedha

Originating from the city of Dharwad, this special milk-based fudge is prepared by slow-cooking milk until it thickens, followed by the addition of sugar and flavours like cardamom. The result is a soft, creamy delicacy that delights with its sweet and slightly nutty flavour.

Dharwad Pedha, one of the finest Karnataka sweets, is celebrated as the epitome of culinary excellence, renowned for its exceptional taste, velvety texture, and legacy that spans generations.

Bele Obattu 

Bele Obattu, a traditional Karnataka sweet, is a culinary masterpiece that combines the goodness of lentils and jaggery, encased in soft and delectable bread, creating a symphony of flavours that is truly irresistible. Also known as Holige, this sweet bread is stuffed with a flavorful filling made of jaggery and lentils, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Among the exquisite Karnataka sweets, Bele Obattu celebrates tradition with its meticulously crafted layers, reflecting the culinary heritage it embodies.

Kai Obattu

Kai Obattu is a traditional sweet dish from Karnataka, India, which is made with a combination of rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. It is typically prepared during festivals and special occasions, and its unique taste and texture make it a popular delicacy in the region. Kai Obattu holds a special place in festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Ugadi, Diwali, and various other important celebrations.

Karnataka sweets offers an authentic taste of tradition with its delectable Kai Obattu, enticing with its delightful blend of flavours, tender texture, and a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations, making it a true culinary treasure.

Boondi Ladoo

Boondi Ladoo is a popular sweet treat from Karnataka, made by deep-frying chickpea flour batter droplets, which are then soaked in sugar syrup and shaped into round balls.

Boondi Ladoo is commonly prepared and served during lunchtime at various celebratory occasions, including weddings and housewarmings. The sweet and aromatic Boondi Ladoos are a delightful addition to the festive feast, offering a burst of flavours and textures that are enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Hayagreeva

Hayagreeva, a divine delicacy, embraces the richness of chana dal, jaggery, and a medley of dry fruits, bringing together a symphony of flavours and textures that leaves a lasting impression of nutty bliss. Hayagreeva is lovingly prepared and offered to the Gods as a sacred and divine sweet dish, symbolizing devotion and gratitude.

Kunda

Kunda, a heavenly milk-based sweet speciality from Belgaum, is born from the painstaking process of reducing milk to a grainy consistency, infusing it with the essence of dry fruits, resulting in a creamy and delectable treat that is truly divine.

Kunda is one of the most famous Karnataka sweets, known for its irresistible creamy taste.

Karjikai | Kadabu

Karjikai, also known as Kadabu, tantalizes the palate with its crescent-shaped form, revealing a luscious blend of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom that dances harmoniously to create a delightful snack fit for festive celebrations.

Kadabu, a sacred delicacy prepared during the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, is lovingly crafted using a filling of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom or a combination of dry coconut, sugar, and cardamom. These delectable dumplings are meticulously shaped and steamed or deep-fried with utmost devotion, symbolizing the offering made to Lord Ganesh, filling the air with an irresistible aroma and adding an extra touch of sweetness to the festive celebrations.

Kesari Bath

Kesari Bath, a vibrant and aromatic South Indian dessert, entices with its golden hues and the delicate flavours of saffron and cardamom, harmonizing semolina, ghee, and sugar into a sweet dish that awakens the senses.

Kesari Bath, a classic South Indian sweet dish is a popular breakfast item available at all eateries in Karnataka that serve South Indian dishes. Another delightful variation, Pineapple Kesari Bath, incorporates the tangy sweetness of pineapple, adding a burst of tropical flavour to this delectable breakfast treat, enticing the taste buds of early morning diners.

Gasagase Payasa

Gasagase Payasa, a traditional Karnataka Payasa (kheer) made with poppy seeds, coconut, jaggery, and milk, is not only a popular sweet served during festivals but is also known for its cooling properties. Consuming Gasagase Payasa is believed to have a soothing effect on the body, helping to cool it down and promote relaxation. It is often enjoyed before bedtime, as it is believed to aid in restful sleep, making it a cherished and refreshing treat during festive occasions.

