Falooda is a popular Indian dessert drink layered with sweet basil seeds, vermicelli, rose syrup, milk, and ice cream — traditionally rich and creamy. This Vegan Falooda keeps the decadence but swaps out dairy for plant-based alternatives, making it perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle or looking for a lighter, lactose-free version of this iconic treat.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Falooda
🌹 Beautifully layered & Instagram-worthy
🥥 Creamy without dairy using coconut or almond milk
🍨 Customizable toppings — fresh fruit, jelly, or vegan ice cream
🌿 Refreshing & cooling with soaked basil seeds
🕒 Easy to assemble, especially with pre-cooked ingredients
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons basil seeds (sabja/tukmaria)
- 1/4 cup vermicelli (use rice or wheat-free as needed)
- 2 cups plant-based milk (coconut, almond, or soy)
- 2–3 tablespoons rose syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla ice cream (or rose, mango, etc.)
Optional Add-ins:
- Cubed vegan jelly (rose, mango, or mixed fruit)
- Chopped fresh fruit (mango, strawberry, banana)
- Crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios)
- Edible rose petals for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Basil Seeds
Soak basil seeds in 1/2 cup of water for about 15 minutes until they swell and become jelly-like. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vermicelli
Boil the vermicelli until soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegan Milk
Chill the plant-based milk in the fridge. You can sweeten it slightly with maple syrup or a bit of rose syrup if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Falooda
In a tall glass, layer the ingredients:
- A spoonful of rose syrup
- Soaked basil seeds
- Cooked vermicelli
- Chilled plant-based milk
- Vegan jelly or chopped fruits (optional)
- Scoop of vegan ice cream on top
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with crushed nuts, a drizzle of rose syrup, or edible rose petals. Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw.
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored almond or soy milk (vanilla, rose, etc.) for extra taste
- For added indulgence, blend some vegan ice cream into the milk for a milkshake-style base
- Add chia seeds if basil seeds are unavailable
- Turn it into a falooda parfait by layering in a jar and refrigerating until chilled
Perfect For:
- Summer dessert cravings
- Vegan festivals or celebrations
- Indian-inspired dinner parties
- Refreshing dairy-free treats
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Falooda Recipe captures all the magic of the original — the textures, the cooling sweetness, and the stunning presentation — while staying completely plant-based. It’s a luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert drink that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sweet, cruelty-free indulgence.