Learn how to make rich, authentic Royal Falooda ice cream / Faluda ice cream at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Layered with ingredients like basil seeds, falooda sev, chilled rose milk, vermicelli, jelly, fruits and creamy ice cream, this classic summer dessert drink is a refreshing crowd-pleaser.
Falooda or faluda is a very popular dessert in Mumbai. Though I am in Bangalore for the past 20 years, I have not tasted it. I heard Sreeraj lassi bar in Sivaji nagar and Jaya nagar is very famous for falooda in Bangalore. I have to taste once there.
Last month I tasted this falooda in Saravana’s ice cream parlour, Salem. I never thought I would make this at home. Thanks to Vanitha magazine and to my neighbour. She read the book and told the recipe to me. I have tried this thrice so far. It is a very easy and very tasty dessert recipe.
As you all know, falooda is a mixture of falooda sev, basil seeds (Sabza / Takmania), jelly crystals, sugar syrup and ice cream. I bought falooda sev / vermicelli and falooda seeds from Nilgiris, Brigade road-Bangalore. Sabza / Takmania seeds is a best coolant for summer. This is a perfect dessert drink to beat the summer heat. The best thing about this recipe is we can pre-prepare all the ingredients and refrigerate it. Just mix everything and serve chilled whenever required and it tastes AWESOME!
Some recipes also use Condensed milk. But I don’t think the authentic recipe uses it. One sad thing is when I finished clicking, ice cream got melted and spread all over the glass… Still it was very tasty! Lets see the best Falooda ice cream recipe with step by step pictures.
Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens
- Falooda Sev: You can easily find cornstarch falooda sev packets at Indian grocery stores (like Patel Brothers). If not available, roasted vermicelli (semiya) or thin corn vermicelli works great as an easy substitute.
- Basil Seeds (Sabza): Look for sweet basil seeds or tukmaria in Indian stores. If you cannot find them, black chia seeds from Costco, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods make a wonderful alternative. Just soak them in water for 15 to 20 minutes until gelatinous.
- Milk & Rose Syrup: Whole milk gives the best creamy texture. For authentic falooda flavor, use Rooh Afza or Indian rose syrup. If using rose essence instead, sweeten the milk with a little sugar.
- Advance Preparation: Cook the sev, soak the sabza seeds and prepare the jelly ahead of time and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. Assemble the layers in chilled glasses right before serving so the ice cream stays firm.
Falooda Recipe (Royal Falooda Ice Cream)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup Falooda sev / vermicelli (approx. 25g / 0.9 oz)
- 1 cup Boiled milk (approx. 240 ml / 8 fl oz, adjust as needed)
- Rose essence / rose syrup (few drops to 1 tbsp)
- 3 tbsp Basil seeds / sabza / takmania seeds
- 4 tbsp Sugar syrup
- Yellow food color (few drops, optional)
- 4 tbsp Strawberry jelly (prepared)
- ¼ cup Mixed fruits (apple, banana, pineapple and pomegranate, finely chopped)
- 4 scoops Vanilla ice cream
- 1 tbsp Chopped nuts (almonds and pistachios, optional)
- 2 Glacé cherries (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare a slightly thick sugar syrup (gulab jamun syrup consistency), add yellow food color if using and set aside. Make the strawberry jelly as per the package instructions and keep it ready. (Falooda sev and seeds shown for reference).
- Soak the basil seeds (sabza / takmania seeds) in warm water until they swell up and turn gelatinous. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Boil the falooda sev in milk until soft and cooked through. Make sure it does not become mushy. Once cooked and the milk is absorbed, switch off the flame. Add a few drops of rose essence, mix well and set aside to cool completely.
- Cut all the fruits into small pieces. For serving, take 2 tall falooda glasses and add 2 tbsp of sugar syrup in the bottom. Add 2 tbsp of soaked basil seeds on top of the sugar syrup. Layer with 2 tbsp of chopped fruits and nuts, cooked falooda sev and strawberry jelly on top of one another. Finally, add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream and decorate with a cherry. Serve immediately!
Notes
- To make a falooda drink, add milk instead of ice cream.
- You can also add chopped nuts for more richness.
- Falooda sev can be replaced by payasam vermicelli / semiya.
- Basil seeds is a must for this recipe which makes this dessert healthy too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make falooda without falooda sev?
Yes friends, if you do not have falooda sev on hand, you can easily use roasted vermicelli (semiya) or thin rice vermicelli. Cook it in milk or water until soft, drain and chill before layering.
Can I substitute chia seeds for sabza seeds in falooda?
Yes, chia seeds are the best substitute if sabza (sweet basil) seeds are not available in your pantry. Chia seeds take about 15 to 20 minutes to soak in water and provide a similar pleasant texture.
Can I assemble falooda ahead of time for parties or guests?
I always suggest prepping all the components (soaked sabza, cooked sev, jelly cubes, chopped fruits and chilled milk) ahead of time and storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble into glasses just before serving and top with ice cream so it does not melt.
How do I make a falooda drink instead of a falooda sundae?
To enjoy falooda as a refreshing dessert drink, simply add 1/2 cup of chilled sweetened rose milk into the glass and reduce the ice cream to one scoop or skip the ice cream altogether.
Friends, do try this delicious, refreshing Royal Falooda at home for your family and guests and let me know how you enjoyed it!
i can have the entire glass.looks so tempting chitra.nice clicks.
Thank u meena :)
I want that whole glass rite now, love falooda anytime, seriously super tempting.
Wow looks delicious, pass on that glass to me :)
Looks so inviting!! Lovely clicks,Chitra! :)
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How I would love to grab that glass now. drool
irresistible clicks….
That is looking a real royal treat…
so irresistible one akka… i having ready made falooda mix… but yet to make… urs so awesome n excellent clicks…
real treat ! i absolutely loved it ! Except the vermicille part !
I am big fan this in Saravana's Salem. My sister was there few years back. Was thinking to make this for a long time. Looks very tempting and craving for some now
inviting and a lovely treat
this is yummy and my fav
new to ur space here following you now
it looks like i missed ur place somehow
do visit my place when u get time
what a visual treat..
Mouthawatering Chitra.Why don't you send acroos to me.
very tempting falooda…great pictures…
Very Delicious !! The name royal defines it by pic!!
Awesome work, wish I could grab a glass. :) Lovely clicks…
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I love that glass, so tempting. Need to try it. delicious Chitra.
I can't take my eyes of the beautiful clicks dear,too tempting!!
Sadly I have not tasted this yet! but looks like a treat, so so tempting :)
Looks very professional, just awesome, beautiful clicks too.
Who does not like falooda? want to try this out immediately. Any clue where to look for the seeds?
Wow.. So colorful & delicious looking glass of falooda !! Loved it.. Reminds me of Greams Road Falooda :D
Ages I had this …looks so colorful and tempting …great one Chitra
The glass looks so colorful and tempting!! Nice presentation..
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I just love the clicks..very tempting..
looks so awesome,nice tempting clicks.
Very inviting falooda Chitra… Thanks for sharing :-)
Beautiful clicks :) Love falooda and u have made it so well :)
gorgeous! and a great explanation as always. well done.
Thank u mam :)