Karadant

Karadant, a culinary gem from North Karnataka, combines the richness of dry fruits, jaggery, and edible gum, presenting a chewy delight that offers a burst of flavours and textures in every bite.

Manohara

Manohara, a traditional layered dessert, showcases the artistry of cashews, ghee, and sugar syrup, interlacing them with the aromatic notes of cardamom, creating a tantalizing and irresistible treat that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.

Kajjaya | Atirasa | Sajjappa | Yeriyappa | Eriyappa  

Kajjaya has different names like Atirasa, Sajjappa, Yeriyappa, and Eriyappa. These deep-fried discs of sweetness made from rice flour, jaggery, and cardamom, are a testament to the joyous spirit of celebration, offering a crispy and aromatic indulgence that symbolizes festivity.

Kajjaya holds a special significance during Saraswati Puja, which is celebrated during the auspicious Navratri festival. Offering Kajjaya during Saraswati Puja is a way to honour the goddess of knowledge and arts, and it adds a touch of sweetness and auspiciousness to the festive celebrations.

Rave Unde

Rave Unde, also known as Rava Ladoo, captures hearts with its nutty allure, as roasted semolina, sugar, ghee, and a medley of nuts come together in perfect harmony to create a delectable and melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Kashi Halwa | Dumrot

Kashi Halwa, also known as Dumrot, beckons with its unique preparation of ash gourd, sugar, and ghee, infused with the aromatic touch of cardamom, resulting in a captivating halwa that exudes an enchanting blend of flavours.

Chiroti

Chiroti, a delicate and crispy pastry-like sweet, crafted with refined flour and ghee, is adorned with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, offering a symphony of textures and a perfect balance of sweetness that leaves a delightful crunch with every bite.

Chiroti holds a significant place in traditional Karnataka weddings, where it is often served during the lunchtime feast. Serving Chiroti in marriages adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to the celebratory meal, making it a memorable part of the culinary experience.

Peni

Peni, these slender and crisp fried pastry strips, made from refined flour and dipped in a sweet sugar syrup, provide a delightful treat that harmonizes the crunchiness of the pastry with the irresistible sweetness of the syrup.

Peni is a cherished addition to the lunch menu at Karnataka weddings. Serving Peni during marriages adds a touch of decadence and celebration to the festive feast, delighting the guests with its exquisite taste and crunchy texture.

Halbai

Halbai, a traditional delicacy made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut, infused with the aromatic embrace of cardamom, presents a dense and flavorful sweet that transports you to the heart of tradition and indulgence.

Halbai is one of the traditional Karnataka sweets with rich aromatic flavours and taste

Balushahi

Balushahi is a traditional sweet dish from Karnataka, consisting of deep-fried, flaky, and crispy pastry made with all-purpose flour. It is then dipped in sugar syrup, which adds a delightful sweetness and makes it a popular choice during festivals and special occasions in the region.

Badam Puri

Badam Puri is a delectable sweet dish from Karnataka, made by deep-frying a dough of all-purpose flour and almond paste. These crispy and flaky puris are often soaked in sugar syrup, enhancing their sweetness and making them a delightfully sweet treat.

Kobbari Mithai

Kobbari Mithai, also known as Coconut Burfi, is a traditional sweet from Karnataka made with freshly grated coconut, sugar, and a hint of cardamom, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and aromatic flavours. This delectable treat is often garnished with slivered almonds or pistachios, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal to this beloved coconut confection.

Milk Peda

Milk Peda, created by simmering milk and sugar to achieve a velvety texture, and delicately flavoured with cardamom, these milk-based treats are a testament to the exquisite art of crafting a rich and creamy confection beloved by all.

Badam Halwa

Badam Halwa is a rich and indulgent sweet dish from Karnataka, prepared using ground almonds, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a heavenly nutty flavour, making it a beloved dessert during weddings, festivals, and celebrations in the state.

