Soft, syrupy, and meltingly sweet, Gulab Jamun is the undisputed classic of Indian desserts. These golden-brown dumplings are made from a delicate dough of khoya (reduced milk solids), gently kneaded and rolled by hand before being deep-fried to a perfect, caramelised finish.
Once fried, the dumplings are soaked in a warm rose-scented sugar syrup, flavoured with green cardamom and a touch of saffron. Served warm or at room temperature, every bite is rich, tender, and perfumed with floral sweetness. It’s a celebration in itself — indulgent, nostalgic, and utterly comforting.
Gulab Jamun gets its name from two Persian words — “gulab” (rose water) and “jamun” (a small Indian fruit the dessert resembles in shape and colour). Thought to have Mughal origins, this dessert became a staple in South Asian households, always appearing at festivals, weddings, and family feasts.
The use of khoya gives the dish its signature dense-yet-soft texture, which holds the syrup beautifully. The warm, floral notes of the syrup balance the richness of the dumplings, creating a sweet that’s both luxurious and familiar.
At BKC London, our Gulab Jamun is made fresh with slow-cooked khoya for that perfect soft-centred bite. Each dumpling is fried low and slow, giving it a gentle crust that soaks up the syrup without falling apart. The syrup itself is delicately balanced; sweet, but not cloying, with subtle hints of rose and cardamom.
Served warm and often garnished with pistachios or edible silver, it’s a comfort ritual, best shared (or not) after a hearty meal.
A: It’s traditionally sweet, but not overly so — the rose-infused syrup and slow-frying keep the sweetness balanced and aromatic.
A: We serve it warm for the best experience, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature. The texture stays soft and satisfying either way.
A: Yes, absolutely. Our Gulab Jamun is made with vegetarian ingredients and traditional khoya — no eggs or gelatin used.
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