What is Holi without a chilled glass of thandai? The flavours and aroma of this drink are synonymous with the festival. Badam doodh truly gets an update with this drink. With the addition of nuts and spices like peppercorn, cardamom and saffron to floral notes of rose, this is a drink you simply can’t miss. These are our top picks on where to have a glass of thandai in Kolkata this Holi:
Ralli’s
Soumyajit Dey
The Kesari Thandai (Rs 80) at Ralli’s Burrabazar is a sweet treat. This aromatic kesar drink is a symphony of flavours on your palate, and has a great cooling effect. Ralli’s even has a Kesar Thandai Dry Fruit Syrup bottle, which has the flavours of black pepper, white pepper, almond, saffron and cardamom, which will help you make a glass of chilled Thandai at home too. “It’s truly a Holi bestseller,” said Vikash Arora, owner of Ralli’s Burrabazar.
Gupta Brothers
This thandai is another one you mustn’t miss. With the flavours of almond, pistachios and their special secret thandai masala, a chilled glass of thandai costs just Rs 80. The drink is creamy and frothy. And the best part? It’s available across all Gupta Brothers outlets in the city.
Shibuji
This shop next to Vardaan Market is a favourite among students for their consistent quality of food and pocket-friendly prices. During this time of year, they make a special thandai (Rs 80). It is light, fragrant and one can easily gulp down multiple glasses. Don’t forget to chase the thandai with their kulfi-faluda, which is a crowd-pleaser too.
Shiv Assram
Shiv Assram, on 168, Bidhan Sarani, is renowned for its kesar thandai Arnab Dutta
This quaint little shop on Bidhan Sarani is renowned for its kesar thandai for decades. Established in 1978, the shop is open throughout the year and is run by Sachin Gupta. The secret to their yummy thandai is a home-made secret syrup, which they have been using since inception. A glass of this refreshing drink comes at a price of Rs 60.
Lokenath Ashram Sarbat
Lokenath Ashram Sarbat stall is open from 9am to midnight Arnab Dutta
The Lokenath Ashram Sarbat stall, again on Bidhan Sarani, has been in operation since 1965. Today, it is manned by Saradindu Pattanayak from 9am to midnight. The stall offers regular thandai and special thandai for its guests at Rs 60 and Rs 80 per glass, respectively.
Shiv Shakti Sherbet Shop
Gaurav Gupta has been running Shiv Shakti Sherbet Shop, which was established around 65 years ago. “We sell regular thandai with kesar-pista, badam, rose and kesar flavours. We can customise the flavours as per the customer’s wish as well. We have our own homemade thandai mix. We have glasses for Rs 60, Rs 80, Rs 100 and Rs 120,’’ said Gupta. You can head over to 98, BK Pal Avenue, from 5am to 10pm and take your pick from their thandai range.
Falam Cafe
The newest cafe on the block serving the chilled Holi drink is Falam Cafe. Established in 2019, it is run by Vinay and Aastha Jain. You can enjoy four varieties of the thandai — regular, rose gulkand, sugar-free and paan. They also have a thandai mix jar at Rs 350. You can head over to P/7/A CIT Road between 7.30am and midnight, and take a chilled thandai pill.