What Is Shrikhand? A Beginner's Guide

Shrikhand is a sweet, creamy dessert made from strained curd (yogurt), sugar and aromatic flavourings such as cardamom and saffron. It is especially loved in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where it appears at festive meals, family lunches and celebrations.

If you have never tried it, think of a dessert that is thicker than yogurt, smoother than most puddings, and gently tangy beneath its sweetness.

What is Shrikhand made of?

At its heart, Shrikhand needs only a few ingredients:

• Curd (dahi). Fresh curd is strained, traditionally in a muslin cloth, until most of the liquid whey drains away. The thick, strained curd left behind is often called chakka.
• Sugar. Usually powdered, so it blends smoothly into the chakka.
• Flavourings. Cardamom (elaichi) and saffron (kesar) are the classics. Rose, pistachio, dry fruits and mixed nuts are popular too.

The straining step is what defines Shrikhand. Removing the whey concentrates the curd into a dense, spoonable base that holds its shape and carries flavour beautifully.

What does Shrikhand taste like?

Good Shrikhand is:

• Thick and smooth, with no graininess
• Sweet, with a gentle tang from the curd
• Fragrant, with the flavouring clearly present but not overpowering

It is almost always served chilled.

How is Shrikhand different from yogurt or hung curd?

Plain hung curd is simply strained curd. Shrikhand starts there, then adds sweetness and flavour and is whisked until silky. The result is firmly a dessert, not a breakfast yogurt.

Where does the name come from?

The name is often linked to the Sanskrit shikharini, a sweetened curd preparation described in older Indian texts. Whatever its exact origins, Shrikhand has been part of western Indian kitchens for generations.

The classic flavours

• Elaichi: cardamom, the most traditional choice
• Kesar: saffron, which gives a golden colour and warm aroma
• Kesar Elaichi: the two classics together
• Kesar Pista: saffron with pistachio
• Rose, Dry Fruit and American Nuts: modern favourites

Mango Shrikhand, known as amrakhand, is a well-loved seasonal variation.

For a closer look at how these differ, read Shrikhand flavours explained.

How is Shrikhand served?

The most famous pairing is Shrikhand with hot puri. It is also a regular part of the Gujarati thali, where its cool sweetness balances spicy and savoury dishes. Many families serve it at festivals, poojas, weddings and whenever guests visit.

It is also wonderful on its own, in a small bowl, straight from the fridge. For more ideas, see five ways to serve Shrikhand at home.

Making it or buying it

Shrikhand is simple in principle but takes time. Straining alone usually takes several hours. If you would like to try it yourself, follow our homemade Shrikhand recipe. If you would rather skip the wait, you can order homemade Shrikhand from The Sweet House in Ahmedabad.