Falooda | faluda is a layered traditional Indian beverage made using milk, flavorings like rose syrup or fruit pulps, sweet basil seeds and falooda sev (similar to vermicelli). It is a perfect summer drink, refreshing and cooling.
If you live in Mumbai or have lived in Mumbai at some point, chances are that you may have heard of this restaurant called ‘Badshaah’ in Crawford Market which is famous for its varieties of faloodas.
Crawford market is essentially a shopping hub, so inevitably you will find a number of people (tired from the shopping) heading to this restaurant for a refreshing glass of faluda.
And they serve this beverage in a variety of flavors, like faluda kulfi, rabri falooda, mango faluda, falooda ice cream, kesar falooda, shahi falooda etc, and some seasonal ones like strawberry as well. I have been there countless times, and have mostly ordered this simple basic rose or royal falooda.
I always wanted to recreate this at home, but couldn’t because of the unavailability of the basic ingredients here. An hour’s drive to an Indian grocery store helped me get the tukmaria seeds and rose syrup but was a bit disappointed to know that they didn’t have the faluda sev.
Fortunately, my Aunt from Mumbai was to attend her daughter’s graduation in Boston, and asked me if I needed something from India, as she planned to visit us as well during her stay. And faluda sev was on top of my list. So I finally got all my ingredients and managed to make and relish this homemade faluda, reminiscing good ‘ol days with my family and friends.
I’m sure if you have never had faluda, you have a couple of questions as these ingredients are pretty unique!
Let’s talk about these in details!
Table of Contents
WHAT ARE FALOODA SEEDS?
Faluda seeds are sweet basil seeds, known as tukmaria in Hindi. They look like chia seeds and have gelling properties similar to chia seeds, but the two are different.
WHAT ARE FALOODA SEEDS CALLED IN ENGLISH?
The scientific name of Sabja seeds is Ocimum basilicum. Other names are sabja seeds, Arabic falooda seeds, Sabja ginjalu, Thai holy basil, Selashi Tukmaria, Sabja Vethai, Hazbo, Tuk malanga, Basilic cultive, Basilien Kraut, and sweet basil seeds. These seeds are the product of rudra jada plant that comes under Tulsi family but shouldn’t be mistaken with holy basil or Tulsi. {Source-here)
BASIL SEEDS BENEFITS
Basil seeds definitely need to be categorized as a superfood, they offer numerous health benefits.
- Helps in weight loss- these tiny seeds are high in fiber. When soaked in water, they expand about 30 times their size. Consuming basil seeds keeps you fuller for longer, which in turn helps you cut down on consuming unwanted calories.
- Great for the healthy hair and skin-Sabja seeds contain nutrients like vitamin k, iron, and protein, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy hair.
- Relieves acidity- basil seeds have a cooling effect on the digestive system, so it is good for relieving acidity problems.
- and so many more, you can read all of them in details here.
WHERE TO BUY SABJA SEEDS?
Like I mentioned above, if you live in US or elsewhere, you should get this easily in any Indian store. If you live in India, I doubt you will have any difficulty in finding these seeds.
HOW TO USE SABJA SEEDS?
Like chia seeds, you need to soak the sabja seeds in sufficient water. You can drain off excess water if any, and use the seeds in any recipe that calls for it.
CAN I EAT SABJA SEEDS DURING PREGNANCY?
My gynac had advised me to eat everything. BUT when in doubt, it is always a good practice to get it cleared! Consult your gynac, what works for some may not work for you. So the net is not your best bet to get answers to this.
SABJA SEEDS SUBSTITUTE
If you can’t find sabja seeds, you may replace it with chia seeds. Both these seeds are tasteless, so it really won’t matter as much.
Now that I guess I’ve answered common questions you could probably have about basil seeds, let talk about the other unique ingredient- falooda sev!
WHAT IS FALOODA SEV?
Falooda sev is similar to vermicelli. Commercially, it is available in the dried form, it needs to be rehydrated in hot water, similar to rice noodles. You can make it at home by cooking a thick paste of cornstarch and water, this mixture is then filled in a bhujia maker, and pressed into cold water. It is ready to be used. It is not very difficult to prepare falooda sev at home, but you will require that equipment.
FALOODA SEV SUBSTITUTE
If you can’t find the faluda sev, you can skip it, it doesn’t have a flavor of its own, so it won’t make a difference in terms of flavor, or you can use cooked vermicelli instead or even rice noodles 🙂
Besides faluda sev and sabja seeds, you will require some milk and flavorings of choice along with ice cream and Jell-O cubes to make a specific flavored faluda drink.
