They are healthy and they are Indian. HT City gets you 5 desi summer coolers to keep you thanda.
Banta
Popularly known as nimbu lemon soda or kanchay waali drink, this is the hottest thirst quencher in Delhi. DU students swear by it. Some of the popular banta joints in the campus are next to Miranda House and the Vishwavidyalaya Metro station. .
Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi also boasts some of the best bantas in the city. Try Pandit Ved Prakash Lemon Waalay at Ghantaghar, though roaming around the Walled City you will come across dozens. Ask for disposable glasses for hygiene’s sake. Price ranges between Rs 5 to 10 per drink.
Lassi
A glass of thick creamy lassi will keep you going through the day. Check out the various halwai shops in Old Delhi for your kind of lassi. Pakodimal Doodhwala in Naya Bans (near Khari Baoli) is known for his barfi wali lassi — lassi mixed with a piece of khoye ki barfi. Also try Raj Chhole Bhature and Lassi Wale in Chandni Chowk.
Aam panna
Prepared by cooking raw mango and mixing the pulp with water, sugar and chatpata masala, a glass of aam panna will keep you safe from heatstrokes. Restaurants like Oh! Calcutta (26464182/84) and Rajdhani (23346300) also serve delectable aam panna, besides the ubiquitous thela wallas, of course.
Thandai
A Holi favorite, thandai comes in rose, kesar, and dry fruit flavours. Sans bhaang, it has some therapeutic qualities also. Outlets of Bikanerwala and Haldiram’s offer the best thandai in town. It’s a crime to miss it.
Thandai
A Holi favorite, thandai comes in rose, kesar, and dry fruit flavours. Sans bhaang, it has some therapeutic qualities also. Outlets of Bikanerwala and Haldiram’s offer the best thandai in town. It’s a crime to miss it.
Chhaach (Buttermilk)
This one’s a a unique concoction. It is tasty and healthy, too. Most of the South Indian restaurants in the city offer buttermilk, often flavoured with mint leaves and coriander. Enjoy.