Puri Unde

Puri Unde, also known as Puffed Rice Ladoo, is a traditional sweet snack from Karnataka made with puffed rice, jaggery, and grated coconut. These bite-sized treats are quick and easy to prepare, offering a delightful combination of crunchy puffed rice and the natural sweetness of jaggery.

Shavige Payasa

Shavige Payasa is a traditional sweet dish from Karnataka, prepared with vermicelli, milk, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. It is a popular dessert served during festivals and special occasions, known for its rich and creamy texture, along with the aromatic essence of the spices.

Sweet Pongal

Sweet Pongal, also known as Huggi, is a popular sweet dish from Karnataka made with rice, jaggery, and ghee, and flavoured with cardamom and cashews. It is a festive dish commonly prepared during harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti, and its warm, sweet, and comforting taste is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Halkova

Halkova is a traditional sweet delicacy from Karnataka, made with a combination of roasted wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, and flavoured with cardamom, creating a rich and luscious treat that melts in your mouth.

Sihi Kadubu

Sihi Kadubu, also known as sweet dumplings, is a popular dessert in Karnataka made by stuffing a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom into rice flour dumplings, steaming them to perfection, and serving them as a sweet and aromatic delight.

Sihi Kadubu, a traditional sweet dish, holds a special significance during Nag Panchami, a festival celebrated in Karnataka. Nag Panchami is a festival where brothers visit their sisters’ homes, similar to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Sihi Kadubu, which translates to “sweet dumplings,” is prepared and offered as a token of love and affection to brothers during this auspicious occasion, symbolizing the bond of protection and sibling love. These steamed dumplings add sweetness to the festive celebration and strengthen the brother-sister relationship.

Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a delicious Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, creating round, melt-in-your-mouth delicacies that are often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.

Gul Papdi

Gul Papdi, a delightful and crunchy sweet, combines the goodness of wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, and the aromatic essence of cardamom, forming a crumbly texture that is often adorned with almonds or pistachios, adding a touch of nutty delight to this sweet masterpiece.

Sabakki Payasa

Sabakki Payasa, also known as sago pudding, is a creamy and flavorful dessert made with sago pearls, milk, and sugar, and sometimes flavoured with cardamom or saffron, offering a delightful and comforting sweet dish enjoyed in Karnataka.

Godhi Payasa

Godhi Payasa, a traditional Karnataka dessert, is a rich and creamy pudding made with broken wheat, milk, and jaggery, and flavoured with cardamom or nutmeg, creating a warm and comforting sweet dish perfect for festive celebrations.

Jangir

Jangir is a popular sweet from Karnataka, made with a batter of maida flour, deep-fried into thin and crispy swirls, and then soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a delicate and syrupy dessert enjoyed for its unique texture and sweetness.

Soan Papdi

Soan Papdi is a flaky and melt-in-your-mouth sweet treat from Karnataka, made with a combination of flour, ghee, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom or saffron, creating delicate and airy layers that are often enjoyed during festivals.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a beloved sweet delicacy in Karnataka, made with milk solids (khoya), deep-fried and soaked in a sugar syrup infused with cardamom or rose water, offering soft and spongy balls of sweetness that are a favourite in festivals and special occasions.

Shankarpali

Shankarpali, a popular sweet snack from Karnataka, is a crispy and lightly sweetened treat made from flour, sugar, ghee, and a hint of cardamom, often enjoyed during evening tea time or during the festive season of Navratri. These diamond-shaped delights are perfect for sharing and add a touch of sweetness to the joyous atmosphere of celebrations.

Malpuri

Malpuri is a popular sweet from Karnataka, made by deep-frying batter made with all-purpose flour, sugar, and cardamom, then soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a fluffy and syrupy delicacy. It is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and softness.

