5 Unusual Sweet Treats From Around the World

Most of us associate sweet treats with comfort food. And indeed, nothing can beat a warm slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream for those of us with a sweet tooth. While some desserts are better than others, it turns out that not all of them can be considered comfort food. Instead, some sweet treats around the world come with weird ingredients, such as chili powder, salty cheese, or even wasabi. This means that you’re making a big mistake if you think that the meaning of “sweet” can’t go beyond your favorite chocolate cake and cookies.

In this article, we’ll discuss five unusual treats from around the globe that might change the way you think about the concept of dessert.

1. Japanese Kit Kats

There’s nothing unusual about Kit Kats, right? It’s a classic chocolate bar produced by Nestlé that most sweet lovers adore. But the same can’t be said about the Japanese version of this iconic snack. This country has turned the candy into a real constellation of flavors. In fact, in Japanese stores, you can find Kit Kats that taste like matcha green tea, yuzu citrus, sake, purple sweet potato, and even wasabi. All these varieties come in limited edition only, and therefore, it’s an even more authentic experience to grab this treat while you’re in Japan.

Locals often buy them as souvenirs, since different regions release their own special flavors. But if you can’t be in Japan anytime soon, don’t worry, because companies like Snack Box Hampers make it possible to sample unique sweets from around the world right at your home. Japanese Kit Kats can be among those treats, along with various international snacks, such as Cadbury, Lindt chocolate, or Turkish Delight.

2. Lokum (Turkish Delight)

Speaking of Turkish Delight, it’s been a long time since children worldwide have been in favor of the chocolate-covered bar Fry’s Turkish Delight. In fact, it’s been on the market since the 1900s and has become a nostalgic candy for many. While there’s nothing unusual about this particular sweet, the original version of this treat, lokum, is indeed a different story.

Lokum is a traditional Turkish treat made with starch and sugar. It usually comes in various flavors, such as rosewater, pomegranate, or citrus. These days, people serve it with crunchy pistachios or hazelnuts. But there was a time when it was only prepared in the kitchens of the Ottoman Empire as a luxury treat for sultans. Back then, lokum was considered a real delicacy, and it was a symbol of hospitality in the entire country. 

3. Mango Sticky Rice

Japanese Mochi isn’t the only dessert around the world that’s created with rice. Thai people took rice desserts to a whole new level and created something as odd yet delicious as Khao Niew Ma Muang, or mango sticky rice. This sweet treat is one of the country’s traditional desserts, especially popular in the hot summer months when there is a mango season. 

Mango sticky rice consists of rice soaked in sweetened coconut milk, and it’s topped with fresh mango slices. While it might not sound like anything special, once you try it, the creamy texture will indeed surprise your taste buds.

4. Knafeh

Knafeh is a sweet treat that could be described as something that doesn’t always follow the rules of desserts. Yes, it’s true that these days we’re all used to desserts with crunchy kataifi pastry, thanks to viral Dubai chocolate. And at first glance, you might think Knafeh is somehow similar. But in reality, this Middle Eastern classic snack is much more complicated.

Knafeh comes with a crisp golden kataifi topping, but the real treat hides underneath — a layer of melted cheese. This cheese is either Nabulsi or Akkawi, which are salty, firm cheeses from Palestine. This gives Knafeh an incredibly stretchy texture. And this, in turn, is a guarantee that this treat is nothing you’ve tried before.

5. Churchkhela

Let’s end this list of unusual sweet treats with one unique Georgian delight named Churchkhela. Once you look at it, you might be surprised because this sweet snack looks nothing like a dessert at first glance. It’s a long, candle-shaped candy that includes threaded walnuts or hazelnuts and is dipped into thickened grape juice. 

The thing that makes this sweet treat so special is its history. The thing is that Churchkhela is a very nutritious and, at the same time, practical snack. That’s why Georgian warriors often used to carry it during long battles and wars. Plus, it can be stored for months without spoiling. Nowadays, locals even call it the “Georgian Snickers,” since it has almost the same purpose — it’s a portable and high-energy snack. 

Bottom Line

Now it must be clear that sweet snacks don’t have to be only candies, cakes, or cookies. Sometimes, they come in weird textures and include unimaginable ingredients, but still manage to satisfy our sugar cravings. And if you still have trouble believing, just try any of these unusual sweet treats from around the world and you’ll quickly realize how creative a simple dessert can be.