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Our childhood memories of ice cream are full of fun and laughter. Whether making a Rasna popsicle or freezing custard during the summer vacations, our tryst with ice creams was an exciting experiment. Remember how our parents would reward us with a Nirula's ice cream after exam results The millennials had the best outing experiences at this vintage ice cream parlour.
And now, with the digital and cultural boom, we have various options available at the click of a button. However, there was a time when only a select number of ice cream parlours preserved the legacy of these frozen desserts. Here is a look at the country's vintage ice cream shops, once the most treasured hangout spot for kids.
Taj Ice Cream, Mumbai (1887)
When in Mumbai, drop by this ice cream shop that popped up when frozen desserts were considered a luxury. The Taj Ice Cream Shop in Bhendi Bazaar has served customers since the 1800s. Known for their old-school, hand-churned flavours, these ice creams are to die for. Some of the shop's highly recommended options include Custard Apple, Chikoo, Alphonso, and Litchi. The popularity of these ice creams has to be owed to the outlet's founder Valiji Jalaji, whose experiment of blending frozen fruits, cream, milk and sugar resulted in six different flavours during its initial stint. Today, the ice cream parlour boasts up to 16 varieties on the menu.
Where Shop No. 1, Chimna Butcher St, Bohri Mohalla, Mumbai
Apsara Ice Creams, Mumbai (1971)
When he opened Apsara Ice Creams, little did Nemchand Shah know that one day it would become the city's highly recommended ice cream parlour. Shah began selling hand-churned ice-creams from a dingy corner in Walkweshwar. Such was the taste of his freshly prepared frozen desserts that the customer footfall kept growing. No advertising, no marketing, only word-of-mouth is what popularised Apsara Ice Creams. With over 50 flavours on the menu, the business has expanded across the city. From Alphonso and strawberry to orange and jamun, the mix of seasonal fruits makes these ice creams stand out from others.
Where 74/76, Subhadra Mansion, Walkeshwar Road, Malabar Hill, Mumbai
Nirula's, New Delhi (1977)
Before McDonald's entered the Indian market, Nirula's used dominated the fast food scene. It began by selling easy-to-make food, including pizzas, fries and burgers, and gradually introduced ice creams. In 1977, Nirula's launched its first fast-food restaurant in Delhi with a menu that included ice creams and pastries. The outlet served as many as 21 ice cream flavours in cups and cones. However, its free ice cream offer for school students changed the frozen dessert game in the national capital. For students topping their exams or scoring well, the outlet encouraged them to dine in at their restaurant while enjoying free ice cream as a reward. Some of its best flavours include hot chocolate fudge with vanilla, dark chocolate brownie, and Zafrani Bada Pista.
Where M-57, Shankar Market, Block M, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi
Jal Mahal Ice Cream Parlour, Jaipur (1982)
The ice cream parlour holds the reputation of being one of the most iconic outlets in Jaipur, introduced by the late Mahendra Singh. The vision to blend the regional flavours into a creamy concoction encouraged Singh to give Jaipur its first-ever ice cream parlour. Its use of fruits, dry fruit, chocolates, milk and sugar makes it stand out. When there, don't forget to try their ice cream cakes. Other popular options include hot chocolate fudge, earthquake sundae, cherry berry sundae, and fruit loop sundae.
Where 85, Near Paach Batti Circle, MI Road, Jaipur
Lakeview Milk Bar, Bengaluru (1930)
This milk and bar parlour was launched in the early 1900s by a British named James Meadow Charles. The pre-Independence legacy continues even today, as the ice cream parlour is one of the favourite hot spots for locals and tourists alike. Known for its signature flavours&mdashvanilla, raspberry and chocolate, Laveview offers a range of options, including milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches. Post-independence, the shop was taken over by Vrajlal Jamnadas, who added new flavours to the mix. Some of the popular flavours include banana split, butterscotch and chocolate fudge.
Where Kannan Building, 89, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
Cover photo credit Deposit Photos
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