7 Cup Barfi

7 Cup Barfi is a delicious sweet from Karnataka made with a combination of seven ingredients: coconut, milk, ghee, sugar, besan (gram flour), cardamom, and cashews. It has a fudgy and rich texture, and its name is derived from the equal proportion of these seven ingredients used in its preparation.

Patholi

Patholi is a traditional sweet delicacy from Mangalore, Karnataka, made from steamed rice flour and stuffed with a sweet mixture of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. It is wrapped in turmeric leaves, giving it a distinct flavour and aroma, and is often enjoyed during festivals and auspicious occasions.

Jilebi – Jalebi

Karnataka is renowned for its wide array of delightful traditional sweets, each with its unique taste and essence that captures the essence of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Among these delicacies, jalebi stands out as a beloved sweet treat, featuring a spiral-shaped, deep-fried batter soaked in aromatic syrup, creating a perfect balance of crispiness and sweetness.

14 Places For Special Sweets In Karnataka | Karnataka Sweets

Karnataka is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, particularly its traditional sweets that tantalize taste buds with their diverse flavours and textures. Here is a list of the top 12 places in Karnataka where you can indulge in special sweets and the delightful treats they offer:

Embark on a gastronomic journey through these cities in Karnataka, savouring their special sweets and immersing yourself in the delightful flavours and cultural traditions of the region.

Bangalore | Famous Sweets In Bangalore | Bangalore Special Sweets | Karnataka Sweets

When in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, one must not miss the opportunity to indulge in the delightful assortment of Bangalore famous sweets, showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage and tempting flavours.

In Bangalore, one can relish the authentic and local Bangalore sweets that are a true delight for the taste buds. Some notable options include Mysore Pak, a rich and crumbly sweet made with ghee, sugar, and gram flour. Other popular choices include Obbattu (Holige), a delectable stuffed sweet bread. These traditional treats truly capture the essence of Bangalore’s culinary offerings.

Mysore | Mysore Famous Sweets | Karnataka Sweets

Known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore offers a variety of sweet treats, including the iconic Mysore Pak. This melt-in-your-mouth delicacy made from ghee, sugar, and gram flour is a must-try when visiting the city.

Dharwad | Dharwad Sweets | Karnataka Sweets

Situated in North Karnataka, Dharwad is famous for its mouthwatering Dharwad Pedha – Dharwad Peda. These soft, caramelized milk fudges are prepared using a secret recipe passed down through generations, delivering a delightful blend of sweetness and creaminess.

Mangalore | Mangalore Famous Sweets | Mangalore Sweets | Karnataka Sweets

Located on the coast, Mangalore city boasts a delectable array of sweets. One of the highlights is the Mangalore Buns, fluffy and deep-fried banana bread-like snacks, perfect for indulging in during tea time or breakfast.

Another sweet is Mangalore Chiroti. It is a popular sweet delicacy from Mangalore, Karnataka, made with thin layers of deep-fried dough that are crisp, flaky, and sprinkled with powdered sugar, offering a delightful and indulgent treat.

Belagavi (Belgaum) | Belgaum Sweets | Karnataka Sweets

Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Belagavi is renowned for its signature sweet, Kunda. This milk-based confection is prepared by simmering milk for hours, resulting in a luscious, granular texture and a captivatingly sweet taste.

Another delicacy is Belgaum Mandige, also known as Mande. It is a traditional sweet delicacy from Belgaum made with layers of thin, flaky pastry filled with a sweet and aromatic mixture of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom.

Hassan | Karnataka Sweets

A city with a rich cultural heritage, Hassan is famous for its Holige or Obbattu. These sweet bread are filled with delectable combinations like coconut, lentils, or dry fruits, creating a symphony of flavours that is enjoyed during festive celebrations.

Hubli | Hubli Famous Sweets | Karnataka Sweets

Hubli is a culinary gem in Karnataka, offering the delectable Karadantu. This chewy sweet is made with dry fruits, jaggery, and ghee, creating a burst of flavours and a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Gulbarga | Karnataka Sweets

Situated in the northeastern part of the state, Gulbarga is known for its Tilgul. This traditional sweet, made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is a popular treat during Makar Sankranti and adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to celebrations.

