The origin of falooda goes back to Iran (Persia), where a similar dessert, Faloodeh, was popular.[7] The dessert came to Medieval India with the many Central Asian dynasties that invaded and settled in South Asia in the 16th to 18th century.[7] The present form of falooda was developed in the Mughal Empire and spread with its conquests. The Persianate rulers who succeeded from the Mughals patronized the dessert with their own adaptations, specifically in Hyderabad Deccan and the Carnatic areas of present-day India.[2] This dessert is now a major part of Indian cuisine, served on weddings and other occasions. It is also a well known part of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan culture.
Metaphorical references
In idiomatic Hindustani, faluda is sometimes used as a reference to something that has been shredded, which is an allusion to the vermicelli noodles. For example, someone who falls into disrepute might say that his or her izzat has been turned to faluda (Template:Lang-hi, Template:Lang-ur), which is roughly equivalent to saying "my reputation is shot".[8]
Variants
Some Indian versions consist of translucent wheat-starch noodles, and flavoured syrup.[citation needed]
Thailand has a similar drink, nam maenglak (น้ำแมงลัก), which is made with lemon basil seeds, shredded jelly, tapioca pearls, and Job's tears mixed with sugar, water, and rose water.
