A Sweet Memory: The Day when both my kids, Muhammad Baig and Musfira Fell in Love with Hyderabadi Khubani Ka Meetha

There is a special kind of magic that happens in every mother’s kitchen, including mine—a magic that isn’t just about flavours and taste but about creating memories that last a lifetime. As a food lover and a mom, I’ve always believed that our traditions remain the best memories in my children’s minds.

Recently, I decided to introduce my two children, Muhammad Baig and Musfira, to a delicious dessert of Hyderabadi culture: the legendary Hyderabadi Khubani Ka Meetha. At the beginning, I knew that this simple dessert would turn into one of the most precious moments in our household.

What is Hyderabadi Khubani Ka Meetha?

Before I share my cute kids’ reactions, let’s talk about why this dish is so special for us. ‘Khubani’ (or ‘Qubani’) translates to ‘apricots’, and ‘Meetha’ means ‘sweet’.

Originating from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, India, I made this Hyderabadi Khubani ka Meetha with slow-flame-dried apricots until they reached a jam-like consistency, then I added a caramel-like sugar syrup to it and garnished it with the apricot badam found inside.

It’s often served with a single or double layer of fresh malai (cream).

Now I was setting the scene: the preparation.

 

I remember the kitchen smelling like caramel chocolate. I had soaked the best quality dried apricots overnight, watching them plump up, ready to be cooked. As the khubani smell spread all over my kitchen, I decided to saw dessert initial look, it looked like such a yummy jam-like substance.

Muhammad Baig, my eldest son, kentered into the kitchen. “Mamma, what is that amazing smell?” he asked; his eyes were surprisingly wide with happiness. Musfira, my little daughter, always the little foodie and a brilliant sweet lover by birth, Ma Sha Allah, wasn’t far behind him, standing on her small toes to see the khubani pot. See more about Khubani Dessert.

Why Quality Ingredients Matter:

I always suggest to my family & friends that they must use high-quality apricots, fresh custard, and fresh cream. I also try my best to serve Hyderabadi khubani ka meetha in its natural taste. I focused on original ingredients to prepare khubani ka meetha, which is why everyone in my family loves my recipe.

Now come towards the point – The First Bite: Muhammad Baig and Musfira’s Reaction:

When the dish was finally ready, chilled, and topped with a layer of fresh cream, I called them to the table. I felt a nervous excitement—would they like the deep, tangy sweetness of a traditional dessert, or would they prefer their usual chocolates?

Muhammad Baig’s Suggestion:

Muhammad took the first spoonful. He was quiet for a second, suggesting the texture. Then, a huge smile spread across his face.

“Mamma, this is like eating a bowl of honey!” he happily shouted.

He loved the contrast between the soft fruit and the creamy, flavourful texture inside. As a mom, seeing my child appreciate my cooking efforts is a huge win for me.

Musfira’s Sweet Surprise:

Musfira, on the other hand, tastes this dessert for the cream and custard mix. She closed her eyes, enjoyed the sweetness, and then looked at me with the purest joy.

Suddenly, my daughter stood up and hugged me tight on my cheeks and said.

“Mamma, this is the best meetha ever! Can I have more?”

My eyes really filled with tears of happiness to see my children’s appreciation in an honourable way.

“Mamma, please make this khubani ka meetha again soon!” Both kids were requesting me innocently.

 

The highlight of the evening wasn’t just about eating—it was the conversation that followed. As they finished their servings, both Muhammad Baig and Musfira turned to me with hopeful eyes.

“Mamma, promise us you will make this Hyderabadi khubani ka meetha again very soon?” Muhammad asked in his lovely tone, holding my hand. “Yes, Mamma, maybe next weekend?” Musfira added to his brother’s request.

In that moment, Khubani Ka Meetha stopped being just a recipe for me. It became a family dessert. It became a “Mamma special homemade meetha”. This is exactly why I share these stories on my website—to inspire you to bring these original traditional tastes into your own modern homes. See our signature meetha

Final Thoughts:

I realise that, really, food is a language of love. Seeing the joy on the faces of Muhammad Baig and Musfira reminded me that while the world moves fast, some things—like a bowl of slow-cooked Khubani Ka Meetha—are worth waiting for. Read more about our mission

To my dear readers, if you haven’t introduced your children to the flavours of your childhood yet, let this be your sign. Start with something sweet. Start with a memory.

Have you ever tried making Khubani Ka Meetha at home, which is 100% authentic? Or do your kids have a favourite family dessert? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear your stories. Get in touch.