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Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
TasteAtlas names five Indian ice creams among world's best; what sets traditional frozen treats apart from Western ones?
While Italy's Vivoli Gelateria claimed the top spot with its classic Crema, India held its own with a mouth-watering lineup of iconic frozen treats. Ice cream isn't just a dessert, it's an emotion, and Indian flavours are finally getting the global recognition they deserve. TasteAtlas, a global food and travel guide, has listed five Indian ice creams among the world's top 100 iconic frozen desserts. Each of these treats reflects not only regional ingredients but also the nostalgic charm and innovation of Indian sweet traditions. While Italy's Vivoli Gelateria claimed the top spot with its classic Crema, India held its own with a mouth-watering lineup of iconic frozen treats. From Mumbai, K. Rustom & Co.'s nostalgic Mango Ice Cream Sandwich continues to charm generations with its creamy mango filling and crisp biscuit layers. Naturals Ice Cream's Tender Coconut flavour stands out for its fresh, tropical taste. Also hailing from Mumbai, Apsara Ice Cream offers a bold twist with its spicy-sweet Guava ice cream, complete with a hint of chilli. Down south, Mangalore's Pabba's brings the fun with its colourful, layered Gadbad Ice Cream. And in Bengaluru, Corner House's legendary Death by Chocolate sundae delivers a rich, indulgent experience that has earned a cult status. Each entry brings something distinctly Indian to the table. What sets traditional Indian ice creams apart is their deep-rooted connection to local ingredients and flavour traditions. With platforms like TasteAtlas spotlighting these creations, there's a renewed appreciation for preserving regional dessert legacies. (Source: Freepik) 2 / 7 But, what makes traditional Indian ice creams stand out compared to their Western counterparts in terms of flavour profile and ingredients? Alok Singh, expert on food history and science at Diga Organics, tells 'Traditional Indian ice creams, such as kulfi and its regional variations, have a distinct richness and depth of flavor that come from slow cooking and the use of full-fat milk or condensed milk. Unlike Western ice creams that often rely on cream, eggs, and air-churning for texture, Indian versions are typically denser and more intense in taste.' (Source: Freepik) 3 / 7 The flavour profiles are also quite unique. Ingredients like cardamom, saffron, rose, pistachios, and even regional fruits or spices create a complex, layered experience, notes Singh, adding, 'There is a cultural generosity in Indian desserts -- every spoonful feels full-bodied and indulgent.' The traditional cooking process, often involving hand-stirring and natural thickening, adds to the charm and nostalgia that Indian ice creams carry. (Source: Freepik) 4 / 7 Preservation and promotion of regional dessert traditions in India TasteAtlas has given long-overdue recognition to regional desserts that have been cherished for generations but may not have always had the global spotlight. Singh states, 'When international platforms highlight these delicacies, it not only brings pride to local communities but also encourages renewed interest among younger generations.' (Source: Freepik) It also gives small-scale artisans and traditional makers more visibility and commercial value. These recognitions act as cultural preservation tools, helping ensure that heirloom recipes and local variations continue to be passed down and celebrated. (Source: Freepik) 6 / 7 Are Indian consumers becoming more inclined toward artisanal or traditional-style ice creams? Singh believes that there is a noticeable shift. 'Indian consumers today are more informed, experimental, and quality-conscious. They are seeking out ice creams that use real ingredients, have regional authenticity, and come with a story. This interest in artisanal and traditional offerings is part of a larger movement toward mindful consumption,' he explains. (Source: Freepik) Especially in urban centers, he mentions, consumers are showing a growing appreciation for texture, natural flavors, and cultural relevance. 'Whether it is a kulfi on a stick from a family-run shop or a small-batch saffron pistachio ice cream, people are gravitating toward ice creams that feel handcrafted and rooted in tradition,' concludes the expert. (Source: Freepik)
Economic Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
The ice cream parlour near Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan's house today is a Rs 300 crore business. Why first outlet was opened there
In Mumbai's Juhu, Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath founded Naturals Ice Cream in 1984, captivating hearts with handcrafted, fruit-filled flavors. Starting from a humble 200 sq. ft. shop, Kamath's vision of pure, fruit-based ice creams quickly set Naturals apart. The brand grew into a Rs 300+ crore enterprise with over 165 outlets, earning international recognition. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads First outlet in Juhu Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In the vibrant suburb of Juhu, Mumbai, where stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Shatrughan Sinha stay, , a quieter legend was being born. It was here that Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath set up the very first Naturals Ice Cream parlour in 1984. While Bollywood stars drew crowds with their glamour, Kamath captivated hearts with something even sweeter—his handcrafted, fruit-filled ice three celebrities, symbolic of timeless appeal, unknowingly shared their neighborhood with a man who would go on to become an iconic name in India's dessert strategically chose Juhu for his first outlet, knowing that the neighborhood's star power—thanks to residents like Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Hema Malini—would naturally attract more foot traffic and curious customers, he once told a newspaper.'Celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini stayed in the area. I thought they'd draw more crowds,' Kamath told Telegraph in into a humble family, Kamath learned early the importance of quality produce from his father, a fruit vendor. At just 14, he left school to help in his brother's eatery, 'Gokul Refreshments.' It was there that the spark for something bigger took root. He envisioned an ice cream that didn't rely on artificial flavors or mass production—but rather celebrated the rich bounty of Indian parting ways with his brother, Kamath invested Rs 3.5 lakh and launched Naturals Ice Cream with a mere six staff members and a tiny 200 sq. ft. shop. His vision was clear: to craft pure, fruit-based ice creams with simple ingredients—fruit, milk, and sugar. The inaugural menu featured just 12 flavors, including sitaphal, tender coconut, jackfruit, muskmelon, and kala jamun. These were unheard-of in commercial ice creams at the time, and they immediately set Naturals kept advertising to a minimum, relying instead on word-of-mouth. His belief was that a good product would speak for itself—and it the years, the Naturals menu grew to include over 20 flavors available at any time, including bold options like gajar halwa, tilgul, cucumber, and Ice Cream has now grown into a Rs 300+ crore enterprise with more than 165 outlets spread across 15 states in India. Its Tender Coconut flavor has even earned international recognition. Pushing boundaries even today, the company recently introduced vending machines to offer 24/7 ice cream access. This blend of tradition and innovation continues to drive Naturals forward. Raghunandan Kamath passed away in 2024 at the age of 75, leaving behind not just a successful business, but a legacy of taste, trust, and tenacity. From a small shop in Juhu to a nationwide brand adored by millions, his journey is a testament to what can be built from a simple idea, pure ingredients, and an unshakable dream.
