In the grand courts of the Nizams of Hyderabad, where every dish was a statement of luxury, Shahi Tukda was the crown jewel of dessert platters. With its rich blend of saffron-infused milk, golden-fried bread, and fragrant cardamom, this royal indulgence was once served only to nobility. Today, it graces our homes during Eid, Diwali, and weddings – a sweet echo of India’s regal culinary heritage.
Growing up, I remember my grandmother making this during Eid. She would slowly simmer full-fat milk into thick, luscious rabri, fry slices of bread to a crisp golden brown, and drizzle it all with sugar syrup infused with rose water. The entire house would smell of ghee and cardamom – and we knew a celebration was about to begin.
📝 Ingredients
For the bread base:
6 slices of white bread (preferably a day old)
Ghee or oil for deep frying
For the sugar syrup:
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
2–3 cardamom pods, crushed
A few drops of rose water (optional)
For the rabri:
1 liter full-fat milk
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp cardamom powder
A few saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
2 tbsp chopped pistachios and almonds
Garnish:
Slivered almonds, pistachios, edible silver leaf (optional), rose petals
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rabri
1. Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Lower the flame and simmer, stirring often, until it reduces to one-third of its volume.
2. Add sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
3. Add chopped dry fruits and let it cool. Chill before use.
> Tip: Stir frequently and scrape the sides of the pan to mix the cream (malai) back into the milk – this gives the rabri its rich texture.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
1. In a small pan, combine sugar, water, and cardamom.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer until slightly sticky (no string consistency needed).
3. Add rose water and turn off the heat.
Step 3: Fry the Bread
1. Cut the bread slices into triangles or squares.
2. Deep fry in ghee or oil on medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
> Alternative: You can also bake or air-fry the bread slices with ghee for a healthier version.
Step 4: Assemble the Shahi Tukda
1. Dip each fried bread slice in warm sugar syrup for 5–10 seconds.
2. Place on a serving tray. Pour chilled rabri generously over the slices.
3. Garnish with nuts, rose petals, and edible silver leaf if desired.
4. Serve chilled or slightly warm – either way, it’s divine.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Shahi Tukda is best served slightly chilled, with extra rabri on the side.
Make it a day ahead for richer flavor – the bread soaks up the syrup beautifully overnight.
Pairs perfectly with a cup of strong masala chai or after a biryani feast.
💡 Quick Tips
Use day-old bread for crispier texture.
Don’t over-soak the bread in syrup; it should stay crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Use full-fat milk for the rabri – this is not the time to cut corners!
The Pinch of Masala 