Buck's Spices

Spice Barista Corner

Spice Barista

From the Spice Barista

Where can I find sahlab (salep) to make traditional Middle Eastern hot milk drink?

A real customer question, curated into a useful guide for cooking, product use, and finding just the right thing.

You're in the right place — sahlab starts with Pure Salep (Saleb), Wild Orchid Powder (for making Persian Ice Cream), the wild orchid powder that gives this drink its signature silky, custard-like texture. It's wild-harvested from Eastern Europe, with lots sourced from Greece or Albania.

Here's how to bring it to life:

  • Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of Pure Salep (Saleb), Wild Orchid Powder (for making Persian Ice Cream) into a cup of milk with a bit of sugar.
  • Heat gently while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a warm, custardy drink.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a scatter of chopped pistachios or coconut on top — the classic presentation.
  • Don't expect a bold flavor from the powder itself; salep is prized for the texture it creates more than for any strong taste, so a mild aroma in the jar is completely normal.