Modak

Indian food · sweet treat · spiritual

Coconut and jaggery filling. Inside a modak is a delicious mixture of fresh grated coconut and jaggery, which is a type of unrefined sugar. This sweet filling gives modaks their wonderful flavor.

Soft rice flour shell. The outside of a modak is made from rice flour or wheat flour mixed with khowa or maida flour to create a soft, delicate outer layer. When you bite into one, the shell is tender and chewy.

Holy to Ganesha. In Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, modaks are one of Ganesha's and Buddha's favorite foods, so people offer them during prayers and special ceremonies. This makes modaks much more than just a snack, they are part of spiritual celebrations.

Popular across India. While modak started in Marathi culture, people throughout many Indian states enjoy this treat, and it goes by different names like kolukattai or jilledukayalu depending on where you are.