Balushahi

Balushahi is a cherished traditional dessert from the Indian subcontinent, often likened to a glazed doughnut due to its similar ingredients. However, its texture and flavor distinctly set it apart. In South India, there is a close relative to Balushahi known as Badushah, which enjoys equal popularity.

Balushahi is made from maida flour, fried in clarified butter, and then soaked in sugar syrup to achieve its irresistible sweetness. Badushah, on the other hand, involves preparing a stiff dough from all-purpose flour, ghee, and a pinch of baking soda. These dough discs are hand-shaped, fried in ghee or oil, and subsequently dipped in thick sugar syrup, resulting in a sweet treat with a delightfully flaky texture.

Badushahs are commonly available in sweet shops across South India, particularly in regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Notable places to relish this delicacy include Bimbis at Pazhavangadi in Thiruvananthapuram and Sri Rama Vilas, also known as Gundappa's hotel.