Move on from sweet and salty lassi. India’s favourite summer drink has more than 10 different flavours that match the lifestyle of each region

Lassi is certainly one of the best summer drinks. Picture this: You are out in the sun on a hot and humid afternoon, as sweat trickles down your forehead in the scorching heat, when suddenly you spot a shop selling cool and refreshing glasses of lassi. One sip and suddenly your exhaustion seems to wear down, even if only a little bit, with the day becoming just a little more bearable. India, being a country of diversity, serves lassi in dozens of different flavours and unique ingredients that vary from one place to another, all for a specific reason.

Different places, different lassis

People generally divide lassi into either sweet or salty, but there’s so much more to this classic beverage. If you have ever wondered why some shops serve lassi with nuts and pistachios while others give it traditionally, then you must know that lassi preparation is actually influenced by a place’s culture, climate conditions, crops harvested and the daily life of people living there.




For example, Punjab specialises in thick, rich and creamy meethi (sweet) lassi, which is so filling that it feels like a meal in itself. In the Southern parts of India, the same lassi becomes Neer Mor, tempered with curry leaves, chillies and mustard seeds. Since this region of India is typically hot, the ingredients help in cooling your body from the intense temperatures in the summer months.

More lassi variations to try

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, chass, a variation of lassi, became extremely popular among the locals due to its simple preparation. It is light with a subtle salty flavour and often consumed with meals. Not to forget, Varanasi’s lassi, topped with velvety and indulgent malai, is simply irresistible and Tamil Nadu’s lassi, called Theru Mor, sprinkled with spices, is something that is served throughout the day and is definitely worth trying. Finally, the northern part of the country relies on ginger lassi to battle heat and digestion.

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Besides urban locations, rural India also has its own lassi variations made with local greens and herbs. Do you know that ingredients like aloe vera are also added to lassi to enhance the drink’s cooling properties? All of these beverages are made keeping in mind the way of living of the people in different parts of India. So, the next time someone asks you whether you like your lassi sweet or salty, explain to them why the staple drink is much more than 2 choices.