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No. 02 · A field guide

Around the world, by sweet

Twenty-two dessert traditions, six continents, three-hundred-and-forty-nine recipes. The grouping below is loose by necessity — borders move, cooks travel, and palm-sugar toffee in Java has more in common with palm-sugar toffee in Negombo than either does with a Viennese strudel a thousand miles north.

But the regional larders are real: a kitchen built on coconut milk and pandan is a different kitchen from one built on butter and quark, and the patterns of what is sweetened with what and at which festival it is eaten are some of the most enduring fingerprints of culture.

All cuisines

Indonesian & Malaysian

Dodol · Serabi · Ais Kacang · Klepon · Durian Crepe

Japanese

Kuzumochi · Monaka · Daifuku · Anpan · Mochi Cheesecake

Chinese

Nian Gao · Red Bean Bun · Mung Bean Cake · Tangyuan · Egg Waffle

Korean

Yaksik · Bingsu · Hotteok · Bungeoppang · Croffle

Thai

Khanom Chan · Khao Tom Mud · Tub Tim Krob · Sankaya · Khanom Krok

Vietnamese

Che Ba Mau · Banh Chuoi · Banh Da Lon

Filipino

Taho · Sapin Sapin · Halo Halo · Buko Pandan · Bibingka

Indian & South Asian

Payasam · Balushahi · Soan Papdi · Sandesh · Mysore Pak

Middle Eastern

Luqaimat · Kataifi · Kunafa · Aish el Saraya · Malabi

Persian

Pashmak · Bastani · Gaz · Sholeh Zard · Persian Saffron Ice Cream

Turkish & Mediterranean

Kremna Rezina · Syllabub · Fig and Walnut Cake · Fennel Seed Biscotti

Italian

Sfogliatelle · Sbrisolona · Baci Di Dama · Granita · Pistachio Gelato

French

Mont Blanc · Paris Brest · Religieuse · Dacquoise · Macarons

Austrian & German

Topfenstrudel · Schneeballen · Donauwelle · Apfelstrudel · Speculaas

Scandinavian

Rodgrod Med Flode · Suksessterte · Klejner · Blotkake · Prinsesstarta

Eastern European

Makos Guba · Medovik · Kremowka · Faworki · Somloi Galuska

British & Irish

Jam Roly Poly · Eccles Cake · Bakewell Tart · Spotted Dick · Parkin

Spanish & Portuguese

Rosquillas · Torrija · Mantecados · Rosca de Coco · Arroz Doce

Latin American

Cremoso · Mazamorra Morada · Chocotone · Cocadas · Manjar Blanco

African

Mandazi · Koeksisters

North American

Frozen Custard · Fairy Bread · Fig Newtons · Zucchini Bread Pudding · Rocky Road Ice Cream

Oceania

Milo Dinosaur · Fairy Bread · Lamingtons · ANZAC Biscuits · Pineapple Cake