The word Falooda is derived from Farsi language (Persia, Present day Iran) which refers to thin rice noodles. Falooda is used in the preparation of sweet colorful ice cream drinks and is quite popular in the Asian countries. The Falooda ice cream drink is available in different varieties and are very popular in ice cream parlors located India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Indian version Falooda is considered as cold dessert and is a creamy parfait of cold drink which is usually served in a tall glass with layers of sugar/rose syrup, Falooda noodles (vermicelli), jelly, ice cream (Vanilla/kulfi), milk, nuts and basil seeds. This was introduced in India during the Mughal empire by the Persian traders. This cold dessert is also served during the family gatherings, weddings and Islamic holidays.
This Persian dessert is quite famous in my home city, Hyderabad, and it is a common sight to see customers lined up for Falooda drink, especially during the Summer season. Falooda Ice cream is usually available in various flavors. Fresh fruits such as banana, mango, grapes might also be added to the dessert to make it more tasty and delicious. The basil seeds (soaked Sabza) which is used in the Falooda dessert have some good health benefits, as it improves the digestive health, regulate the blood sugar and improve the immunity to diseases.
In my current residence city, Al-Khobar, this drink is available in few ice cream parlors owned by Indians. This ice cream parlor in particular offers some tasty Falooda dessert. The shop offers limited Falooda dessert variety and uses only the vanilla ice cream and limited number of fruits.
This Falooda Ice Cream is such an interesting and refreshing dessert especially during the summer day!
Are the locals like to make it at home?
The Falooda Noodles reminds me of Iced Cendol, a traditional dessert drink from Indonesia. It is popular in Malaysia as well. Cendol is made from the rice flour and given the green color. It is served with coconut milk and palm sugar. Another refreshing dessert drink!
Its really tempting. Close photo is just awesome @fasi6083 . I am fond of Ice cream. I have not had desserts since last 7 months as a precaution. But now will try for sure. Thanks for sharing with us.
Faluda is popular with street ice-cream vendors in India and I have been consuming for several decades but I was not aware of its Persian name.
Also, another interesting thing that occurred that I come to know about the noodles being made from rice only 2 days back here in Delhi and now immediately
Thanks for the comment @Velvel and Congratulations on becoming the Connect Moderator. Falooda is not so popular in my current city (Alkhobar) which is why Iam assuming that locals don’t prefer preparing this dessert at home. Whereas in Hyderabad (India), locals do prepare this dessert at home.
Thanks for the comment @Sophia_Cambodia Yes you are right, this dessert contains lots of calories, which is why I have this dessert with my friends after playing badminton or squash game.
Thanks for the comment @Herlina99 This drink/dessert goes perfect during the summer season. If you find this dessert in your city, please taste it and share your experience.
Even I love icecreams @Rohan10 Falooda with vanilla scoop, cookies and cream from London dairy, pistachios kulfi from Igloo are some of the icecreams which I likes the most.
Thanks for the nice words @TusharSuradkar If you are visiting Hyderabad, please do visit this shop located in the old city, This place is well-known for serving the best falooda in Hyderabad.
Thanks for the comment @Ale_003 Yes, this dessert is popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The combination of icecream with fruits, jelly, rice noodles, yogurt, dry fruits and milk is just amazing.
