Sahlep: results unexpected

[eveglass]

At Pennsic this year, I discovered an absolutely wonderful Turkish drink called Sahlep. It's made from a mountain root, and tastes like hot, creamy vanilla. From what I understand, the root is often sold pre-mixed with sugar as a powder, and the drink is made much like hot chocolate.

Since I returned to Montreal, I've been trying to find this powder. I have been, on the whole, unsuccessful.

Working off a tip, I checked of Akhavan (sp?), the Arabic grocery store on Sherbrooke in NDG. They didn't have a drink Sahlep mix, but they did have a powdered dessert mix called Sahlab, which is made with Sahlep root. I finally tried it out today.

The results were... erm... interesting. The end results, which look exactly like they're supposed to according to the package, is more like vanilla pudding than a drink. It's fairly tasty, don't get me wrong, but it's not the wonderful, creamy drink I tried at Pennsic.

I've heard that there's a place in the Jean Talon market that sells the unadulterated root, so that's where I'm going to try next. It may be expensive, but damnit I want to have this drink again before next Pennsic rolls around!

Final verdict: good for what it is, but not what I wanted.

Comments

[smar.livejournal.com]

I had sahlep at an Egyptian's friend house once long ago, and loved it! I have also made the pudding from a mix and it was alright. Do keep us posted on your quest!

[ryss-rhiannon.livejournal.com]

Try the Budapest grocery store on Decare (west side) near Queen Mary. You might also want to try some of the smaller places in the Snowdon district.

[methexis.livejournal.com]

Do keep us informed. That drink sounds dreamy.

Best,
J.