Lassi

Lassi is a cherished traditional Indian beverage made from yogurt, water, spices, and occasionally fruit. There are various types of lassi, including salty (namkeen) lassi, sweet lassi, mango lassi, and even bhang lassi, which is infused with cannabis.

Namkeen lassi, popular throughout the Indian subcontinent, is a savory mix of yogurt, water, and salt. Sweet lassi, on the other hand, is usually flavored with sugar, rosewater, lemon, or fruit juices. Mango lassi, a popular favorite, combines yogurt, milk, mango pulp, and sugar for a refreshing treat. Bhang lassi, which contains cannabis, is legal in certain regions of India and is often consumed during the festival of Holi.

A similar drink to lassi is chaas, which has a thinner consistency and may include additional ingredients like salt, cumin seeds, coriander, ginger, and green chilies.

Lassi has even found its way into popular culture. In a 2008 HSBC ad campaign, a representative from a Polish washing machine company is surprised to find washing machines being used to mix lassi in India. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain featured bhang lassi during a visit to a bhang shop at Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan, sampling different potencies. Additionally, in 2013, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur initiated a campaign to name the next Android OS version after lassi.