You may or may not be familiar with faloodas, but simply put, it is a type of dessert drink popular in the South and the Middle East Asian regions such as Iran and India. It looks like a milkshake, also following similar ingredients such as ice cream and a variety of other ingredients to build flavor. But what is it really? What is it made of, where did this dessert come from, and how did it become popular? And most importantly, where can you get one? Read on to find out.
What is it made of?
Falooda is a dessert drink that is made similar to a regular milkshake such as milk and ice cream. The defining feature of faloodas is their addition of a vermicelli type dessert noodle that is made from cornstarch, sago, wheat, or arrowroot. Other defining ingredients of a falooda is the additionof ingredients such as tapioca pearls, jelly, rose syrup, milk, and sweet basil seeds.
The ingredients to make a falooda are typically layered in a tall, dessert glass. It can also be topped with ice cream or whipped cream, and other delicious toppings. This delicious dessert can be eaten with a spoon to pick up all the delicious layers of toppings or sipped slowly with a straw.
Where did it come from?
Today, it is a popular and common dessert drink in India. But, its roots date back to ancient Persia, where there is a variation called faloodeh in modern-day Iran. Faloodas is one of the oldest dessert creations of our time, where it is said to date back to 400 B.C., usually served and eaten during special occasions such as festivals and celebrations.
There aren’t exact records of when and how falooda made its way to India. Food historian K. T. Achaya has said that this sweet treat was brought to India by Jahangir, the son of Mughal emperor Akbar. Jahangir had a love for novelty things, and one of those was his favorite falooda. Others have said that King Nader Shah was the one who brought it to India. Despite different stories, we can all agree with one thing – faloodas are amazing. It has always been regarded as a royal treat, but soon become a popular street food in India.
There are versions of falooda across Asia, such as the Filipino halo halo, made of similar ingredients such as ice cream, evaporated milk, coconut, yam, tropical fruits, and other sweet treats. Singapore has its own version called cendol, made of jelly, red beans, fruits, peanuts, ice cream, and sweet corn.
Sounds good – where can I get one?
Falooda can be found everywhere in India and that entire region. It can also be found in different variations in other parts of Asia. Falooda has also made its way to the west, where many dessert stores may offer it on their menu. If you’re in the Greater Toronto Area, you’re in luck! Rollz has a delicious menu of milkshakes and faloodas for you to try. Come visit our stores today!
