One of the greatest joys of travel is the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of each country and region. Every destination offers its own array of dishes, drinks, and, most importantly for those with a sweet tooth, desserts. If you’re like me, you’ll always save room for a local delicacy to indulge in a sweet treat at the end of the day. Throughout my travels across the world, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting so many wonderful desserts, but there are a few that truly stand out as favorites—ones I’d happily return for time and time again. Here, I’ll share 11 different desserts from 10 different countries that are absolutely worth trying if you ever find yourself in that part of the world!
Mochi – Japan
Starting off with the famous Japanese mochi—a dessert beloved for its sweet flavor and chewy texture. Mochi is made from glutinous rice that is pounded repeatedly into a sticky, stretchy dough. Traditionally, it’s filled with red bean paste, but you’ll also find versions with fresh fruit or even ice cream, offering an endless variety of flavors. In Japan, the options seem limitless, with unique flavors such as banana, matcha, chocolate, and cherry blossom. If you have the chance, visit a mochi shop where you can sample different flavors and discover your favorite. Many shops also provide the opportunity to watch local artisans make mochi in the traditional way, pounding the rice by hand in a lively and engaging process. You’ll find mochi everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores like 7-Eleven to high-end restaurants, so be sure to save some room after sushi to enjoy this delightful treat!
Turkish Delight – Turkey
Turkey is renowned for its wide variety of sweet treats, and Turkish delight (known locally as lokum) is undoubtedly one of the most famous. In Istanbul, especially in the bustling markets and bazaars, you’ll encounter stalls overflowing with colorful displays of Turkish delight. These chewy, sweet cubes are made from sugar, starch, and flavorings like rose water or lemon and often contain fillings like nuts or dried fruit. Topped with powdered sugar or more nuts, they offer a vibrant burst of flavor in every bite. As you wander through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, vendors will invite you to sample different varieties and combinations, making it easy to find your personal favorite. Whether you’re a fan of rose, pistachio, or even pomegranate-flavored lokum, this iconic Turkish dessert is a must-try when visiting the country.
Baklava – Greece
Although baklava is common in both Turkey and Greece, you’ll find this delicious dessert throughout Greece’s mainland and islands. Baklava consists of thin layers of filo dough, filled with finely chopped nuts—such as walnuts or pistachios—and soaked in sweet syrup or honey, making it a sticky and wonderful treat. The crispy, flaky dough combined with the rich, syrupy filling creates a delightful combination of texture and flavor. Whether you’re at a local bakery or enjoying it as a dessert at a taverna, baklava is a staple in Greek cuisine. With variations depending on the type of nuts used and the addition of ingredients like cinnamon, you’ll find endless varieties to try. It’s the perfect pick-me-up, whether you’re enjoying it after a meal or with a cup of Greek coffee in the afternoon.
Mango Sticky Rice – Thailand
In Thailand, one of the most unique yet refreshing desserts you’ll come across is khao neeo mamuang, or mango sticky rice. This dessert consists of fresh, juicy mangoes served on a bed of sticky white rice, topped with sweetened coconut milk. Some variations may include additional toppings such as sesame seeds or condensed milk. This delicious combination of sweet mango and soft, sticky rice creates a flavor experience that is both simple and extraordinary. You’ll find mango sticky rice sold by street vendors and in markets across Thailand, each with slight variations in presentation, but it never disappoints. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy on a warm evening after indulging in Thai street food.
Gelato – Italy
Italy is world-famous for its gelato, and no visit to the country would be complete without sampling this creamy, flavorful treat. Unlike regular ice cream, gelato is made with more milk and less cream, giving it a creamier and smoother texture. With hundreds of flavors to choose from, including classics like pistachio, tiramisu, and chocolate, the possibilities are endless. Most gelaterias allow you to sample flavors before making your selection, ensuring you find the perfect one for your palate. Whether you’re strolling through Rome, Florence, or the Amalfi coast, gelato shops are everywhere, and each offers a sweet, refreshing way to end a day of sightseeing.
Swiss Chocolate – Switzerland
In Switzerland, chocolate is a way of life, and Swiss chocolate is famous worldwide for its quality and rich flavor. Made with some of the finest cocoa beans and expert techniques passed down through generations, Swiss chocolate offers an amazing experience that is hard to match. Brands like Toblerone have roots in Switzerland, but there are many artisanal chocolatiers producing high-quality, hand-crafted chocolate treats. From creamy milk chocolate to rich dark varieties, Swiss chocolate shops provide a wide range of flavors and styles to taste. Many shops also offer tasting sessions, where you can sample different types of chocolate and learn about the craft behind its creation. Be sure to pick up some for souvenirs—or just to enjoy during your travels!
Chimney Cakes – Hungary
On the streets of Hungary, you’ll find vendors selling warm chimney cakes, known locally as Kürtőskalács. These spiral-shaped pastries are made from sweet dough that is wrapped around a wooden cylinder and roasted over an open flame. The result is a cake with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. Once cooked, the cakes are traditionally rolled in cinnamon sugar, but variations with coconut, nuts, or chocolate are also popular. Wandering through the streets of Budapest, you’ll smell the sweet, smoky scent of chimney cakes being prepared, and vendors are more than happy to serve you one fresh from the fire. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a chilly evening as you explore the city.
Tiramisu – Italy
Another Italian favorite is the classic tiramisu, a dessert that you’ll find in restaurants all over Italy. This layered treat is made from coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, sugar, and a layer of cocoa powder. The combination of bitter and rich coffee, creamy mascarpone, and some cocoa sweetness makes tiramisu an irresistible dessert. While the basic ingredients remain the same, you’ll often find slight variations depending on the region or chef’s style. Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert or as an afternoon indulgence with an espresso, tiramisu is a must-try for anyone visiting Italy.
Macarons – France
If you’re visiting France, no trip would be complete without indulging in the delicate and elegant macarons. These colorful confections are made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, with a creamy filling in the center. The light, airy texture of the macaron, combined with the rich flavor of the filling, makes for a perfect bite-sized treat. Macarons come in a wide range of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more exciting options like strawberry, pistachio, and raspberry. You’ll find them in patisseries across the country, often displayed like elegant works of art. Be sure to stop by a specialty macaron shop, where you can sample a variety of flavors and discover your favorite.
Apple Strudel – Austria
If you’re looking for an iconic pastry, head to Austria and get a traditional Apple Strudel. This dessert is a combination of thin, flaky layers of dough filled with sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Once baked, the outer layer gets crispy while the inside stays warm and gooey with that delicious apple flavor. Cafes all over Austria sell these pastries, and they’re often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream on top to make it even more mouthwatering. The blend of tart apples with the sweetness of the pastry is hard to beat, and it’s perfect to enjoy with tea while soaking in the cozy atmosphere of Austria.
Churros – Mexico
A popular street food and dessert in Mexico is the famous churro. These fried dough pastries are coated with cinnamon and sugar, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You’ll find street vendors selling them all over Mexico, and they’re the perfect treat to snack on while wandering the streets. Sometimes, churros are served with ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate for dipping, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. They’re simple but so good, and whether you’re enjoying them on their own or with a little something extra, churros are a must-try when in Mexico!
Be sure to check out all of these unique and delicious sweet treats when traveling around any of these regions! There is always room for dessert, especially when you’re traveling! Happy traveling! For more of my adventures and travel tips, check out my recent blog posts!