The Sweet Taste Of Afghanistan: A Look At The Country's Ice Cream Culture

Afghanistan has a rich history of ice cream culture, with traditional ice cream called shir yakh or sheryakh (milk ice) being consumed for centuries. The country's ice cream industry is thriving, with companies like the Herat Ice Cream factory producing a wide range of flavours and distributing them across the nation, even to areas controlled by the Taliban. Afghan ice cream is known for its unique texture, with some versions using corn starch to create a chewy bite. The ice cream is often enjoyed as a sundae called falooda, which includes crushed ice, noodles, rosewater or cardamom-flavoured ice cream, simple syrup, vermicelli noodles, Afghan cream, and pistachios.

The Herat Ice-Cream factory is Afghanistan's largest ice-cream company

Afghanistan has its fair share of ice cream companies, and the Herat Ice Cream factory is the largest of them all. The company was founded in 2003 by Ahmad Faizi, who is also the chief executive, with money made from his import business. Faizi started the company with half a million dollars, and now the company is worth $15 million.

The factory is located in Herat Industrial Park, in the Herat province of western Afghanistan. It manufactures a variety of ice cream products, including rectangular vanilla bars dipped in thick chocolate, orange sorbets, coffee-flavoured bars, cones, and a mock "Magnum". In addition to its ice cream products, Herat Ice Cream also offers dairy products such as milk and yoghurt.

The company employs 216 people, who work around the clock to produce 30 tonnes of ice cream per day. The ice cream is sold for 30 cents per piece across Afghanistan's 34 provinces, generating $5 million per year in turnover. The ice cream is boxed by women wearing headscarves and shipped in chilled containers to major cities such as Kabul, Mazaar e sharif, Kandahar, and Jalal Abad.

Herat province, the second-most populous province in Afghanistan, has a strong economy based on trade with neighbouring Iran. Officials in the province aim to build on the success of Herat Ice Cream to create a "Herat" brand and turn the region into a business hub.

Ice cream is distributed via street vendors who push carts around town, announcing their arrival with loudspeakers playing music

Afghanistan's ice cream industry is thriving, with companies like the Herat Ice Cream factory churning out more than 30 tonnes of ice cream, lollies, and choc-ices each year. The ice cream is then distributed to customers via street vendors who push carts around town, with loudspeakers playing music to announce their arrival.

These vendors travel throughout Afghanistan, even to areas with a strong Taliban presence, such as Kandahar and Khost. The ice cream treats are a welcome source of joy in a nation that has endured decades of conflict. The vendors play a variety of music, from popular tunes like Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" to classical pieces like Beethoven's "Für Elise."

The ice cream itself is a treat, with a wide range of flavours. The best-selling flavour is a Magnum-like vanilla ice cream coated with chocolate and almonds. Other flavours include coffee-chocolate, vanilla with sour cherry and pistachio, and even unique combinations like mulberry, saffron, and watermelon.

The ice cream industry has also had a positive economic impact on the country. It has created jobs, with the Herat Ice Cream factory employing over 200 people, and has even helped some of Afghanistan's poorest families earn a living. The surplus milk from Christian Aid's cooperative in Afghanistan is sold to the ice cream company, providing income for families who care for animals and produce milk.

The ice cream industry in Afghanistan is a testament to the country's resilience and innovation, providing a sweet treat and a source of joy for people from all walks of life. The street vendors, with their musical carts, play a crucial role in distributing these frozen delights to communities across the nation.

A traditional type of ice cream called shir yakh (milk ice) has been eaten in Afghanistan for centuries

Afghanistan has a rich history of ice cream consumption, with a traditional type called shir yakh, or milk ice, that has been eaten for centuries. This delicious treat is an integral part of Afghan cuisine and holds cultural significance in the country.

Shir yakh, also known as sheer yakh, shiryakh, or sheeryakh, is a unique variety of ice cream that is deeply rooted in Afghan culture. It is believed to have originated in ancient Persia, dating back to 500 BCE during the Achaemenid Empire. Over time, it made its way into Afghanistan, becoming a beloved dessert among the locals.

