Mysore pak

One of the most iconic sweets to emerge from Karnataka, Mysore pak goes back to the royal kitchens of Mysore. The most popular story about the origin of the Mysore pak goes back to the reign of Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV (late 19th to early 20th century) whose royal cook Kakasura Madappa rustled up a sweet from gram flour, sugar and ghee for a royal event. Asked by the king what it was, he is supposed to have said Mysore Pak (pak or paka referring to something sweet in both Kannada and Sanskrit). Another version says the king asked him to create something so delectable that would fit the majesty of Mysore and he came up with it. Story notwithstanding the sweet is aromatic, rich and textured such that melts in the mouth and leaves you yearning for more. The best place to buy/eat the sweet is at Guru Sweet Mart on Sayyaji Road owned by the great-great-grandchildren of Kakasura Madappa himself.