[Indian Culture] Indian Desserts That Resemble Chuseok Songpyeon?

Celebrating Chuseok: Exploring India's Dessert and Mithai Culture

-From Gujiya and Modak to India’s Mithai Culture- The bountiful holiday season of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) has arrived. When thinking of Chuseok, the first holiday dish that comes to mind is undoubtedly Songpyeon . Made by kneading chewy rice flour dough, filling it with ingredients like sesame seeds, beans, chestnuts, or honey, and steaming it into beautiful half-moon shapes, Songpyeon is a iconic Korean delicacy shared with family to give thanks for the year’s harvest. Did you know, however, that far away in India, there are delicious traditional desserts and deep-rooted holiday traditions that closely resemble our Songpyeon? In celebration of Chuseok, today we introduce Gujiya , which brings to mind the half-moon shape of Songpyeon; Modak , whose recipe is strikingly similar to Songpyeon; and India’s rich dessert culture. 1. 'Gujiya' (Karanji): Evoking the Half-Moon Shape of Songpyeon The first dessert to introduce is Gujiya , whose appearance immediately reminds Koreans of half-moon Songpyeon or dumplings (mandu). It is also known as Karanji in Western India. Shape & Recipe: The dough is folded into a half-moon shape, and the edges are twisted to seal, mirroring the silhouette of Songpyeon. However, unlike Songpyeon, which is steamed, Gujiya is stuffed with fillings inside a wheat flour crust and deep-fried to a golden crisp—making it a crunchy pastry positioned somewhere between a dumpling and a pie. Fillings: It is filled with a sweet blend of freshly grated coconut, Khoya (slow-cooked milk solids, also commonly referred to as Mawa ), dried fruits, and toasted nuts like almonds and pistachios. Holiday Scenes: Just as families in Korea gather to shape Songpyeon and fry savory pancakes (jeon) during holidays, families in India sit together during Holi and other festival seasons to make large batches of Gujiya. While this tradition was historically centered around women, today, husbands and children in urban areas actively join in, making it a heartwarming festive event for the whole family. 2. 'Modak': The Indian Cousin of Songpyeon in Preparation Method While its appearance resembles a flower bud or a pouch, Modak 's preparation method is actually much closer to Songpyeon than Gujiya is. Similarity in Preparation: Unlike most Indian sweets made from wheat and fried, Ukadiche Modak uses a rice flour dough and is steamed in a traditional steamer. Fillings: It is stuffed with a fragrant mixture of toasted coconut, jaggery (unrefined Indian cane sugar), and cardamom powder. After steaming, it is topped with a spoonful of warm Ghee (clarified butter) and enjoyed hot. ♣ [Indian Mythology] "A Blessed Sweet Offered to Ganesha, the God of Wisdom" In Indian mythology, Ganesha — the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity —is famously known to love Modak above all else. According to legends, Ganesha remained unsatisfied despite grand feasts, but was finally filled with delight after eating Modak. For this reason, during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, people offer 21 Modaks to Ganesha to seek his blessings, prosperity, and good fortune. Just as Koreans say that "shaping beautiful Songpyeon brings good luck," Modak symbolizes wisdom and abundance bestowed by Ganesha in India. 3. Popping Sweetness into Every Celebration! 'Laddoo' and the Mithai Culture Just as rice cakes are shared on auspicious occasions in Korea, Laddoo — a round, ball-shaped dessert —is an essential sweet in India during festivals or happy life events. India has a deeply embedded Mithai Box culture. Beyond religious festivals, whenever there is good news—such as landing a job, getting a promotion, passing an exam, buying a house, or welcoming a baby—people share boxes of Laddoo or assorted Mithai (traditional confectionery) with neighbors and relatives. Feeding a piece of Laddoo directly into the mouth of the person being congratulated is a warm, cherished Indian custom. In modern metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru, many young professionals now enjoy Mithai alongside coffee as well as traditional Chai . In restaurants, these sweets are frequently served paired with authentic Indian beverages like Lassi or Masala Chai . 4. 'Shahi Tukda': Enjoyed in the Royal Courts of the Mughal Empire Indian desserts encompass a rich, diverse history that transcends any single religion. Historical Background: Enjoyed in the royal courts during the Mughal Empire (16th–19th century), Shahi translates to "royal/emperor" and Tukda means "piece." Cultural Significance: Made of deep-fried bread soaked in a sweet milk syrup infused with saffron and cardamom, then topped with nuts, this opulent dessert is enjoyed not only during Hindu festivals but also widely during Eid, the major Muslim holiday. As such, today's iconic Indian treats represent a unified culture shared across the entire society regardless of religious boundaries. 5. India is a Top Producer of Wheat and Rice, so Why Are Cakes and Rice Cakes Rare? India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of wheat and rice. However, European-style bakery bread or chewy Korean-style rice cakes ( tteok ) are surprisingly not the centerpiece of everyday Indian dining. Wheat in India is mostly consumed in the form of flatbreads like Roti and Chapati, while rice is primarily eaten plain or transformed into fermented batter dishes like Idli and Dosa . Although rice-based snacks do exist—such as Pitha in Eastern India or Kozhukattai in South India—rice cakes do not occupy the same central role in daily life and holidays as they do in Korea. Consequently, for most people in India, the term "dessert" naturally brings to mind traditional Mithai like Gujiya, Modak, and Laddoo, rather than Western cakes or pastries. In Closing Just as we share Songpyeon and fresh fruits to convey holiday warmth in Korea, people in India share Mithai to spread joy whenever happiness strikes. This Chuseok, while some expats may have returned to Korea, many are spending the holidays abroad in India, continuing their work and daily lives. Spending the holidays away from home can feel a bit lonely, but even without Songpyeon, why not share some Korean snacks, small gifts, or a warm cup of coffee with your Indian colleagues to pass along the festive spirit? Rather than expecting anything in return, it is about the simple desire to share something good with good people. Perhaps the core meaning behind Korean Songpyeon and Indian Mithai stems from that very same humble sincerity. Though geographically distant and distinct in culinary traditions, the heart that "gives thanks for the year's harvest, gathers with family and neighbors to share sweet hand-crafted treats, and prays for blessings" is identically warm in both Korean Chuseok and Indian festivals. This Chuseok holiday, alongside beautifully shaped Songpyeon, we wish you a rich and colorful season—just like India's Gujiya and Modak! Brunch Story Link