As the summer heat intensifies, residents of Hyderabad are turning to various cold drinks to quench their thirst, with lassi being the top choice for many. This traditional yogurt-based drink, originally associated with Punjabi cuisine and originating from the northern part of the country, has become a favorite in Hyderabad. With Lassi franchise kiosks in almost every area across the city, and various other juice centers selling the drink with their own unique twist, Hyderabadis have truly embraced lassi.
One of the oldest places in the city to sell lassi is Matwale Doodh Ghar, located just a few meters away from the iconic Charminar. Established around 56 years ago, they are well-known not just for their special lassi, but also for other dairy-based sweets like malai gulab jamun, rabri, khlakhand, and faluda. Mohammed Matwale, owner of Matwale Doodh Ghar, says, “We add a scoop of hand-made raspberry ice cream and a bit of malai on top of our lassi, a recipe that my father left behind. It is one of our landmark drinks and many people come from faraway places to drink our lassi.” They are open every day from ten in the morning to midnight and are also available on online food delivery platforms.
Another store in the city that is known for its experimental lassi is Nice Juice Shop in Secunderabad. The owner states, “We have five kinds of lassi with different flavors and the mixed fruit lassi loaded with fruits and nuts is one of the best sellers.” Interestingly, this store also sells one-of-a-kind camel milkshakes, panjeri gold, and zafrani chilkoza. They have an outlet in Tolichowki as well.
Other places in Hyderabad that sell delicious lassi include Kashmiri Lassi in Ameerpet, Punjabi Haveli Dhaba near Shamirpet, Pista House, and Balkishan Milk Bhandar in Begum Bazar. Apart from providing relief from the soaring temperatures, lassi is an excellent source of probiotics that helps in digestion and boosts the immune system as well.