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Nepal is a diverse nation with numerous cultures, climates, and culinary traditions. From the chilly, snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the clear and tropical plains of the Terai, each geographic area has unique tastes, ingredients, and food traditions. Among those many sweet treats that bring together the people of this diverse land are frozen desserts—namely, kulfi, ice cream, and desserts made with pureed fruit and ice that are sold as popsicles (commonly called "ice lollies"). As the temperature increases from spring to summer months, especially in urban locales such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj, the demand for frozen, cold foods increases.
In this context, the Ice Cream Kulfi Machine has become a revolutionary kitchen appliance for household users in the home kitchen and small to medium businesses in Nepal. Whether you're a home cook, a street cart vendor, or a small business planning to start a new business, an ice cream kulfi machine is a tremendous opportunity, not only in food preparation, but innovation, entrepreneurial ventures, and culinary expression.
This blog explores the relevance, benefits, types, and applications of the Ice Cream Kulfi Machine in Nepal, while guiding you on where to buy one and how to use one.
In Nepal, food is not only a source of sustenance but an important part of celebrating life. As in most cultures, food and drink are at the center of festivals, family occasions, and even casual social occasions. While sel roti, momo, and chatamari are clearly among the most important Nepali dishes, frozen desserts such as kulfi, lassi, and fruit ice creams that are common in the hot climate and urban areas in general are also very popular, particularly under hot summer conditions.
Among dessert items, kulfi is especially prized. It is made from slow-simmered milk flavored with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios to produce a dense and creamy product that has special meaning associated with memory and nostalgia. Kulfi has become so popular and recognized as a big part of the food scene that many small vendors make kulfi using metal molds, and ice is used to prepare and sell this in hundreds of locations.
As a result of advancing technology and reasonably priced kitchen appliances, an increasing number of Nepalis are now investing in Ice Cream Kulfi Machines to make their desserts in their own homes or to base a small business on this technology.
An Ice Cream Kulfi Machine is a specialty appliance used for preparing and freezing desserts (like kulfi, ice cream, and popsicles). Ice cream kulfi machines differ from a refrigerator or freezer because they are specifically designed for freezing quickly, retaining texture, and forming a consistent shape with molds or turbulent systems.
Ice cream kulfi machines are available in many sizes and capabilities:
In Nepal and other countries with electrical availability and voltage fluctuation issues, there are also models made to be energy efficient, and some of the models can be used with voltage stabilizers or inverters.
Here are some of the main reasons these machines are becoming more common all over Nepal:
It gets extremely hot in the summer months of Nepal, especially in hot, hot areas like Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Birgunj, where the thermometer can easily reach above 40°C. Kulfi is not only a treat but a necessity; kulfi and ice cream are seasonal food products, and kulfi machines help families and vendors to keep up with the seasonality of products.
Nepal is one of the fastest-growing places for food startups and cloud kitchens, and mobile carts. Street food vendors and small food businesses use kulfi and ice cream as add-on products to create more revenue. A simple, small-sized kulfi machine allows these small entrepreneurs to manufacture high-margin cold goods right in front of their customers.
We know that during the festivals of Teej, Dashain, Tihar, and weddings, when dessert consumption peaks to new highs, kulfi and ice cream are regularly available at these gatherings. Catering businesses have emerged, and they have already started to order kulfi machines to create a new product - custom flavors of kulfi - and custom orders of large quantities.
For a notable percentage of Nepali families, making or preparing homemade foods allows them to avoid the preservatives and artificial colors of other frozen products and lower-grade dairy products. A kulfi machine allows families control of their ingredient components, whether that is dudh from a local dairy, organic fruits, or honey instead of sugar.
Here's a breakdown of different machines for different users in the context of Nepal:
Because of the unique market conditions in Nepal, please keep the following features in mind:
Ensure the ice cream machine is compatible with Nepal’s standard power output.
It may be important to have manual backup options or compatibility with inverters for load-shedding or power cuts.
It should have removable trays or non-stick interiors, especially if you are running a commercial machine.
Machines with different mold sizes will cater to children, adults, or customized kulfi-making for weddings and events.
Please look for a local service center or parts availability. When using imported brands that have little or no after-sales support, it can become very expensive over time.
We are going to take you through making a mango kulfi using a homemade kulfi machine.
Starting a kulfi cart or kiosk can be very profitable, especially in the summer months.
If you sell 100 kulfi a day at NPR 50 = NPR 5,000 per day
Net profit = 40–60%
The Ice Cream Kulfi Machine isn't just a nice gadget; it's all about creativity, entrepreneurship, and healthier living in Nepal! No matter if you're stuck in the Kathmandu Valley and feel the need to get that mango kulfi on your café menu, or you're in the Terai and are opening a popsicle stall in the summer, the machine is flexible and allows you to come up with new ideas.
As we navigate a changing Nepal, the combination of traditions and innovations, the kulfi machine melds these aspects in a great way, and is financially as well as taste sweet to trade.
Next time you find yourself craving something cold, sweet, and delicious, just remember, you don't need to leave the house to get it, but rather, you just need the right machine!
Are you ready to begin your kulfi journey in Nepal?
Contact Changing Nepal today if you would like a business plan, recipe book, or buying checklist for your town.
You can buy kulfi and ice cream machines in Nepal from websites like Daraz or HamroBazar, or directly from Changing Nepal; plus, you can find commercial machines with Indian suppliers near border towns like Birgunj and Nepalgunj. It's always good to check if the seller offers a warranty and after-sales service.
Yes. Some smaller machines can run on inverter backup, and some can maintain freezing temperature for a limited amount of time. If you are going to start a kulfi or popsicle business, we recommend purchasing an inverter or solar backup system, not just for convenience, but because in some areas of Nepal, load shedding and power cuts are still common.
You can start a small kulfi or popsicle business with an investment of NPR 60,000 to NPR 1,00,000, which includes:
If you acquire the appropriate location and flavors, it should not take long to recoup your start-up costs within 2–3 months, especially if the summer is busy.