Best rose syrup (Rooh Afza, for iftar), according to chefs
One pick, tied to named tasters and public sources — from Charukesi Ramadurai and Kunal Kapur. Recommendations come from bonappetit.com and indianexpress.com.
Holiday pantry · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Hamdard Rooh Afza
Chosen by- Charukesi RamaduraiBon Appétit
Also chosen by- Kunal Kapur · Indian Express source ↗
Bon Appétit’s Highly Recommend column calls it a pantry staple in South Asian homes worldwide and a Ramadan fast-breaker: floral rose first, then grapey, orangey fruit. Chef Kunal Kapur builds an iftar soda cooler on it with lemon, mint and basil seeds.
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Questions, answered
- What is the best rose syrup (Rooh Afza, for iftar), according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Hamdard Rooh Afza, chosen by Charukesi Ramadurai (Bon Appétit). Bon Appétit’s Highly Recommend column calls it a pantry staple in South Asian homes worldwide and a Ramadan fast-breaker: floral rose first, then grapey, orangey fruit. Chef Kunal Kapur builds an iftar soda cooler on it with lemon, mint and basil seeds. Source: bonappetit.com ↗
- Why is there only one pick for rose syrup (Rooh Afza, for iftar)?
- Hamdard Rooh Afza is a rare one-pick exception: no second brand sold nationally has an unpaid backer strong enough to rank yet. Regional, single-chain and weaker national brands were checked and left off until one clears the bar.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and the order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.
The tasters behind this ranking
More holiday pantry
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- Best gefilte fish (jarred)
- Best turkey gravy (jarred & base)
- Best cream of mushroom soup
- Best crispy fried onions
- Best holiday spices (cloves, nutmeg, thyme & poultry seasoning)
- Best black-eyed peas (for New Year’s Day)
- Best cranberry sauce
- Best canned pumpkin
- Best stuffing mix
- Best matzo (plain, for Passover)
- Best panettone
- Best eggnog (store-bought)
- Best latkes (frozen & mix)
- Best mooncakes (boxed, for Mid-Autumn)
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