Is it a drink or dessert? Do you need a straw or spoon? The answer is simple. It’s both a drink and a dessert. Whether you want to sip this creamy, nutty drink or eat chunks of jelly and ice cream— Falooda has it all. It is a dessert that is perfect for any season. Scrumptious basil seeds swimming in jelly and sweet rosy syrup, Falooda is brimming with versatile flavors. It’s a layered dessert that can be mixed or eaten by levels. Types include Kulfi Falooda, Phirni & Rabri flavor, and mixed fruit Falooda. Yum! An Indian delicacy that first originated in Persia.
Falooda: The Origin
According to historical foodies, Falooda was developed in the bustling streets of Shiraz in Persia (Iran). It was known as Faludeh or Faloodeh. This traditional Persian dessert is one of the oldest famous desserts, dating back to 400BC. The main ingredients of this Persian dish comprise rose water, frozen sugar syrup, and vermicelli noodles made out of corn flour.
It trickled down to the Mughal-ruled Indian subcontinent from Persia and was soon folded into the Indian flavors. In Hindi, Falooda has defined as ‘shredded.’ This meaning refers to finely-cut strips of vermicelli noodles that are the main ingredients of Falooda. These noodles are also known as ‘Falooda Sev.’
In the modern era, Falooda has many variants— ranging from Pakistani to Indian. The Pakistani version originated in Kasur. Kasur Falooda is notorious for its nutty flavor. Moreover, another well-known one is Rabri Falooda. Rabri is an ice cream that is layered and mixed with sweet basil seeds, milk, Khoya, kulfi, ice cream sundae float, almonds, jelly, Kesar, vermicelli, and rosy syrup — typically known as Jam-e-Shirin. In Pakistan, it is extremely popular in the colorful city of Lahore. As for Indians, Kulfi Falooda and Falooda as milkshake without signature noodles are quite famous. Falooda milkshake is a mixture of blended fruits, sugar syrup, basil seeds, and ice cream.
Bangladesh had its very own unique version of Falooda. Typical ingredients include sago pearls, creamed coconut, mango/seasonal fruit, nuts (pistachio or almonds), pandan extract, milk, noodles (vermicelli), and strong black tea! This addition of black tea gives Falooda a unique taste and a kick!
Another variant that thrives in Thailand is made from different ingredients that give Thai Falooda a new taste. It comprises tapioca pearls, basil seeds, shredded jelly, and tear grass flavored with sweet rose syrup. This Falooda is known as Nam Manglik and is immensely popular.
All these flavors are delicious regardless of the variants, and one must try them out!
What is Falooda made up of?
Versatile is synonymous with Falooda. There are so many ingredients and layers that it is delightful and flavorful for the taster. Typical ingredients include fruits, wheat starch noodles or vermicelli noodles, any ice cream flavor of your choice, psyllium or basil seeds, sweetened rose-flavored milk, rose syrup, and nuts like pistachio, almonds, etc.
While most of the components above are not unfamiliar. Basil seeds and syrup aren’t as well-known as others. So, what are these elements?
Basil Seeds
Also known as Sabja seed, Falooda seed, or Tukmaria seeds—basil seeds are loaded with physiological and psychological benefits. These adorably small seeds are rich in minerals and fibers. They are extremely beneficial for your body as it is known to boost immunity and helps cope with anxiety and stress. People who wish to stay healthy or lose weight can turn to basil seeds for ample benefits. These advantages include weight loss, improved digestion, curbs hair loss, and inflammation, regulating of blood sugar levels, relieving stress, and fighting infections. Even mixing a spoon full of basil seeds in water will give you the benefits above. Furthermore, these small seeds are known for their cooling effect on the body and mind.
No wonder it plays an important part in Falooda. Not only is it keeping your body healthy but cooling it as well. Talk about delicious taste with health benefits. Killing two birds with one stone!
Syrup
The syrup used to top and layer the bottom of the Falooda setting is called ‘rose’ syrup. It is sweet, sticky, and full of healthy benefits that make this component the King of syrups! If you wish to make this syrup at home, you would need sugar, water, and dried rose petals! Or you can buy it online. Rose syrup is often referred to as “Rose-sherbert” in South Asia. It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Mixing the syrup in cold water will suffice on its own. It is good for your skin as well as your mood. The sweetness coupled with the chilly feeling will chirp anyone’s mood up!
Due to the cooling effect and health benefits of basil seeds and rose syrup, Falooda becomes a healthy drink that can curb any heatwave. Top your Falooda with seasonal fruits and nuts, and you have a dessert that screams ‘no sharing.’
Royal Falooda— fit for the King
Picture this:
- Bouncy jelly.
- A swirl of your favorite ice cream.
- Fresh and chewy basil leaves.
- Almonds or pistachio.
- Tender vermicelli noodles.
- Sweetened milk layering every component.
- A drizzle of rose syrup that tastes and looks majestic.
All of this is layered to your preference in a tall glass and topped with seasonal fruits—this is Royal Falooda, and it’s majestic!
When it comes to making Royal Falooda, there is no correct way to do this. It isn’t rule-bound. You can layer the ingredients according to your preference. If you like your fruits at the bottom, stuff them on the top? They stay at the top. Shoved in between, here we go. The point is, you, do you. You are the King here, and it’s all up to you. All you need to do is gather your ingredients and create!
To make Falooda or not to make Falooda?!
That is the question. However, If you ask us, we at Tasty Ice Cream can’t wait to make Falooda. It is a dessert that doesn’t deserve a time limit or a season. We feel it is a global favorite, and you should try it. If you are interested in some more similar wonders, Tasty Ice Cream is the key!