Another sweet is Malpuri. Malpuri is a delectable sweet dish hailing from Gulbarga made by frying a batter of all-purpose flour and semolina until golden brown and then soaking it in a sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy yet juicy dessert.

Udupi | Karnataka Sweets

Udupi, a coastal town famous for its vegetarian cuisine, presents the mouthwatering Hayagreeva. This sweet delicacy combines chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and ghee to create a heavenly dessert that is savoured by locals and visitors alike.

Gokak/Amingad | Karnataka Sweets

Antinunde, also known as Gokak Karidaa-antu, is a delightful sweet treat from the region of Amingad/Gokak in Karnataka, featuring a crispy and lacy texture created by edible gum, ghee jaggery, dry fruits,  grated coconut, and cardamom, resulting in a soft and delectable sweet confection.

Shimoga | Karnataka Sweets

Nestled in the picturesque Malnad region, Shimoga entices visitors with its signature sweet, Akki Roti. This unique sweet dish is made from sweet rice flour and flavoured with jaggery, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and the subtle aroma of freshly ground rice.

Bellary | Karnataka Sweets

Bellary is renowned for its iconic Cycle Khova, a traditional sweet that is sold by vendors on bicycles, dispensed from brass containers onto eco-friendly sal leaf plates. If you visit Bellary, tasting this sweet is a must-do, and you can easily find it from the street vendors peddling through the city.

Mandya | Karnataka Sweets

Mandya is renowned for its special sweet, Mandya Pak. Prepared using gram flour, coconut, and jaggery, this traditional delicacy showcases the region’s culinary expertise and provides a burst of flavours that make it a popular choice during festivals and celebrations.

Bhatkal | Karnataka Sweets

Bhatkal Halwa is a famous sweet delicacy from Bhatkal, Karnataka, known for its unique texture, rich flavours, and the perfect balance of sweetness, created by slow-cooking wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and an assortment of nuts and dry fruits.

Karnataka Sweets – FAQ

What is the state sweet of Karnataka?

The state sweet of Karnataka is Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is known for its dense and melt-in-your-mouth texture, and it is widely enjoyed and celebrated as a traditional delicacy in the state.

Which sweets are famous in Bangalore?

Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is known for its vibrant food culture and diverse culinary offerings. Mysore Pak, Chiroti, Holige (Obbattu), Rava Kesari, and Badam Puri are famous sweets in Bangalore.

Which sweet is special in Mangalore?

Patholi, a special traditional sweet in Mangalore, is a steamed rice dumpling filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom, creating a delicious and aromatic treat.

Which Peda is famous in Karnataka?

Dharwad Peda is a famous variety of Peda in Karnataka. It is a sweet confection made from khoa (reduced milk), and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom.

What is the sweet of Coorg?

Koovale Puttu is the traditional sweet of Coorg, a steamed rice flour dessert made with coconut, jaggery, and cardamom.

The South Indian sweets list mentioned in this post showcases the rich diversity and cultural heritage of traditional sweets in Karnataka. From the iconic Mysore Pak to the delightful Dharwad Pedha, the Karnataka sweets’ names encompass a range of famous sweets that captivate taste buds with their unique flavours and textures.

Each city, from Mysore to Mandya, offers a distinct sweet treat that reflects the culinary prowess and local traditions of the region. Whether you indulge in Mangalore Buns or savour the authentic taste of Holige in Hassan, the Traditional Sweets of Karnataka promise a delightful journey through the flavours and aromas of this enchanting state.

Also read: Easy Diwali Sweets Recipes And Diwali Snacks Recipes

We hope you liked our post on Karnataka famous sweets, offering a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of these South Indian sweets. When you think of South Indian sweets names, which Karnataka famous sweet do you remember? Do let us know about the famous dish of Karnataka that is your personal favourite through our comments section.

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