Dessert

பாயாசம்

Payasam · PAH-yuh-sum

Vegetarian

No Tamil wedding ends without payasam. Which one — semiya, pal, paruppu — depends on the festival and the family.

Sweet pudding made from rice, vermicelli, or lentils cooked in milk with sugar, cardamom, and garnished with cashews and raisins.

Festivals & occasions

When families traditionally serve or prepare Payasam.