Rose and Almond flavored Falooda
I was compensated by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas for my time in developing this recipe and post.
All opinions are my own.
This totally scrumptious, rose and almond flavored, drinkable dessert with basil seeds, tapioca pearls, strawberry jello and ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to burgers and BBQ!
When I was a young ‘un, there were certain treats that were just so good they only made their appearance in our midst only on uber special occasions. Take, for example, my mom’s luscious chocolate cake!
Two layers of decadently moist chocolate butter cake with a rich, velvety, fudgy frosting only made an appearance on birthdays – which meant we had it maybe four times a year unless my father wanted a vanilla butter cake, then it was three times a year!
And then there was, rose flavored Falooda. This drinkable dessert with layers of strawberry jello, basil seeds, milk, rose syrup, and ice cream only took the place of smoothies and shakes on a special day like the last day of school!
I always thought Falooda was a traditional Sri Lankan drink, but, when I did some Googling I came to find that Falooda is supposed to have originated in Persia, where it was called Faloodeh.
Muslim merchants were the ones responsible for bringing this drinkable dessert to countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
Nowadays, each country has their own unique version of Falooda or Faluda. Some add in creamed coconut and mango and black tea along with rose syrup flavored milk, basil seeds and vermicelli. Some add pistachios and ice cream. While some add in thicker vermicelli or use premature tapioca pearls.
The version I am sharing today is similar to the one my mom used to make my sister and I when we were younger. However, this version does not have vermicelli. I did use soaked basil seeds and microwaved tapioca pearls instead of the sago my mom used. And, I added in an extra oomph of flavor by adding in some Nielsen-Massey Rose Water and some Nielsen-Massey Pure Almond Extract.
Have you had a chance to experiment with Nielsen-Massey products before?
Just like I fed my curiosity about the beginnings of Falooda, I did some Googling and found that Nielsen Massey is a family run operation that has been churning out pure flavors and extracts since 1907. And, just like Falooda has been delighting tastebuds in a plethora of countries, Nielsen Massey’s products have been enhancing the cooking and baking of professional cooks and home cooks in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia!
[Tweet “@NielsenMassey Rose & Almond flavored Falooda is sure 2 b 1 of your #FlavorsOfSummer #ad @FoodFanatical”]
All Nielsen Massey products are certified gluten-free, certified Kosher, and are allergen-free and GMO-Free.
If you are looking for recipe ideas and inspiration on the best way to use Nielsen Massey products, be sure to check out their website and follow them on Instagram!
This recipe can also be found on Food Fanatic – along with other recipes on Food Fanatic that will also be celebrating the Flavors of Summer with Nielsen-Massey.
I have never tried falooda but have always wanted to. It looks delicious Shashi and what a wonderful memory. I also like using the tapioca pearls as I am not so sure I would like the vermicelli in my drink. I also learned something new, I use Nielsen Massey vanila exclusively but never knew they made rose water. Lovely drink/dessert and post.
Thanks so much Suzanne!
I wasn’t a huge fan of the vermicelli either – but the tapioca and basil seeds worked so well!
I hope allls well with you – hope I get to see ya this summer (coming there for a longer period than I did last year – I’ll email you the deets soon).
i’ve been dying to try this! the rose one in particular! love it. thanks for the feed back and recipe
You are so welcome! Thanks Lindsay!
I have never heard of Falooda Shashi–but I can see why this was reserved for special occassions–it is so worthy of that~~
Thanks so much Kristen!
Wow! This is quite exotic and beautiful. I will try it. Interesting flavor profiles here. Thank you!
Thanks so very much Melissa!
So I must admit that I’ve never heard of a Falooda before…and now I am totally intrigued! The flavors sound incredible. I’ve been wanting to find a way to incorporate rose water into a recipe as Laura loves it. I think I shall surprise Laura with a Falooda sometime soon! (And for the record, Falooda is really fun to say!)
Haha – Yes – falooda sure is fun to say!!!
