A new heatwave has pushed the temperature in Delhi to new heights. And amid the scorching heat, the mere thought of this cool dish makes your mouth water while sending signals to the brain to let health melt away in the magic of — kulfi!

Once a delicacy in the royal kitchens of the Mughals, the kulfi has traveled the streets of Delhi to become a way of life, so much so that it is now evolving into exotic and innovative avatars for those who enjoy experimenting with new flavors and combinations. A bit of nostalgia also comes into play when you think of the kulfi, as it was sold with the peddler ringing a bell and all the children in the settlement rushing up to him to choose which denomination of currency would suit them to appease their cravings. summer!

An affair with kulfi often begins with a good handful of stick malai kulfi or kulfi falooda; with sweet rose-based syrup and/or lemon-colored kewra drizzled on top to add to the temptation. And then the humble longing turns into a passionate obsession as summer intensifies. But never fear, as we’ve prepared a checklist of some of the capital‘s most popular kulfi outlets for you to explore as long as the season lasts. Ready to savor?

1. Tippy tippy tap, what stuffed fruit you want!

At Kuremal Mahavir Prasad Kulfiwale, it all started with a small stall with a large matka, an earthen pot, filled with slabs of ice cream and creamy kulfis of two varieties – plain doodh and kesar pista – in the narrow lanes of Chawri Bazaar in the Old Delhi in the early 1900s. Today, his son Mohan Lal has taken it over and made it one of the most iconic places in Delhi which offers a variety of kulfis, and the stuffed fruit kulfis are the one of the strengths. “The history of stuffed kulfis dates back to 1971 or 1972 jab papa and dadaji Calcutta (now Kolkata) gaye the, kisi ke ghar party ke liye. At the party, they were served mango slices topped with kulfi. It became their inspiration to start selling kulfi-stuffed fruit,” recalls Manoj Sharma, the store’s third generation. If you have to choose, we’ll vote for the stuffed mango and the stuffed anar kulfi served with a sprinkle of masala.

Where: Chawri Bazaar, Bengali Market and Hauz Khas

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: ₹80/ Flavored Kulfis, ₹100/Special Kulfis and ₹250/Stuffed Kulfis

2. From kulfi, faluda and tales of ’51

Roshan Di Kulfi also had humble beginnings when Roshan Lal Soni opened a small stall in Karol Bagh almost 75 years ago. Today, his grandson Ayush Soni, who manages the store, says: “Humare dadaji aaye Delhi in 1951 from Himachal Pradesh. We’ve grown from a small stand to two stores here,” says Ayush, adding, “We stuck to our USPs and made sure to keep all natural ingredients. Even for seasonal mango kufils, we either use the best quality mangoes or don’t add them to the menu. Throughout the year, Kulfi Faluda Kesar Pista Badam is the most sought after here, and can be attested for its divine taste!

Where: Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh and Block F, Rajouri Garden

Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: ₹140/Kulfi Faluda

3. A one-stop shop for young and old

Visit Ravi Raj Di Kulfi to open a Pandora’s Kulfis Box. From sugar free to rose and orange to anjeer, this place has every flavor you could imagine. Brijesh Yadav, busy storing the kulfis in the refrigerator, informs that the history of the store goes back about 80 years. “It all started with the sale of kulfis on thelas and directly out of the matka. Since that time, the place has become famous and appreciated by young and old alike. Bacchon ko rangeen kulfiyan pasand aati hain aur bade log kesar, badam pista wali kulfi mangte hain,” shares Yadav, who has worked at the store for almost eight years.

Where: Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh

Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: ₹40/Kulfi Staff

4. A delight for maharajas

Kings Kulfi is the one stop destination serving Delhiites from all parts. From classic flavors to Brownie Walnut Kulfi, one can explore a range of flavored, nutty and fruity kulfis. Outlet Manager Pritam Giri shares, “We have different flavors of kulfi available, ranging from kiwi, black currant and mango to strawberry. February ke last week is selling season humara shuru hojata hai. Maharaja Kulfi humara subse hot selling item hai!”

Where: Arjun Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: ₹50/Kulfi Staff

5. Believe in the classics

Jeeta Kulfi Walle was started in 1985 by Inderjeet Singh – who moved to Delhi from Punjab – and offers kulfis tila (stick) and kulfis falooda. It is easy to identify this store, due to the endless number of people lining up to enjoy their summer treat. “We are one of the oldest shops in East Delhi and the first Kulfi and Rabri Falooda places in Krishna Nagar. We believe in sticking to the basics and flavor kesar pista sabse zyada chata hai humare yahan,” Singh shares.

Where: Lal Chowk Main Quarter, Krishna Nagar

Hours: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: ₹40/Kulfi Staff

6. A taste intact for generations

The 45-year-old kulfi joint named Sindhi Kulfi Corner, has a history dating back to 1972. “Phele dadaji bhechte the, phir pitaji ne continue kiya,” says Rajesh Kumar, who is the third generation of kulfi makers. “We sell kulfi and rabri falooda made from pure milk with no added flavors or essences. On the weekends we see huge foot traffic and the kulfi falooda is the most sought after item here. On weekdays, ko dhoop mai log zyada nahi nikalte par chutti wale din rush ho hi jata hai,” adds Kumar, who claims to have served famous personalities such as rapper Honey Singh.

Where: Lal Sai Market, Lajpat Nagar II

Hours: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: ₹60/Kulfi Faluda, ₹70/Rabri Faluda

7. Chunky treats for party fun

At Chaudhary Sweets Corner (Original), choose from fruit-based kulfis with real fruit chunks and exotic flavors of caramel and rose. The 1987 establishment offers such a wide range of kulfis that you will certainly wonder which one not to try! “Humari Rabri Kulfi bahut rich hai; ism apko paani ki jo kach-kach rehti hai usually, wo nahi milegi,” guarantees owner Rajkumar Chaudhary. He who likes to experiment with flavors, and adds: “Our kulfis are not just flavors, they contain real pieces of dried fruit, fresh fruit and even chocolate. Kesar Pista Badam Kulfi is one of our bestsellers. Aur sham ke time toh yahan pura mela lag jata hai.

Where: 10/18, Shakti Mandir Marg, Shakti Nagar

Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: ₹20/Kulfi Staff

8. Single or double fauda?

Gupta Ji Kulfi Wale is a shop that was established in 1976 and before the pandemic offered different flavors ranging from chocolate to paan kulfis. “Lockdown ke time mein bahut maal kharab hogaya. Ab aage chalke dekhte hain ki phirse variety layaege ya nahi. Abhi toh hum Kulfi Rabri Mix Faluda, Double Kulfi Faluda aur Kaju Kulfi bechh rahe hain,” says Mudrika Gupta, who runs the stand with her brother. Sharing how the kulfi market has changed dramatically since her father started the business, she insists the stall is still a favorite among families who go out late at night for after-dinner dessert.

Where: Gol Chakkar, Tilak Nagar

Hours: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: ₹40/Kaju Kulfi, ₹100/Kulfi Rabri Mix Faluda and Double Kulfi Faluda

Author tweets @AngelaPaljor

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