In the heart of bustling Karol Bagh in Old Delhi, where the cacophony of street vendors, shoppers, and rickshaws creates a symphony uniquely its own, there stands a culinary institution that has been delighting Delhiites and visitors alike for over seven decades — Roshan Di Kulfi. This iconic eatery isn’t just a place to grab a sweet treat; it’s a living piece of Delhi’s social and cultural history, a testament to perseverance, flavour, and tradition.
A Humble Beginning in a Time of Turmoil
The story of Roshan Di Kulfi begins against the dramatic backdrop of the Partition of India in 1947. Like millions of others uprooted during this turbulent period, Roshan Lal Soni — originally from Himachal Pradesh and raised in Lahore — found himself starting anew in Delhi. At just 19 years old, Roshan Lal arrived in the capital with little more than his ambitions and willingness to work hard.
Initially, he began selling dry fruits door-to-door in and around Connaught Place, walking for kilometres under Delhi’s unforgiving sun. But he soon began to wonder: what could bring immediate joy and refreshment to people enduring the city’s summer heat? His answer was simple — kulfi, the rich, dense, and creamy Indian frozen dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Soon Roshan Lal set up a tiny street stall in Karol Bagh — then emerging as a bustling hub for refugees and local traders — selling his handcrafted kesar-pista (saffron and pistachio) kulfi with falooda (vermicelli in syrup). Word spread quickly about the delicious, rich dessert that provided both relief from the heat and a taste of nostalgia for many.
From Street Stall to Iconic Eatery
What began as a humble roadside kulfi stand in 1951 gradually flourished into something bigger. As Roshan Lal’s reputation grew along with customer demand, the enterprise evolved, expanding its offerings and footprint. Over the years, Roshan Di Kulfi transformed into a multi-story restaurant at the exact same spot where the original stall first appeared — a testament to the lasting legacy Roshan Lal created.
Today, the same family — now in its third generation — runs the business with pride. Roshan Lal’s grandsons, including Ishan Soni, have carried forward the legacy with a blend of respect for tradition and openness to innovation. While the core attraction remains the kulfi, the menu has expanded to include an array of vegetarian snacks, traditional North Indian favourites, and even South Indian dishes, turning this once-simple kulfi stop into a comprehensive dining destination.
The Kulfi That Started It All
At the heart of Roshan Di Kulfi’s fame is, of course, its kulfi. Crafted with meticulous care, the kulfi is made by slowly reducing and thickening rich milk, then sweetening it with sugar and infusing it with premium ingredients like saffron, almonds, and pistachios. What sets it apart is the balance between luxuriant creaminess and deep traditional flavour — it’s rich without being cloying and dense, yet melts smoothly on the palate. Topped with falooda and syrup, this dessert offers a symphony of textures and tastes that have remained largely unchanged for decades.
While the kesar-pista falooda kulfi remains the most beloved, Roshan Di Kulfi’s menu now includes mango falooda kulfi, sugar-free options, chocolate oreo kulfi, and even paan (betel leaf) kulfi for adventurous palates. These modern twists attract a younger generation of visitors while preserving the essence of what Roshan Lal first created.
More Than Just Dessert
Beyond kulfi, Roshan Di Kulfi has grown into one of Karol Bagh’s most complete vegetarian food destinations. Locals and tourists alike flock here for:
- Chole Bhature — fluffy fried bread paired with spiced chickpeas.
- Alu Tikki and Chaat — classic Indian savoury snacks bursting with tangy flavours.
- Paneer Pakora and Pav Bhaji — comfort food staples that keep customers coming back.
This evolution reflects the restaurant’s ability to grow with its patrons, catering to changing tastes while still holding fast to its roots.
Trials, Resilience, and Community Love
Roshan Di Kulfi’s story is not just about culinary success — it’s also a narrative of resilience. In 1997, the eatery was at the epicentre of one of the Karol Bagh bomb blasts that shook the area, causing tragic loss and damage. Instead of closing its doors, the restaurant rebuilt and reopened quickly, a symbol of perseverance that endeared it even more to the community.
This tenacity is echoed in the countless repeat customers who have grown up with Roshan Di Kulfi as a fixture in their lives. Many families recount visiting the place for generations — parents who once brought their children here now bring theirs, sharing the same kulfi and the same stories of nostalgia. Even public figures like cricketer Kapil Dev and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee have savoured its offerings, adding to its legendary status.
An Evolving Legacy in a Changing City
Despite its deep roots in tradition, Roshan Di Kulfi has not remained stagnant. It has adapted with the times, expanding beyond its Karol Bagh origins with outlets such as the newer location in Rajouri Garden, West Delhi. This expansion ensures that more people can enjoy its iconic kulfi and diverse menu, even as Delhi continues to grow and change.
Yet, no matter how many branches or new dishes are added, the essence of Roshan Di Kulfi remains tied to its original ethos — authentic, comforting, and heartfelt cuisine that reflects the history and spirit of Delhi itself.
Why Roshan Di Kulfi Endures
What makes Roshan Di Kulfi more than just another dessert shop? It’s the blend of history, taste, and community. It is a living link to a time when a young man’s dream and resilience transformed into something that became a part of Delhi’s soul. Whether you’re seeking the perfect cooling treat on a blistering summer day or a plate of classic Indian chaat, this place has something to offer — and stories to tell with every bite.
For any lover of food, history, or the unique tapestry of Delhi’s streets, Roshan Di Kulfi stands as a must-visit landmark — a place where every cone of kulfi carries with it the flavours of tradition and the sweetness of legacy.