And yes – I bet Laura would love some falooda – hey, you could even spike it and make it a boozy falooda – hey now – that’s starting to sound pretty good to me right about now!
Shashi, your photography is GORGEOUS!. It looks refreshing and delicious, I wish I could have that glass right away!
Oh Rahul – thanks so much! This would pair well with those rice paper lentil spring roles of yours 🙂
OMG! LOVE LOVE falooda. Can’t get enough of it. And this pretty pink falooda has my name written all over it. Love how pretty those pistachio jewels ar sitting on the top. Major Drooling! Pass me that gorgeous glass, please! 🙂
Haha – thanks so very much Anu!
Dear Shashi, what a beautiful treat! I have to pick up that bottled rose water. I never knew Nielson Massey carried it! I would love to try this falooda…how exotic and delicious. xo, Catherine
Thanks so much Catherine! I was surprised to find the vast array of products Nielsen Massey carries – I always assumed they carried just flavored vanilla extracts!
Your mother’s chocolate cake sounds fabulous, Shashi!! It’s a good thing I’m allergic to chocolate or I’d need you to send her a request to make me some of her cake for my birthday. 🙂 I’ve never heard of Falooda before, but it looks and sounds delicious! Plus it is SO pretty!! Love that this is a drinkable desert and you packed it with tons of flavor!! I need to try this ASAP! Cheers, friend and thanks for introducing me to something new! xo
I remember you mentioning you were allergic to chocolate – Cheyanne I am so sorry – but then again – evil Shashi says “oh I think I found my dessert-eating buddy” It can be a hard job suppressing evil Shashi … so, wanna go check out Brick Street Cafe with me?
Just kidding! Am so sorry – I -er evil Shashi – needs help!
XO
I just had to come we what all the flood was about! Loved the informative history lesson. Regardless of where it’s from it looks divine! Layers of strawberry jello, basil seeds, milk, rose syrup, and ice cream – count me in!
Yes, Nielsen-Massey have fantastic products, I use several extracts of theirs.
These soaked basil seeds have me so intrigued now! Thanks Shashi. 🙂
Thanks bunches Kevin! Basil seeds are a lot like chia, but are smaller, and are considered a diuretic & digestive aid, though they cannot be eaten raw – they are quite popular in the Asian subcontinent!
I have never even heard of Falooda so I definitely learned something new today!! The color on this is just gorgeous! And I love that you used pistachios! My fav!
Thanks so much Ashley! 🙂
falooda is one of those desserts i save for special occasion. i love the texture and taste but due to all that lactose, i savor it for special times only…lovely photos!!!
Dixya, have you tried making it with coconut milk and coconut ice cream? I hope alls well with you friend – and thank you so much!
I must look out for their other products as all I’ve seen here is the vanilla extract
I sure hope you find them Tandy – I especially enjoyed their rose water!
I LOVE falooda and don’t really miss the vermicelli. The photos are so tempting, Shashi. Wish i had a glass of it right now 😀
Shashi, you make the most droolworthy desserts! You what’s funny though? The second I saw this beautiful rose and almond flavored falooda, I thought about a few different Vietnamese desserts as well. 🙂 Seeing these pics and this recipe reminds me a bit of home. 🙂 Can I just say, also, that “drinkable” desserts is one of the best phrases ever?
Okay, so this recipe has everything I love in it: tapioca pearls, rose water, almond extract… how do you do it, Shashi? Can’t wait to see more! Pinning! Hope you have a great weekend. 🙂
Falooda was my best friend when I was a kid, I had so much of it but never had enough 🙂 … I’m going to try your recipe, you made it look much better than how I remember it, beautiful clicks!
Omg this looks amazing!! I love rose and almond flavored desserts so I will have to try this, especially since it is such a beautiful color 🙂
Falooda is something that we have as soon as it is time for dessert after a heavy meal. The ones that get served in Kerala does have some vermicelli plus loads of nuts and tutti frutti to chew in between… This sounds easy and simple and love the added almond flavor for a punch… 🙂
I’ve never heard of this either but it sounds delicious – and it looks too pretty to drink!