What Is the Indian Dessert That Looks Like a Donut? A Complete Guide to India’s Doughnut-Like Delicacies
India is famous for its vast variety of sweets, but one question often surprises food enthusiasts: “What is the Indian dessert that looks like a donut?”
The answer is not just one dish—India actually has multiple desserts and snacks that resemble donuts in shape, texture, or preparation. These treats have existed for centuries, long before Western-style donuts became popular in India.
The most commonly recognized “Indian donut” is Balushahi (or Badusha in South India). However, India also has several other donut-like snacks such as Medu Vada, Sel Roti, and even spiral sweets like Imarti. Each has its own unique story, texture, and flavor. Let’s explore them in depth.
1. Balushahi – The Closest Indian Dessert to a Donut
If we had to pick the Indian sweet that most closely resembles a Western donut, it would be Balushahi.
Why Balushahi Looks Like a Donut
Round shape
Sometimes a slight dent in the middle
Deep-fried
Golden brown appearance
Taste & Texture
Balushahi is crisp on the outside and soft, flaky, and layered on the inside. It is soaked in sugar syrup, giving it a rich, glossy sweetness.
Ingredients
Maida (refined flour)
Ghee or butter
Curd
Baking soda
Sugar syrup
How It Differs From a Donut
Unlike the fluffy, yeast-based donut, Balushahi is:
Denser
More sugary
Deeper fried
Richer in ghee
Still, it is the closest Indian counterpart to the donut in both shape and appeal.
2. Badusha – The South Indian Version
In South India, Balushahi is called Badusha.
It has:
Less flaky layers
A softer texture
Mild sweetness
Badusha is especially popular during Diwali and weddings. Though similar to Balushahi, its preparation technique gives it a more melt-in-mouth feel.
3. Medu Vada – The Savory “Indian Donut”
While not a dessert, Medu Vada is the food most visually identical to a donut.
Why People Compare It to Donuts
Perfect ring shape
Hole in the center
Deep-fried
Taste
Completely different from donuts—Medu Vada is savory, salty, and made from urad dal batter.
Served With
Coconut chutney
Sambar
Tomato chutney
Though not sweet, its iconic donut-shaped design often causes people to refer to it as the “South Indian donut.”
4. Sel Roti – Himalayan Donut-Like Bread
Originating in Nepal and Indian Himalayan regions (Sikkim, Darjeeling), Sel Roti is another ring-shaped fried delight.
Characteristics
Made from rice flour
Sweet in taste
Crispy outside, soft inside
Circular like a large rustic donut
Sel Roti is prepared during festivals like Tihar and is a cultural symbol of Himalayan households.
5. Imarti & Jangiri – The Spiral Cousins of Donuts
Though not ring-shaped, these sweets share similarities with donuts because they are:
Deep-fried
Syrupy
Made from batter
Imarti
Made from urad dal, shaped into intricate flower-like spirals.
Jangiri
A South Indian version, thinner and sweeter.
Both have a donut-like indulgence, but with a unique Indian twist.
6. Gulab Jamun Donuts (Modern Fusion)
With the rise of fusion desserts in India, modern bakeries have introduced:
Gulab Jamun Donut
Rasmalai Donut
Kaju Katli Donut
These blend the texture of donuts with traditional Indian flavors, catering to the new generation of dessert lovers.
7. Why India Has So Many Donut-Like Foods
India’s culinary style naturally incorporates:
Deep frying
Dough-based sweets
Sugar syrup
Festival food traditions
This made it easy for Indian sweets to evolve into donut-like shapes long before Western donuts arrived.
Conclusion
The Indian dessert that looks most like a donut is Balushahi, known for its rich, syrupy exterior and flaky interior. But India’s food culture goes far beyond a single dish. From Badusha and Sel Roti to savory Medu Vada and fusion Gulab Jamun donuts, India offers several donut-like treats that reflect its culinary diversity. Each one carries a unique regional flavor, cooking method, and cultural heritage—proving that India has its own delicious versions of the donut.