Lassi

ananda2193 · May 15th, 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

I think the problem is more often a more innocent one of mutual misunderstanding: Tourist sees special lassi on the menu, thinking hmmm let me try that, must be an extra-good lassi. Vendor meanwhile thinks it must be understood what is ordered, after all that's what all those pale-faceds come here for. Result: mild discomfort to severe disorientation and paranoia.

You make an excellent point on the basis of Pushkar and I totally agree with you.

But I think the proprietor should maybe explain what is in a special lassi on the menu.

Would that really go down in Holland or anywhere else without consecuences?

I don't think so.

There are innocent people who travel and put their trust in others.

machadinha · May 15th, 2007, 22:32

Hm? No, it happens here with spacecake for instance. The idea is that when you order something in a certain establishment you know what you're ordering, that this was your purpose even.

I would, however, expect local tourist trade workers to know how to recognise certain symptoms. Mind you in e.g. an upscale hotel, or with people who are simply uninvolved with any of that, I can imagine the link wouldn't as soon be made.

It's happened to me at parties, not to my amusement, but at least I knew what was happening to me. The worst case I know of was a woman who inadvertently drank LSD punch. She never got out of it. And that I thought was irresponsible to say the least of the party throwers.

But I guess it doesn't hurt to enquire what you're ingesting. (In Pushkar at least you'd expect most tourists to know what's going on. I've seen it quite innocently sold in other Rajasthani places though, although the fact that this was all that was on offer might have been a sign. The words "Govt. [Bhang] Shop" should also be a signal.)

btw I don't disagree the vendor might give some instructions, but a language/cultural thing may come into play. And again, don't forget it will be assumed this is what many tourists are there for in the first place, many of them sure act that way.

shashank.aggarwal · May 15th, 2007, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ananda2193

You make an excellent point on the basis of Pushkar and I totally agree with you.

But I think the proprietor should maybe explain what is in a special lassi on the menu.

Would that really go down in Holland or anywhere else without consecuences?

I don't think so.

There are innocent people who travel and put their trust in others.

well to be very frank bhaang is not supposed to 'served' anywhere in India. Its something that is used for occasions like Holi and Shivratri..otherwise procuring Bhang is tough business...there are very small number of government shops selling it !!

Its Illegal..I am not sure how that person was serving it..

its easy to blame..I am not defending him..but its quite possible that vendor might have tried to explain the same to the female in question, but due to factors like language and/OR mistrust she might not have been able to understand the same..

Banarasi at heart · May 16th, 2007, 00:19

Here are two interesting variants. Sambharam (similar to what Rangss described earlier) which is from Kerala. The version I like has:

For abt. 2 large cups
Yoghurt
1-3 green chillies (depending on preference)
Small bunch of curry leaves
Lemon - at least half
salt to taste

Mix everything together using a shredder or make sure the sold ingredients are ground well. Make sure everything is crushed and there is a uniform liquid and enjoy. Great pick - me -up. I greatly prefer it to be spiked to the max.

Another similar drink is the mattha. Popular in UP. However, I never learnt how to make it but it is even better (and somewhat milder with more spices and some sugar) than sambharam.

For those who prefer thick lassis, in my experience, the thickest is in Varanasi(Benaras) where it is impossible to "drink" it. One has to use a spoon. The lassi there is topped with rabri (sweet hyper boiled thickened mil) and malai (cream). Of course, more exotic toppings (you know what I mean) could be obtained.

In the US, I have seen Roopak stores lassi masala which is great for an instant lassi. Just mix and drink. I of course add lemon too. The primary ingredients appear to be black salt and black pepper.

tnog · May 16th, 2007, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

Hm? No, it happens here with spacecake for instance. The idea is that when you order something in a certain establishment you know what you're ordering, that this was your purpose even.

Speaking of the establishment and knowing what you've ordered...

You HAVE to LISTEN to this!

ananda2193 · May 16th, 2007, 03:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

Hm? No, it happens here with spacecake for instance..

I think everyone know's Holland and it's freedom of drug's. When I would see "Spacecake" on a menu, I think it's a pretty clear explanation of what's inside.
But "Special Lassi" isn't soo obvious, especially when drug's are supposed to be illegal in India.
Not everyone, and especially first timers, aren't hip on thing's like Special Lassi's or the goin's on's of place's like Pushkar.
If I didn't know, I would think a Special Lassi was just an unique version of it with specially added ingrediant's.

pas2005 · May 16th, 2007, 10:26

Hi,
Any one tried this new tetra pack ed Lassi from Amul.

capt_mahajan · May 16th, 2007, 10:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by pas2005

Hi,
Any one tried this new tetra pack ed Lassi from Amul.

IMHO, their buttermilk is better than their lassi.

jyotirmoy · May 16th, 2007, 11:40

Yes Capt I fully agree with you about Amul's butter milk with just the right dash of roasted cummin is great. I have stocked enough, what a blessing in the heat & grime of Delhi summer.

