Craving authentic Modaks for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in Australia? We list the best shops in Sydney & Melbourne, plus home caterers and online delivery. Find Ukadiche Modak, ladoos, and more. Order now!
There’s nothing that says “Ganesh Chaturthi is here!” quite like the first bite of a warm, sweet modak. That feeling of the soft rice dough giving way to a rich coconut-jaggery filling is pure nostalgia. But let’s be honest, finding authentic modaks here in Australia—especially the steamed Ukadiche Modak—can feel like a real mission.
I’ve spent years navigating the Sydney sweet scene and have friends across the country doing the same. We’ve all had those moments of desperately craving a taste of home during the festival. So, I’ve put together this definitive guide, based on countless phone calls, community recommendations, and a fair bit of taste-testing. This is your go-to list for getting your modak fix sorted for Ganpati 2025.
First, A Quick Modak Refresher: Ukadiche vs. Fried
For anyone new to the tradition, a modak is a sweet dumpling offered to Lord Ganesha. It’s considered his absolute favourite. There are two main types you’ll find:
- Ukadiche Modak (Steamed): This is the classic Maharashtrian version. It has a delicate outer shell made from steamed rice flour and is filled with a delicious mixture of fresh grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and poppy seeds. It’s melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
- Talniche Modak (Fried): This version has a crispy, flaky outer shell made from whole wheat flour and is filled with a similar sweet coconut filling, though often with dry coconut. It lasts longer and has a satisfying crunch.
Now, let’s find you some!
Sydney: Where to Find the Best Modaks
Harris Park is your ground zero, but great options are popping up all over.
Top Sweet Shops in Sydney
1. Shree Sweets, Harris Park
This place is an institution. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the queue often snakes out the door, and for good reason. They are one of the few places that make authentic Ukadiche Modak on a commercial scale.
- What to Order: The Ukadiche Modak (pre-order is a MUST), Mawa Modak, and their incredible Motichoor Ladoo.
- Address: 92 Wigram St, Harris Park NSW 2150
- Hot Tip: Call them at least a week in advance to place your order for steamed modaks. They make them in limited batches and sell out before you can say “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”
2. Taj Indian Sweets & Restaurant, Harris Park
Famous for their sweets all year round, Taj steps up its game during the festival season. Their specialty is a wider variety of flavoured and fried modaks.
- What to Order: The classic Fried Modak, Chocolate Modak, and Kesar Peda. Their Besan Ladoo is also a crowd-pleaser for prasad.
- Address: 91 Wigram St, Harris Park NSW 2150
- Hot Tip: They do large catering orders. If you’re planning an office or community puja, this is a reliable choice.
3. Chatkazz, Harris Park
While known for its street food, Chatkazz’s sweet counter is a hidden gem. They often have special festival sweets that you won’t find elsewhere.
- What to Order: Check for their special festival menu. They sometimes offer a unique Rava Modak or Dry Fruit Modak.
- Address: 4/14-20 Station St E, Harris Park NSW 2150
Melbourne: Your Go-To Spots for Ganpati Sweets
Melbourne’s Indian communities in Dandenong, Clayton, and the West have some fantastic options.
Top Sweet Shops in Melbourne
1. Saravanaa Bhavan, Multiple Locations
While a South Indian restaurant, their sweet counter is excellent. During festivals, they often have special items, and their quality is consistently high.
- What to Order: While they may not always have steamed modak, their Coconut Barfi and Rava Ladoo are perfect offerings for Bappa. It’s worth calling their Dandenong or city branch to check for festival specials.
- Address: 57 Foster St, Dandenong VIC 3175 (and other locations)
2. Gourmet Sweets, Dandenong
This is a dedicated sweet shop known for its fresh, authentic North Indian and Gujarati sweets.
- What to Order: Their Mawa Modak is rich and delicious. Also, grab some Puran Poli, another Maharashtrian delicacy often made during this festival.
- Address: 241 Thomas St, Dandenong VIC 3175
- Hot Tip: They are fantastic for bulk orders and often have beautifully decorated prasad boxes ready to go.
3. Bikanervala, various locations
A well-known chain that is reliable for quality sweets. Their scale means they are well-prepared for festival demand.
- What to Order: Motichoor Ladoo, Kaju Katli and Besan Barfi. Call ahead to check if they are stocking modaks for the festival.
- Address: Find their locations in Point Cook, Epping and other suburbs.
Read this also :
1. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Australia: Date, Muhurat, Aarti
2. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Melbourne: Top 5 Pandals & Temples in Australia
The Secret Weapon: Home Caterers & Community Cooks
This is often where you find the best and most authentic Ukadiche Modak. Many talented home cooks across Australia start taking orders in the weeks leading up to the festival.
How to Find Them:
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “Indians in Sydney,” “Melbourne Indian Mums,” or “Aussie Marathi Mandal.” You’ll see home caterers posting their menus and taking orders.
- WhatsApp Communities: Ask around in your local community or temple WhatsApp groups. Word-of-mouth recommendations are golden here.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Taste: Made with love, just like at home.
- Pre-Orders Only: They operate on a small scale, so you absolutely must book your slot in advance.
- Pickup Only: Most are pickup-only from their homes in suburbs like Parramatta (Sydney) or Tarneit (Melbourne).
Online Orders & Delivery Options
For those in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or regional areas, this can be a lifesaver.
1. Local Sweet Shop Delivery:
Many of the stores mentioned above, like Taj and Shree Sweets, may offer local delivery for large orders. Additionally, check apps like Uber Eats and Menulog during the festival week, as some shops list their special items there.
2. Indian Grocery Delivery Services:
Websites like Desi Delivery or My Kirana sometimes stock pre-packaged, long-life sweets and modaks. While not the same as fresh, they are a decent option if you have no local choice.
Beyond Modak: Other Essential Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets
Don’t forget these other festive favourites to complete your prasad thali!
- Motichoor Ladoo: A must-have for any puja.
- Puran Poli: A sweet flatbread stuffed with lentils and jaggery.
- Shrikhand: A creamy, sweet strained yoghurt dish.
- Karanji / Gujiya: A crispy pastry filled with coconut or mawa.
Pro-Tips for Ordering Your Festival Sweets
- Order Early, Seriously: I cannot stress this enough. The best places sell out days in advance. Don’t wait until the day before!
- Specify the Type: Be clear if you want steamed (ukadiche) or fried (talniche) modaks when you call.
- Ask About Sugar/Dietary Needs: Some home caterers may offer jaggery-only or sugar-free options if you ask in advance.
Finding that perfect modak can make your Ganesh Chaturthi celebration feel complete. I hope this guide helps you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Wishing you and your family a very happy and sweet Ganesh Chaturthi.
Have you found an amazing modak spot in your city? Share your recommendation in the comments below to help everyone in our community!