Royal Fried-Bread Pudding Soaked in Saffron Milk

Name: Royal Fried-Bread Pudding Soaked in Saffron Milk (Traditional Shahi Tukda)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk; 1 pinch of saffron strands; ¼ cup sugar; ½ teaspoon cardamom powder; 1 tablespoon rose water; 6 slices of bread, crusts removed and cut into diagonal slices; Ghee, for frying; 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, for garnish; 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, for garnish

Traditional Shahi Tukda

Preparation info

Yield:
6 to 8
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

A royal Mughlai dessert, Shahi Tukda is a rich and creamy bread pudding made with crispy fried bread slices soaked in rose-flavored sugar syrup and topped with thickened saffron milk. It’s an ultimate indulgence, often served during Eid and at weddings. I love how this dessert is both simple and regal at the same time!

Ingredients

Rabri

4 cups whole milk
½ cup sugar
1 pinch

Method

To make the rabri: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the milk, sugar, and saffron strands. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a brisk boil. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, turn the heat to low, and simmer, stirring continuously, until reduced by half. Scrape down the sides of the pan as the milk is condensing. Stir continuously to prevent burning and sticking. Turn off the heat. Add the cardam