Indian
beverages and drinks are unique and class apart. Tea is popular, but apart from
it there is an impressive variety of Indian beverages which are extremely good
in taste and are quite popular among the youngsters. Each state has its own
legacy of a refreshing drink which is unparalleled in its taste and known for
its nutritional value.
Here
is a small attempt to present some of the famous drinks belonging to particular
states and to highlight their specialty.
Lasssi From
Punjab
The
land of five rivers is famous all over the country for their vivaciousness and
robust attitude. Their butter chicken and parathas are preferred by one and
all. Besides this they have their own favourite refreshing Lassi, a drink that
is filled with goodness of curd and cream reinvigorates the tired soul. The
Punjabi lassi is sweet and is often customized in flavors of mango, kesar rose
etc.
Chaach from
Haryana
The
Haryanvi variant of lassi is called chaach, which is a bit watery and salted.
It is often flavored with ginger and mint, and is often known by other names in
other parts of the country, especially in the southern states.
Pannah from
Gujarat
Gujarat
is an arid state but it has its own way of refreshing itself in the dry months
of sweltering heat. Gujarat Aam Pannah is famous all over India. Mango being
the king of fruits adds to the flavor of pannah, which is made of mango pulp,
and spiced up with cardamom, pepper and salt. Aam pannah is an excellent drink
which beats the heat.
Mahua from
Chattisgarh
Mahua
is traditional drink of Chattisgarh, which is prepared by fermenting the
flowers of the mahua tree. Flowers of Mahua tree are known for their medicinal
values. It is one of the favorite drinks of the tribal of this region and is
often consumed during various festivals.
Fenny from Goa
Fenny
is the indigenous drink of Goa and is very popular among the holiday revelers.
It is made of coconut extracts or from cashew nuts and is known to have a
strong pungent aroma. Its value is very high in Goa but people with very low
alcohol tolerance should not try fenny as it is very strong.
Noon Chai From Jammu and Kashmir
Noon
Chai or Pink Tea is the traditional refreshment drink of Jammu and Kashmir. It
is generally a savory tea that is prepared along with a pinch of salt and the
pink colour comes with the addition of baking soda. Spices like cardamom,
cinnamom are used liberally along with almonds and pistachios to balance the
saltiness of the tea and to give a warm, spicey flavor and beautiful aroma.
Sattu Sharbat
from Bihar
A
hugely refreshing drink of Bihar is Sattu Sharbat. It is made of roasted gram
flour which is full of protein and is indispensable during the summer days. It
is known for its meal value and energizing quality.
Kallu From Kerala
Kallu
is a white palm wine which is made from the sap of the palm trees. It is a
local product of Kerala and is made commercially. It is very strong and the
sweet concoction should be consumed only if the person can tackle strong alcoholic
beverages.
Zutho from
Nagaland
Zutho
is a rice beer which is famous in Nagaland and is made by fermenting the rice.
The drink has a pleasant fruit flavor and is a frothy beer which is often
served alongside roasted millet, soya bean and red chilli.
Kyat from
Meghalaya
Kyat
is also a type of rice beer and is a local drink of Meghalaya. It is low on
alcohol content and has a faint sweet taste but is tart and pungent. It gives a
nice feeling after consuming a glass or two.
All
the states of India have their own local drinks, which are unique in taste,
aroma and color. So pack your backpack and set out on an enthralling journey
across the states to refresh yourself with all these drinks.