The name "shir yakh" translates to "frozen milk" or simply "milk" in the Dari language, reflecting its primary ingredient. This traditional ice cream is typically made by mixing full-cream milk, condensed milk, dry milk, and flavourings such as cardamom, rose water, saffron, and vanilla. The addition of corn starch gives shir yakh a distinctive chewy texture, setting it apart from other types of ice cream.

In Afghanistan, shir yakh is often sold as street food, especially during the hot summer months. It is served in small bowls, topped with generous amounts of pistachios, thick cream, and sometimes almonds. The ice cream's creamy texture and floral notes from the cardamom and rose water create a sensory experience that delights both locals and those who are fortunate enough to try it.

The art of making shir yakh has evolved over the centuries, with recipes being passed down through generations and shared across borders. While it remains a classic Afghan dessert, shir yakh has also influenced the ice cream culture in neighbouring countries, particularly Iran. Today, shir yakh continues to be a beloved treat in Afghanistan, with its recipe being shared and enjoyed by people worldwide, bringing a taste of Afghan culture to kitchens everywhere.

The best-selling ice cream flavour in Afghanistan is a Magnum-like vanilla ice-cream coated with chocolate and almonds

Afghanistan has a rich history of ice cream consumption and production, with traditional ice cream called "shir yakh" or sheryakh being enjoyed for centuries. In a country often associated with conflict and hardship, ice cream brings joy and is even said to melt the hearts of the Taliban. Amidst challenging circumstances, ice cream has become a successful business venture, providing income opportunities for locals, including women and some of Afghanistan's poorest families.

The Herat Ice Cream Company, based in western Afghanistan, is a notable example of this success. Founded by Ahmad Faizy, the company is valued at $15 million and employs over 200 people, including women who box the ice cream for shipping. Their products are sold across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, a remarkable feat given the lack of foreign investment and the challenging security situation.

The best-selling ice cream flavour produced by Herat Ice Cream is a Magnum-like vanilla ice cream coated with chocolate and almonds. This flavour is part of their diverse range, which also includes orange sorbets, coffee-flavoured bars, cones, and a mock "Magnum." The company's success has sparked interest in developing the region into a business hub, with officials aiming to create a "Herat" brand known for quality.

The popularity of ice cream in Afghanistan can be attributed to its delicious taste and the country's demographics, with about two-thirds of Afghans being under 25 years old. Additionally, the demand for milk and dairy products in Asia has been rising due to increased awareness of their nutritional value, particularly for children. This combination of factors has contributed to the success of the ice cream industry in Afghanistan, providing a sweet treat and a source of income for many.

While the best-selling ice cream flavour in Afghanistan is the Magnum-like vanilla ice cream coated with chocolate and almonds, other popular flavours include saffron, coffee, and watermelon, and traditional shir yakh. These diverse options cater to a range of tastes and preferences, reflecting the evolving palate of Afghan consumers. The ice cream industry in Afghanistan is not only a source of delight but also a means of economic empowerment and a symbol of resilience in challenging times.

Ice cream provides a source of income for some of Afghanistan's poorest people

Afghanistan's ice cream industry is providing a source of income for some of the country's poorest people, with companies like the Herat Ice Cream Company sourcing milk from small farmers and creating jobs in ice cream factories and distribution.

In a country wrenched by decades of war, the ice cream industry is a source of joy and income for many Afghans. The Herat Ice Cream Company, for example, produces a range of ice cream treats, including rectangular vanilla bars dipped in thick chocolate, orange sorbets, coffee-flavoured bars, cones, and a mock "Magnum". These products are sold across Afghanistan's 34 provinces, even in areas controlled by the Taliban.

The success of the ice cream industry in Afghanistan is notable given the country's challenging business environment, including issues with corruption, security, and foreign competition. However, ice cream companies like Herat have thrived due to factors such as demographics (with two-thirds of Afghans being under 25) and the product's broad appeal, even reaching members of the Taliban.

The ice cream industry has also provided income opportunities for smallholder dairy farmers. Christian Aid, for example, has been working in western Afghanistan to support poor families by providing them with goats and veterinary training. The surplus milk produced by these families is then sold to ice cream companies like Herat, providing a steady source of income.

Through a combination of tradition and innovation, the ice cream industry in Afghanistan has become a source of livelihood for many, helping to lift people out of poverty and providing them with the means to afford occasional luxuries.

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