Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Kashmir, a land celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also boasts a remarkable culinary tradition. This year, with the intense heat experienced everywhere, people have been turning to various means to cool down, and one of the most cherished methods is indulging in traditional desserts. Among its most cherished desserts is the traditional Kashmiri malai kulfi. However, in recent years, the authenticity of this classic treat has been compromised by various custard-based imitations sold by street vendors and dhaba wallas. It’s essential for kulfi enthusiasts to distinguish between these versions to truly appreciate the authentic flavors.
The heart of traditional Kashmiri Kulfi
Traditional Kashmiri malai kulfi is a labor of love, crafted from pure milk that is slowly simmered to achieve a thick, creamy consistency. Unlike the commercialized custard-based variants, authentic kulfi is dense, rich, and bursting with the flavors of cardamom, saffron, and nuts. The growing presence of custard-like kulfis in the market has led to confusion, with many people unable to experience the genuine article
Ingredients: Traditional kulfi is made from milk, sugar, and natural flavorings like cardamom and saffron. Beware of products with artificial flavors, preservatives, or thickeners like custard powder.
Texture: Authentic kulfi has a dense, creamy texture that melts slowly. If the kulfi feels light and melts quickly, it is likely to be custard-based.
Flavor: Genuine kulfi boasts rich, natural flavors. Artificially flavored kulfis often have a synthetic taste that can be easily detected.
The pursuit of authenticity in downtown and Lal Chowk, Srinagar
Amidst the sea of imitations, very few establishments are making strides in preserving and enhancing the authenticity of kulfi, mostly available in Srinagar’s downtown areas. Living in the civil line area, I usually visit ice cream shops, and today, I discovered a beautiful shop located in the heart of Lal Chowk: Salt & Spice. The owner, Sheikh Fayaz, greeted customers with a humble smile and warm hospitality.
During my visit, I found that Salt & Spice has creatively blended traditional Kashmiri malai kulfi with Italian gelato to create a dessert that is both true to its roots and innovative. This fusion results in a smoother, more scoopable texture while maintaining the rich, traditional flavors that define Kashmiri kulfi.
While innovation can often come at a high price, some places manage to keep their offerings affordable. At Salt & Spice, for instance, you can enjoy a scoop of this exquisite kulfi for just Rs 50. This accessibility ensures that everyone can savor the luxury of true Kashmiri flavors without breaking the bank.
Celebrating Kashmiri culinary excellence
The unparalleled taste of traditional Kashmiri kulfi is a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. Whether it’s the elaborate dishes of Wazwan or the simple pleasure of a well-made kulfi, Kashmiri food remains unmatched. For those who wish to experience this authenticity, it’s crucial to support establishments that honor traditional methods and ingredients.
The owner’s mission
Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, a civil engineer by profession, has taken the responsibility of preserving old heritage while making kulfi scoopable, giving it a modern touch and challenging multinational brands with an organic version of Kashmiri kulfi.
Salt & Spice offers traditional Kashmiri kulfi in various flavors such as almond, blueberry, cotton candy, Nutella, chocolate chips, mango, strawberry, butterscotch, tender coconut, red velvet, peanut butter, pista kulfi, and many more.
Bringing authentic Kulfi home
For those looking to share this delightful experience with loved ones, these establishments offer the option to purchase kulfi in larger quantities. Salt & Spice provides bricks of their signature kulfi, allowing you to bring home a taste of Kashmir and enjoy it with family and friend
Aware consumers: Understanding ice cream authenticity
To truly appreciate the authenticity of traditional Kashmiri malai kulfi, it’s important to understand the differences between various types of ice creams available in the market. This knowledge helps consumers make informed choices and support genuine products:
Dairy ice cream: Made from milk, it’s rich and creamy, representing the traditional and authentic form of ice cream.
Italian softy (Gelato): Lower in fat, high density, and uses more material, resulting in low overrun. Gelato’s denser texture and intense flavor profile are closer to what traditional Kashmiri kulfi aims to achieve.
In the end, it’s the dedication to authenticity and quality that sets traditional Kashmiri malai kulfi apart from its commercial counterparts, ensuring that this beloved dessert continues to be enjoyed in its purest form.
Conclusion: A call for authenticity
As the popularity of kulfi continues to grow, it’s essential to celebrate and support the authentic versions of this beloved dessert. By being discerning about ingredients, texture, and flavor, we can ensure that the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
After a good conversation with Sheikh Fayaz, I took home a packet of ice cream for my family, and we enjoyed it immensely. Despite modernization, there are very few people who want to promote heritage, culture, and authenticity in every aspect, and Sheikh Fayaz is one of them. For my friends and
readers, I suggest that when in Srinagar, you should visit:
Salt & Spice
Lala Rukh Hotel Building Opposite Food Street, near JK Bank ATM Lal Chowk, Srinagar
Do visit Salt & Spice to experience the true flavors of Kashmiri malai kulfi and support the preservation of this wonderful culinary tradition.
(The author is a columnist, motivational speaker presently working as Sr. EDP Head at SKIE Classes Khanyar/Soura branch. He can be reached at [email protected])
