Written by: Ayesha Shoukat
Posted on: October 10, 2025 | 
| 中文
A variety of Sheer Yakh servings, shaped into tall swirls and sprinkled with pistachios, showcasing the dessert’s traditional Afghan presentation.
In the blazing summer of Quetta, a refreshing Afghan treat is providing comfort and joy to the locals: Sheer Yakh, which translates to "ice milk." This traditional ice cream, hailing from Afghanistan, has gained immense popularity in Balochistan's provincial capital, with shops now lining Samungli Road, Bacha Khan Chowk, Toghi Road, and Liaquat Bazaar. For many, visiting these lively areas isn't complete without indulging in this delightful dessert.
While its ingredients (milk, sugar, and cardamom) are quite basic, Sheer Yakh stands out due to its unique preparation method. Unlike mass-produced ice creams, it is crafted using a time-honored Afghan technique. The milk and sugar mixture are first cooked, infused with cardamom and occasionally dried fruits, and then cooled down. After that, it is churned in an iron pot that sits inside a larger container filled with ice and salt. For around 40 to 50 minutes, skilled artisans manually stir and fold the mixture until it achieves the ideal creamy texture. This meticulous, hands-on approach is what gives Sheer Yakh its genuine flavor and consistency.
An artisan in Quetta prepares Sheer Yakh by hand, using the traditional Afghan method of churning milk inside an ice-and-salt container.
Local sellers highlight that the purity of this dessert is what makes it special: "There are no additives; everything is pure," they proudly state. With no preservatives or artificial flavors added, it not only serves as a refreshing delight in the intense heat but also offers a healthier option compared to standard ice creams. The original Afghan name, Shiria, signifies its key ingredient: milk, which makes it nutrient-rich while remaining light and cooling.
Sheer Yakh served in its signature swirl, topped with crushed pistachios for added flavor and texture.
The taste of Sheer Yakh is unique, highlighted by the delicate scent of cardamom and sometimes rosewater. It's frequently topped with pistachios or almonds, and in some places, it's crafted into a tornado-like swirl, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty. This dessert also holds cultural importance, typically enjoyed during family gatherings and festive events like Eid in Afghanistan.
Nowadays, its fame has spread far beyond Afghanistan. In Pakistan, you can find Sheer Yakh not just in Quetta but also in Peshawar, Attock, and other cities with large Afghan populations. Its fame has even crossed borders, with Afghan eateries and dessert shops in cities like London bringing it to a worldwide audience.
A Sheer Yakh stall in Quetta
In Quetta, though, the real magic is in its authenticity. The lively stalls and family-owned shops still prepare Sheer Yakh by hand, keeping alive the tradition of a dessert that is both refreshing and significant. With every spoonful, locals and tourists alike savor not just ice cream, but a cultural bond that transcends generations and borders.
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