Falooda facts for kids
Falooda with kulfi, rose syrup, and basil seeds (sabja seeds)
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| Course | Beverage |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Milk, rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil |
| 407 kcal (1704 kJ) | |
A falooda is a yummy cold dessert from India. It's like a sweet noodle dish! This special treat comes from an old Persian (Iranian) dessert called faloodeh. You can find similar desserts all over Asia.
To make a falooda, people mix sweet rose syrup, thin noodles called vermicelli, and tiny sweet basil seeds. They add milk and often serve it with ice cream. The noodles in falooda can be made from different things like wheat, arrowroot, cornstarch, or sago.
History of Falooda
The story of falooda begins in Iran (ancient Persia). There, a similar dessert called Faloodeh was very popular. This sweet dish traveled to Medieval India with different groups of people from Central Asia. They arrived and settled in South Asia between the 1500s and 1700s.
The falooda we know today was further developed in the Mughal Empire. As the Mughal Empire grew, so did the popularity of falooda. Later rulers, who followed the Mughals, also loved this dessert. They made their own special versions, especially in places like Hyderabad and Carnatic in India. Today, falooda is a big part of Indian food. It's often served at weddings and other celebrations. It's also well-known in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Different Kinds of Falooda
Falooda is enjoyed in many countries, and each place might have its own special twist!
- In some parts of India, falooda is made with clear noodles from wheat starch and flavored syrups.
- In Myanmar, they call it phaluda. It has basil seeds, grass jelly, egg pudding, vanilla ice cream, sweet milk, and rose syrup. Sometimes, they add sago, rice noodles, fruit jelly, and chopped fruit too.
- In southern Bangladesh, falooda is made with pandan extract, pistachios, sago pearls, creamy coconut, mango, milk, and vermicelli. Some even add strong black tea!
- Malaysia and Singapore have a similar cold drink called bandung.
- Thailand has a drink called nam maenglak. It's made with lemon basil seeds, shredded jelly, tapioca pearls, and Job's tears. These are mixed with sugar, water, and rose water.
- The Kurds in Iraq make a version with thicker vermicelli noodles.
- The version in Mauritius is called alouda.
- There's also a similar dessert found in South Africa.
See also
In Spanish: Falooda para niños
