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KAAPI TO KAHWA - Tracing India's Favourite Local Beverage
from March 2022
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By Venu Dorairaj
The Nizamuddin Express quietly pulled into the station and came to a jerky stop. Desperately in need of a morning fix, I peered outside the window and before long spotted a scrawny boy with cups in one hand and a large kettle in the other. Hailing him closer, I asked him to pour out two hot cups while I pulled out the money. I took the clay cups and handed one over to my neighbour, whom I had gotten acquainted with during the train journey. Having paid off the boy, we savoured the tea, sip by sip as the train started on its merry way again. Our shared love for the cup bonded us, strangers, further.
As vast as India is, so is its choice for the favourite drink. Here we present a selection of beverages from the length and breadth of our land. I am sure you will find them flavourful, aromatic and rich. Give them a sip, relax and soak in the beauty of our diversity.
CHAI. Wah Taj!
The ubiquitous cuppa is popular across the country - North to South, East to West. A steaming hot cup of the milk tea literally powers the nation. From meetings to marriages, they are served in unlimited quantities to get the conversations going.
Sip them as you eat your samosas or have them during your long charcha with friends. From humble platforms to five-star lounges, they make their presence felt. Next time you are somewhere near a railway station, go for an extra serving of it from the Kulhad! The earthiness adds to the heavenly taste.
Read about the variants of the Chai here: https://www.india.com/food/8-types-of-chai-that-suit-the-desi-palette-best-1429589/
JIGARTHANDA. The Quirky & Cool!
Some like it hot; some like it cold. Some like it differently still. Jigarthanda is a unique mix of milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla root syrup, sugar or Palkova and a dollop of your favourite Ice cream.
If you find yourself in the temple town of Madurai, Tamil Nadu and are looking to do something, head over to the nearest shop and ask them for a serving of Jigarthanda and watch the magic happen. The perfect antidote for the summer heat, Jigarthanda is a local enigma that's sure to cool you down.
Here's a recipe for you to try: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/jigarthanda-recipe/
KAAPI. filtered YET pure!
You cannot find more hard-core fans than those that swear by the Kaapi, the Southerner's name for Coffee made in the traditional way using a Filter. The brown concoction comes blended with an extra dose of divinity.
Walk into any roadside shop and order a cup of fresh brew, and you can feel the vitality and energy flowing into your veins directly. No meal is complete without a cup of this elixir for the true connoisseur. For experiencing the authentic way of drinking the kaapi, ensure you go for a place where it is delivered in a shining tumbler - that sight of it further elevates the experience.
Read more about the glory of Kaapi: https://food52.com/blog/25751-what-is-south-indian-filter-coffee
LASSI. Wholesome & mighty!
The main course after the main course - that is the Lassi for you. The quintessential Punjabi platter comes with a big serving of the Lassi to the delight of every well-fed gastronome. And how can anyone say no to this?
Salt it or Sugar it, the lassi is going to fill you up with joy and happiness along with a complete sense of contentment. Healthy and wholesome, the Lassi is not for the fainthearted. Depending on how much you can take, it can make a meal by itself, or it can just be an accompaniment. There are enticing varieties like Mango Lassi, ensuring that one can never say no to this great drink.
Can't wait to try? Click here for recipes: https://www.desiblitz.com/content/history-of-lassi-the-yoghurt-drink
KAHWA. Spiced & soulful!
Heavenly, the Kahwa takes the taste and aroma of the tea to another level with flavourful spices and nuts such as saffron, almonds, safflower, dried apricot mixed in. More than the Elaichi Tea or the Masala Tea, the Kahwah makes every day delightful and dreamy.
When in Kashmir or wherever you can find it, drink the Kahwa! It may be just what you need to find that muchrequired calmness and serenity that we so badly need to remain sane and centred in the modern-day
Mouth watering? Here's something you can try: https://www.karmakettle.com/products/gulmarg
Few things bring us as much joy and togetherness as does sharing a cup of one's favourite brew with friends and loved ones. As someone who has enjoyed exploring India - thanks to the generous travel policy extended by the Government to my father and our vast rail network to chug you along to the remotest corners of our country - these are some of the local favourites that I was able to sip, soak in and feel the vibes.
