Malpoa (or Malpua) is a popular Indian and Bangladeshi sweet pancake, often served during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid. It is made from a batter of flour, semolina (or rice flour), milk, and sometimes mashed bananas or coconut, which is deep-fried in ghee or oil. After frying, the malpoa is soaked in sugar syrup, making it rich and syrupy. Some variations include adding cardamom, fennel seeds, or saffron for extra flavor. It is often garnished with chopped nuts and served warm, sometimes with rabri (thickened sweetened milk) for added indulgence.
