From childhood treats to festive must-haves, Indian sweets are more than just desserts – they’re memories.
There’s something about Indian sweets that speaks directly to the heart, whether it’s a bite of syrupy gulab jamun, a crumbly kaju katli, or the festive glow of motichoor ladoo. For many desis living in the U.S., these classics aren’t just desserts; they’re nostalgia wrapped in flavor.
And now, in 2025, you can order Indian sweets online and have them delivered right to your doorstep, wherever you are in America. Here are 10 classic Indian sweets that are a click away, plus the trusted stores behind them.
Table of Contents
1. Gulab Jamun
What it is: Deep-fried milk solid balls (usually made from khoya or milk powder), soaked in rose-scented sugar syrup. Often served warm, it’s a staple at Indian weddings and festivals.
Why it’s loved: It’s rich, sweet, and comforting, like a warm hug on a plate. Best enjoyed after a spicy meal or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Kaju Katli
What it is: A diamond-shaped fudge made from finely ground cashews, sugar, and sometimes cardamom or ghee. Often topped with edible silver leaf (varak).
Why it’s loved: It’s understated, not-too-sweet, and luxurious. Often gifted during Diwali and weddings, it’s a symbol of celebration and class.
3. Rasgulla
What it is: Soft, white balls made from chenna (fresh paneer), cooked and soaked in light sugar syrup. A delicacy from Bengal and Odisha.
Why it’s loved: It’s not as rich as other sweets, making it ideal for warm-weather desserts. Slightly chewy, slightly bouncy, and sweet, but never cloying.
4. Motichoor Ladoo
What it is: Tiny balls of fried gram flour (boondi), soaked in saffron-infused syrup and shaped into round ladoos. Often dotted with nuts or melon seeds.
Why it’s loved: It’s the sweet of choice for celebrations, birthdays, weddings, poojas. The tiny boondis give it a melt-in-the-mouth feel that’s unique to this classic.
5. Soan Papdi
What it is: A cube or rectangular piece of spun sugar and gram flour, lightly sweet and flavored with cardamom. It crumbles like cotton candy but has a slight grainy texture.
Why it’s loved: Light and snackable, it’s the sweet you offer guests when they visit unexpectedly, and then end up eating the whole box yourself.
6. Kalakand
What it is: A dense, grainy milk cake made by reducing fresh milk with sugar and paneer. It’s mildly flavored with cardamom and often garnished with pistachios.
Why it’s loved: It feels like homemade comfort – soft, not too sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Kalakand has a distinct texture that’s a cross between burfi and halwa.
7. Peda
What it is: A small, disc-shaped sweet made from khoya, sugar, and often flavored with saffron or cardamom. Offered during poojas and often associated with temples.
Why it’s loved: It’s rich, devotional, and timeless. One bite instantly takes you back to temple visits or prasad distributed after morning prayers.
8. Badam Burfi
What it is: A smooth square of almond fudge made from ground almonds, sugar, and ghee. Some versions include rose or saffron for aroma.
Why it’s loved: It’s elegant and rich without being overly sugary, ideal for those who want a more “grown-up” mithai. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s indulgent but not overwhelming.
9. Cham Cham
What it is: A cousin of rasgulla, cham cham is a chenna-based sweet soaked in syrup and often filled with sweet khoya and rolled in coconut.
Why it’s loved: It’s vibrant, rich, and perfect for big gatherings. The filling adds a creamy contrast to the spongy shell, making it more indulgent than its simpler sibling.
10. Gajar Halwa
What it is: A slow-cooked pudding made from grated carrots, ghee, milk, sugar, and dry fruits. A winter favorite that fills the house with the scent of cardamom and comfort.
Why it’s loved: It’s warm, nostalgic, and soul-soothing. Often made during weddings, Diwali, and cold months, it’s the sweet that feels like a warm blanket.
Where to Order Indian Sweets Online in the USA
Here are the top four stores delivering authentic Indian mithai across the U.S.:
Rajbhog Foods
One of the most established Indian sweet brands in America. Based in New Jersey with locations nationwide, they offer a wide variety of sweets that are consistently fresh and vacuum-packed for long-distance delivery. Known for: peda, gulab jamun, rasgulla, and festive combos. Get it via Quicklly.
Shaheen Sweets
A family-owned sweet shop founded in 1973 in New York, Shaheen Sweets focuses on traditional handmade mithai using time-honored recipes. Their ladoos, cham cham, and kalakand are bestsellers during festivals and family functions.
Almond House
A premium Hyderabad-based mithai brand now shipping across the U.S. Their sweets use high-quality dry fruits and minimal sugar, making them a go-to for classy, refined gifting options. Known for kaju katli, badam burfi, and special festive boxes.
Mithaas
With locations in New Jersey and nationwide delivery, Mithaas blends traditional recipes with modern convenience. Their gajar halwa, soan papdi, and fusion desserts make them a favorite for both everyday sweets and party platters.
Final Thoughts
Indian sweets are more than sugar and ghee, they’re cultural markers, family memories, and small pockets of joy. Whether it’s the kaju katli that reminds you of Diwali at home or the first bite of warm halwa on a cold evening, these desserts carry meaning.
And now, thanks to Indian sweet stores like Rajbhog Foods, Shaheen Sweets, Almond House, and Mithaas, getting authentic mithai in the USA is just a few clicks away. So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the hunt, and let tradition come to your doorstep.
