Slurp on the Iftari staple at the best falooda joints in Mumbai

Earthy flavours

Special Rabdi Falooda

An iconic haunt that has been flattered by several duplications of its name across the city is the 55-year-old Yaadgar Cold Drink House in Bandra. Known for its non-synthetic, ‘no non-veg' taste enhancers, the falooda gets its earthy notes from the rabdi prepared on coal. White Rose ('110), made using extracts from the fragrant flower, is a popular item on the menu. The outpost, for the month of Ramzan, has also introduced Rabdi-Malpua dessert At '50.

Time Until 1 am At 3, Guru Nanak, Opposite Bandra Station, Bandra Talao, Bandra (W). Call 40066767

Falooda on-the-go

Chocolate Falooda

If you are open to a twist to the classic, Dev Narayan Ice Cream's food truck in Vile Parle is a good place to sip on some innovative fare. Take your pick from varieties like Kesar Ilaichi, Kiwi, Peru, Variyali, Pista and Mango Butter Scotch. There is also a Choc-olate Falooda ('40 for half glass) thAt comes topped with jelly cubes and dry fruit.
Time Until 11.30 pm At Opposite Bharat Petrol Pump, Nehru Road, Vile Parle (E).

The pioneers

Badshahi falooda

A sweeter variant of the Persian drink called faludeh, falooda owes its popularity among Mumbaikars to Badshah Cold Drinks. Located At a bustling junction near Crawford Market, it continues to whip up the same taste it introduced the city to, 112 years ago. The Classic Royal Falooda ('80) thAt comes topped with vanilla ice cream is a bestseller. If you are looking for a sweet meal in a bowl, go for the Badshahi falooda ('145).
Time Until 12.30 am At Opposite Crawford Market. Call 23421943

Dairy treat

Known for its quality milk products, Super Dairy in Mira Road offers the perfect respite from heAt with two variants - Malai ('50) and Special ('75). The latter comes with oodles of rabdi, prepared in-house. Both flavours have an interesting raspberry base.
Time Until 12 am At Opposite Al-shamsh mosque, Naya Nagar, Mira Road (E). Call 28124825

Heirloom recipe

The next time you head to Shalimar for its meaty Mughlai fare, keep tummy space for falooda as a fitting end to your meal. The drink has been on its menu since the time the restaurant was a juice centre.

A detailed recipe -- reducing milk on coal till it acquires a brownish tinge and adding kho-ya -- which was devised At inception, is still religiously adhered to. Opt for the creamy and satiating Shalimar Special Falooda (R90).
time Until 1 am

At Vazir Building, Bhendi Bazaar, Mohammad Ali Road. Call 23456630

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Off-the-beaten track

Shway Aye and Kulfi Falooda

The restaurants don't disappoint when it comes to adding a gourmet touch to falooda. While the popular Kailash ParbAt chain offers a rich Kulfi Falooda with a chic presentation, the West Asian drink now boasts some Eastern flavours too. Burma Burma's Shway Aye comes with chilled coconut milk, sweet bread, coconut jelly and lotus seeds.
At Kailash Parbat outlets in Mumbai; Burma Burma, Kothari House, Fort.