Sweet uprising at restaurants

Hush comes over the table when it arrives. Eleven layers of chocolate cake, whipped chocolate ganache, a hint of a few spices and loads of comfort.

- Smitha Menon

A hush comes over the table when it arrives. Eleven layers of chocolate cake, whipped chocolate ganache, a hint of a few spices and loads of comfort. The Great Wall of Anjuna, a decadent and deeply oomph-y chocolate cake, is not what I was expecting at Jolene, one of Goa's hottest new sunset spots, that boasts of great sea views and dangerously addictive picante cocktails. Later that week, while dining at Hosa, an elegant south Indian dining spot in Goa by the folks behind Indian Accent, I'm blown away by the coconut and curry leaf ice cream and wonderfully nostalgic Iyengar Honey Cake that's served with whipped coconut cream, jam glaze and honey.

Sampling these delights got me thinking of other places where I've tucked into memorable desserts, and how restaurants across India seem to be upping the game when it comes to aftermeal treats that satisfy all our cravings.

Blending nostalgia, avant garde and everything in between, these offerings are a far cry from the same-ol' same-ol' menu combinations of flourless chocolate fondants and blueberry cheesecakes.

Much innovation in India's sweet treats scene is owed to standalone patisseries such as Mumbai's Le 15 Patisserie, National Capital Region's Miam, Mysuru's Sapa Bakery, ice-cream stores like Goa's Cream Choc Gelato, Bengaluru's Lavonne Cafe and its newest baby LICK, Lavonne Ice Cream Kitchen, arguably the country's coolest ice-cream parlour that serves up scoopfuls of gourmet ice cream. But over the past three years or so, dessert menus at restaurants have begun to develop a personality of their own, while carrying on the philosophy of the establishment. In no particular order, here's a list of some of India's most exciting desserts across restaurants.