Deepavali is a festival of lights celebrated every year by our Hindu friends. Besides delicious Diwali staples like tandoori chicken, briyani, mutton curries, and the like, there are numerous kinds of sweet treats and snacks which you can find whenever you visit your friends’ house during Deepavali. So, get cultured with us and elevate your status among your peers (and their folks’) by learning these desserts’ actual names instead of calling them thingy or sweet stuff.
1. Murukku (Chakli)
In Tamil, Murukku (which also known as Chakli) means “twist”. This traditional delicacy can be found in almost every Hindu household during the celebration. Depending on personal preferences, Murukku is usually made from various types of flavoring spices, black lentil (urad dal), and rice flour. It comes in many shapes and sizes and is deep fried with oil to achieve the addictive, crunchy crisp.
2. Jalebi
Another sweet treat that is common in Malaysia is the Jalebi. This treat looks pretty similar to Murrukus, but it is made mainly with flour and yogurt, and lastly soaked in sugar syrup for that sweet note. Jalebi can usually be found in any Indian shops especially along Little India at Brickfields.
3. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamum is a sweet, chewy sphere of deep fried balls with a heavy coat of sugar syrup. Back in India, these sweet little balls are usually prepare by heating milk in low temperature for a long period time until its water content are evaporated completely. Other than Deepavali, Gulab Jamun is often served during special occasions such as weddings. Extra spices or rose water in sugar syrup are usually added to enhance the flavors for these special occasions.
4. Laddu/Ladoo
This ball-shaped Laddu is a well known Indian dessert that is made from various kinds of flours and nuts. This sweet treat is often served at religious occasions and festivals. Boondi Laddu/Ladoo is the most popular varieties among all types of Laddus. Boondi Laddu is originally from North Indian but over the years, its popularity has spread across South East Asia.
5. Ghee Balls (Nei Urundai)
Ghee Balls is the one of the most sought-after sweet treats during Deepavali. Quite a stark contrast with the list of sweets above, Ghee Balls is more in pale in comparison and its taste is pack with aromatic, earthy, nutty goodness. With the combination of mung bean (moong dal), sugar, cashew nuts, ghee, and ground cardamom, this treat will instantly dissolve in your mouth. Ghee Balls can also be found in other special occasions.
So there you have it! We hope you’ve mastered its names and appreciate it a little more when you have them this Diwali.