And guys, if this is too much work for you to find the ingredients for one simple beverage, you can opt for the falooda mix or ready-made falooda packet, that is also easily available in Indian stores abroad and stores in India too. They come in different flavors. You have to cook the mix in the specified amount of milk, cool and serve, that’s it!
If you are feeling adventurous to make one, then here is an easy falooda recipe for you 🙂 Enjoy!
ENJOYED THIS HOMEMADE FALOODA? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE,
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE INDIAN FALOODA | FALUDA | ROYAL FALOODA
1.In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil, keep stirring in between to prevent it from burning at the bottom, Once it comes to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside till it reaches room temperature. Refrigerate until further use.
2.Prepare the jelly as per packet instructions. Let is set in the refrigerator until firm, about 4 hours.
3.Soak 1/2 tablespoon of sweet basil seeds in about 1/2 cup of water, stir it well, and set aside for 30 minutes, Once they swell, drain the excess water in a strainer and set aside.
4.To prepare the falooda sev: Heat 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Let it come to a boil. Once it has boiled, add the falooda sev, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes drain the falooda sev using a strainer and transfer to a bowl of cold water, to stop the cooking process further. You can cut the cooked falooda sev in smaller pieces using kitchen scissors.
5.To assemble the faluda: Take a tall glass, add about 2 tablespoons of the sweet basil seeds, 2 tablespoons of falooda sev, 2 tablespoons of rose syrup, 1/4 cup of jelly cubes, pour the chilled and thickened milk, top with vanilla ice cream and some more jelly cubes. You can garnish with nuts. Enjoy this refreshing drink 🙂
NOTES
1.You may 1-2 tbsp sugar whilst boiling the milk. I’ve not added sugar as the rose syrup is already sweet.
2.Instead of 2 servings, you can make small falooda cups or mini falooda and increase it to 4 servings. This recipe can easily be multiplied for more servings.
HOW TO MAKE FALOODA | FALUDA?
Falooda | Faluda | Royal Falooda | How To Make Falooda
Ingredients
Measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 jell dessert packet any jell-o packet of your choice
- 1/2 tbsp tukmaria (sweet basil seeds)
- 25 grams falooda sev, about a handful
- 4 tbsp rose syrup
- Sliced nuts, for garnish
- 2 scoops of Vanilla ice cream or rose flavored ice cream
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil, keep stirring in between to prevent it from burning at the bottom, Once it comes to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside till it reaches room temperature. Refrigerate until further use.
- Prepare the jelly as per packet instructions. Let is set in the refrigerator until firm, about 4 hours.
- Soak 1/2 tablespoon of sweet basil seeds in about 1/2 cup of water, stir it well, and set aside for 30 minutes, Once they swell, drain the excess water in a strainer and set aside.
- To prepare the falooda sev: Heat 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Let it come to a boil. Once it has boiled, add the falooda sev, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes drain the falooda sev using a strainer and transfer to a bowl of cold water, to stop the cooking process further. You can cut the cooked falooda sev in smaller pieces using kitchen scissors.
- To assemble the faluda: Take a tall glass, add about 2 tablespoons of the sweet basil seeds, 2 tablespoons of falooda sev, 2 tablespoons of rose syrup, 1/4 cup of jelly cubes, pour the chilled and thickened milk, top with vanilla ice cream and some more jelly cubes. You can garnish with nuts. Enjoy this refreshing drink 🙂
Notes
- You may 1-2 tbsp sugar whilst boiling the milk. I've not added sugar as the rose syrup is already sweet.
- Instead of 2 servings, you can make small falooda cups or mini falooda and increase it to 4 servings. This recipe can easily be multiplied for more servings.
I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your feedback with photos and suggestions to me at [email protected]
You can also follow me on :
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Twitter @ freda_dias
Regards,
Freda
Akanksha says
What kind of rose syrup you have used.. can I use rasna syrup
Freda Dias says
Regular rose syrup that’s available in the market. I got mine from an Indian store.I’ve not heard of rasna brand rose syrup.
This Cake is Desi says
this looks prettttyyyy.. Loving the pink falooda
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a bunch Beenish 🙂 thank you for stopping by !
