Banarasi Thandai: The Aphrodisiac Summer Special Drink with Delightful Flavours

Banaras, Varanasi or Kashi, is a very special city that has contributed a lot to religion,culture and food in India. From Kachori sabzi, to paan to its famous Banarasi Thali and wide range of diverse types of street foods that are available there, no one can beat up to the diverse food culture of Banaras. The city observes mostly vegetarian food patterns and is famous its milk-based products like lassi, rabari, malai, chhena and many many more. 

The city of Banaras is aromatic, as each street is filled with the fragrance of freshly prepared street food from sweet to savory, you just name it. 

The hustle in the streets of Banaras, over food is worth mentioning as it is an experience in itself to listen to Banarasia dialect itself which is as sweet as the famous Banarasi Thandai all over India. 

A chilled glass of thandai on a hot summer day is all you need if you are in Banaras. 

If you’re looking for a refreshing and unique twist on traditional thandai, look no further than bananas thandai. This delightful Indian drink combines the rich, creamy flavor of bananas with the cooling and aromatic spices of thandai, making it a perfect beverage for hot summer days or special occasions. As you take another sip, you savor the complex blend of flavors in the drink.

 The sweet creaminess of the milk is perfectly balanced by the nutty flavors of almonds and the warm spiciness of fennel, cardamom, and saffron. The rose petals add a subtle floral note that lingers on the palate, and with each sip, you feel more and more relaxed.

But thandai is more than just a refreshing drink – it’s a cultural tradition with deep roots in Indian history.

So, let’s give a shoutout to this OG Banarasi thandai recipe : 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup melon seeds
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 liter milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Soak almonds, cashews, melon seeds, and poppy seeds in water for 2-3 hours.
2. Drain the water and grind the soaked nuts and seeds to a fine paste.
3. Add fennel seeds, cardamom powder, black pepper, and saffron to the paste and mix well.
4. In a separate pan, bring the milk to a boil.
5. Add the nut and spice mixture to the milk and stir well.
6. Add sugar to the mixture and stir until dissolved.
7. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
8. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any solids.
9. Chill the Thandai in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
10. Serve cold with ice cubes and garnish with a few strands of saffron or chopped nuts.

Even though, It’s typically made during the Holi festival, but can be enjoyed year-round.In addition to being delicious, bananas thandai also offers a number of health benefits. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, while the spices in thandai have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to aid digestion, boost immunity, and promote relaxation.

If you’re looking to add a unique and refreshing drink to your menu, bananas thandai is a perfect choice. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and nutrition, and is sure to delight your customers or guests. So why not give it a try and see how this delicious twist on a classic Indian beverage can elevate your next event or meal?