Food holds a cherished place in Indian culture, going beyond mere sustenance to serve as a cornerstone of celebrations, traditions, and everyday life. From vibrant street food to the decadent sweets that adorn festivals, Indian cuisine is a sensory delight brimming with diversity and hospitality. This allure isn’t limited to Indians alone — foreign tourists often find themselves captivated by the bold and unique flavors. A recent viral video showcased one such moment when a Korean tourist experienced the iconic gulab jamun, leaving audiences amused and charmed.
In the video, the tourist visits a sweet shop, marveling at the size of the freshly served hot gulab jamun, exclaiming, “It is so big!” Unsure of how to eat it, she seeks guidance, and a local advises her to cut it in half with a spoon. Her first bite sparks a joyful reaction as her eyes light up and she exclaims, “Whoa! I really like it,” her face glowing with excitement.
Take a look at the viral video:
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The tourist’s praise of the dessert’s sweetness and creamy texture beautifully captures the magic of discovering a new culture through its cuisine. Her genuine delight has resonated widely, as the video has garnered over 86,000 views, allowing viewers worldwide to share in her moment of culinary joy.
Gulab jamun’s origins are steeped in history and folklore. According to one popular tale, the dessert was the result of an accidental experiment by a Khansama (royal chef) during Shah Jahan’s reign. The chef, inspired by Persian and Turkish culinary traditions combined with Indian sweet-making techniques, is believed to have stumbled upon the recipe while mixing ingredients. This serendipitous creation eventually became a beloved staple in Indian celebrations.
Interestingly, gulab jamun bears similarities to two other sweets from Persian and Turkish cuisines, Bamieh and Tulumba, both of which are fried and soaked in syrup. These shared traits highlight the interconnected culinary heritage of the regions.
Indian cuisine, with its variety and depth, continues to captivate people worldwide, as evidenced by moments like this — a simple dessert that bridges cultures and spreads joy.