Shari says
Thanks for answering my question, Freda. I ended up not making it yet as I couldn’t find the basil seeds. I still hope to find all the ingredients and make it sometime, though.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Hi Shari, chia seeds are similar to basil seeds, I think you can easily substitute basil seeds with chia seeds, as the basil seeds only add to the texture and basically have no taste , rose syrup dominates the flavor of the falooda 🙂
Shari says
Hi Freda, I was wondering, is the jell packet a package of Red Strawberry or Cherry Jello or is it the plain gelatin packets that doesn’t really have a flavor and is just used as a thickener? I am thinking of making this. It looks so yummy!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Hi Shari! Thanks so much 🙂 Jell dessert brand has unflavored packets as well, gelatin free , they do have some flavored ones , I picked this from whole foods , jello can most certainly be used too 🙂
Shari says
Thanks, Freda! Do you use the flavored or unflavored in yours? Is the red in the picture the jell? Or is it the rose ingredient? Sorry I’m being so dense. I am not familiar with these ingredients, but it will be fun to learn! 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Shari that’s normal strawberry flavored jelly cubes. I avoid using Jell-o ! I hardly eat these jell desserts, so when I do occasionally I buy the ones from Whole Foods . No worries dear, happy to clear your doubts 🙂
themissshweta says
Awesome! Falooda is my all time favorite 🙂 I’ll surely try this, thanks for sharing :*
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Shweta 🙂 Hope all is good at your end 🙂
themissshweta says
Yes Freda all’s well & trying to be consistent here on WordPress 😀
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Glad to know 🙂
themissshweta says
🙂
milliethom says
This looks really appetising and very attractive. It also sounds qite substantial and filling. Beautiful colour.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Millie! It sure is filling 😀
Traditionally Modern Food says
It’s a visual treat.. One of my fav dessert.. It’s been ages since I sipped pass me a glass
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Vidya:) come over 🙂
Remya @ Forks N Knives says
OMG!! Trust me Freda, this was the best thing i saw today. These pics remind me of Faloodas i used to have in almost all hotels while in Bombay. Excellent job with the clicks!!!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much for the encouragement Remya 🙂 thanks for visiting too 🙂
Lynz Real Cooking says
Wow really interesting and amazing! I have never seen this before!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Lynn!! thanks for stopping by 🙂
Lynz Real Cooking says
Always big pleasure!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
🙂
apuginthekitchen says
Falooda has always intrigued me, I have try one. Yours is just beautiful, I love the gelatin cubes and the beautiful color. It really sounds incredibly delicious and is stunningly beautiful.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Suzanne! All the elements here make this a delicious drink indeed, Can’t wait to experiment with the other varieties, mango may be next 🙂
Smiling Notes says
Hold on…I’m coming over at your place to have this! Falooda is my fav 😀
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Come dear! thanks a bunch <3
Smiling Notes says
??
milkandbun says
It’s beautiful! I usually order it from small shops, but never made it at home..
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Mila! Thank you for stoppin by!
Lina says
Yummy! This looks so inviting☺☺☺
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Lina 🙂
Padmaja Thommandra says
Amazing pink
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a bunch Padmaja 🙂
kushi says
I want a glass right now 🙂 That looks so beautiful, yummy with pretty color!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Kushi, all your’s 🙂
Love Served Daily says
Breath taking beautiful. Loved it.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks dear Ritu <3
Mary Frances says
The colors! This is so great, and I’m sure it tasted a amazing when you finally got all of the ingredients together 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Mary! all of those elements when combined sure taste great together. Thank yo so much for stopping by 🙂
Loretta says
Gorgeous, have never made this before, but I love falooda. Would you get the sweet basil seeds in an Indian store?
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Loretta, yes you will get this easily at the Indian grocery store:) These seeds are really good for the summers. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
stayyoungbro says
The colour of this drink attracts me! I will definitely taste it once I’ve got the chance!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much, You definitely should, I’m sure you will love it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by !
anitacuisine says
woow…amazing photos ! the falooda looks soo good ! soo tempting !
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Anita 🙂
ujjaini says
In love with the clicks…looks so tempting ?
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks dear!
Linda Fernandes says
Woooooow so tempting
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks sweetie <3
Frances ? says
Looks amazing…great photos too!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Frances 🙂
MyCulinarySaga says
Looks so yum Freda 🙂 you know this was on my to do list for blogs.. you beat me to it. Will try this soon ! Hugs xoxo
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Hehe, same here dear, finally got the falooda sev …lol! thanks so much 🙂
MyCulinarySaga says
Enjoy 🙂
youthfoodblog says
Super cool!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Chris 🙂
CHCooks says
Gosh my eyes are set on the Falooda pics – super tempting they are. I want a glass right now *throws a tantrum* 😀
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
awww! thanks dear:)
cafegarima says
This looks gorgeous! Do you have an FB page I could follow? Makes life easier ??
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks G! Nope not yet dear, Will do so soon 🙂
cafegarima says
Please do soonest! It’s Facebook ka Zamaana after all and I can regularly see the goodies you make without missing a a thing ever <3
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
hehe!! true G:) will do it soon 🙂
cafegarima says
??? looking forward!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
You are a sweetheart G <3
cafegarima says
❤️❤️