While tiramisu, cheesecakes, and brownies may grace the dessert counters at today’s lavish weddings, it’s the age-old jalebi, rabri, and kulfi that continue to steal the show. According to a new insight-driven report by Scandalous Foods, India’s fast-growing B2B innovator in preservative-free Indian sweets, a resounding 72% of wedding guests prefer traditional Indian desserts over international confections.
The report, which draws from internal catering observations and wedding service insights, highlights how the emotional connection with mithai—rooted in memory, culture, and celebration—still outweighs the allure of Western treats in high-stakes social gatherings.
Jalebi with Rabri emerged as the star dessert, with over 50% of guests going back for second servings, making it the most repeated indulgence on the buffet. Gulab jamun followed closely, while kulfi—a hit across all age groups—was noted for its “pre- and post-meal” appeal. These findings speak volumes about the enduring power of nostalgia on the Indian palate.
“Weddings in India are deeply emotional events, and dessert choices reflect that sentiment. People may admire a tiramisu, but they return—again and again—for jalebi with rabri or a kulfi that reminds them of childhood. At Scandalous Foods, we believe that tradition isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, and we’re here to reimagine it for the modern palate without losing its soul.” said Sanket S., Co-Founder, Scandalous Foods.
The report also debunks the idea that weddings are becoming photo ops for food. When asked whether desserts are chosen more for Instagram than actual indulgence, the answer was clear: people eat what they crave, not what’s trending on social media. “In fact,” the spokesperson added, “since people are so well-dressed at weddings, it’s the clothes that dominate the photo ops—not the food.”
A trend to watch? Mithai sundaes and shots in dessert glasses, predicted by Scandalous Foods as the next big thing in wedding sweets. These compact, aesthetic servings may bridge the gap between tradition and modern plating, offering nostalgia in a contemporary avatar.
With wedding menus evolving faster than ever, Scandalous Foods’ latest data underscores a simple truth—emotional comfort, cultural memory, and repeat value matter more than novelty when it comes to dessert. For brands in the F&B industry, the message is loud and clear: the Indian sweet tooth still beats in traditional rhythms, especially when it comes to the biggest celebration of them all.