About the menu at these Lassi vendors they won't mention in print about serving Bhang Lassi. You won't find many liscenced Bhang shops now as the permit fee is too way high compared to the profit made so it is the black market.

capt_mahajan · May 16th, 2007, 11:45

must try the roasted cinnamon, thanks

dhari · May 27th, 2007, 13:31

Quote:

If you happen to be in Jodhpur, try the lassi at Mishrilal. It is one of the best I have ever had.

i am from Jodhpur ... and it difficult to find that kind of lassi .. that taste .. anywhere in india ... its called "Makhaniya Lassi" .. the best u could ever find .. in India .. and even in world. In south india .. its mostly curd mixed with water .. which i never like .. :-(

kristinm · May 29th, 2007, 04:28

So,as my mouth waters and my fat cells quiver in anticipation of a lassi-fuelled trip through Rajasthan, can anyone offer definitive advice or guidelines regarding the water/health issue!!!! Or do you just take your chances?

machadinha · May 29th, 2007, 05:42

Definitive, who's to say. I think I took my chances. You might want to insist & look on that no water goes in, and that the cup hasn't just been freshly rinsed -- then take your chances

Some people steer clear from it altogether I guess. Or just have it in upscale places. Then hope your glass hasn't been freshly rinsed in the glitzy (or not-so) kitchen

Maybe just generally look if the place looks OK and the customers happy and eager, also meaning a quick turnover. With the understanding that "the place" here may mean the roadside vendor.

Nick-H · May 29th, 2007, 07:24

Any water used for lassi or fruit juices or ice for same should be 'mineral' water.

The quotes are because it is actually purified water, not mineral at all, but, colloquially, that is how it is described.

There are still factors for suspicion... like, if they use a water-cooler, how long migyht it be since it was properly cleaned and serviced. Same is true if they have their own water purification unit...

Look, just bring all your water with you, OK?

hfot2 · May 31st, 2007, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Look, just bring all your water with you, OK?

Nick, do you really give them your own bottled water when you order lassi? [or am I being too literal and ignoring the meaning of your smilies ???]

May 15th, 2007, 22:32	#47
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,024	Hm? No, it happens here with spacecake for instance. The idea is that when you order something in a certain establishment you know what you're ordering, that this was your purpose even. I would, however, expect local tourist trade workers to know how to recognise certain symptoms. Mind you in e.g. an upscale hotel, or with people who are simply uninvolved with any of that, I can imagine the link wouldn't as soon be made. It's happened to me at parties, not to my amusement, but at least I knew what was happening to me. The worst case I know of was a woman who inadvertently drank LSD punch. She never got out of it. And that I thought was irresponsible to say the least of the party throwers. But I guess it doesn't hurt to enquire what you're ingesting. (In Pushkar at least you'd expect most tourists to know what's going on. I've seen it quite innocently sold in other Rajasthani places though, although the fact that this was all that was on offer might have been a sign. The words "Govt. [Bhang] Shop" should also be a signal.) btw I don't disagree the vendor might give some instructions, but a language/cultural thing may come into play. And again, don't forget it will be assumed this is what many tourists are there for in the first place, many of them sure act that way. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

May 29th, 2007, 07:24	#59
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,586	Any water used for lassi or fruit juices or ice for same should be 'mineral' water. The quotes are because it is actually purified water, not mineral at all, but, colloquially, that is how it is described. There are still factors for suspicion... like, if they use a water-cooler, how long migyht it be since it was properly cleaned and serviced. Same is true if they have their own water purification unit... Look, just bring all your water with you, OK? __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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May 16th, 2007, 00:19	#49
Banarasi at heart pop ko jala ke rock kar doonga Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 133	Here are two interesting variants. Sambharam (similar to what Rangss described earlier) which is from Kerala. The version I like has: For abt. 2 large cups Yoghurt 1-3 green chillies (depending on preference) Small bunch of curry leaves Lemon - at least half salt to taste Mix everything together using a shredder or make sure the sold ingredients are ground well. Make sure everything is crushed and there is a uniform liquid and enjoy. Great pick - me -up. I greatly prefer it to be spiked to the max. Another similar drink is the mattha. Popular in UP. However, I never learnt how to make it but it is even better (and somewhat milder with more spices and some sugar) than sambharam. For those who prefer thick lassis, in my experience, the thickest is in Varanasi(Benaras) where it is impossible to "drink" it. One has to use a spoon. The lassi there is topped with rabri (sweet hyper boiled thickened mil) and malai (cream). Of course, more exotic toppings (you know what I mean) could be obtained. In the US, I have seen Roopak stores lassi masala which is great for an instant lassi. Just mix and drink. I of course add lemon too. The primary ingredients appear to be black salt and black pepper.

May 16th, 2007, 10:26	#52
pas2005 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: india Posts: 46	Hi, Any one tried this new tetra pack ed Lassi from Amul.

May 16th, 2007, 11:40	#54
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,319	Yes Capt I fully agree with you about Amul's butter milk with just the right dash of roasted cummin is great. I have stocked enough, what a blessing in the heat & grime of Delhi summer. About the menu at these Lassi vendors they won't mention in print about serving Bhang Lassi. You won't find many liscenced Bhang shops now as the permit fee is too way high compared to the profit made so it is the black market.

May 16th, 2007, 11:45	#55
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 9,621	must try the roasted cinnamon, thanks

May 29th, 2007, 04:28	#57
kristinm Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Beautiful Bondi (not Bundi!) Posts: 1,392	So,as my mouth waters and my fat cells quiver in anticipation of a lassi-fuelled trip through Rajasthan, can anyone offer definitive advice or guidelines regarding the water/health issue!!!! Or do you just take your chances?

May 29th, 2007, 05:42	#58
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,024	Definitive, who's to say. I think I took my chances. You might want to insist & look on that no water goes in, and that the cup hasn't just been freshly rinsed -- then take your chances Some people steer clear from it altogether I guess. Or just have it in upscale places. Then hope your glass hasn't been freshly rinsed in the glitzy (or not-so) kitchen Maybe just generally look if the place looks OK and the customers happy and eager, also meaning a quick turnover. With the understanding that "the place" here may mean the roadside vendor.

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