Beyond the Biryani: The Cool Charm of Desi Drinks and Mango Lassi Magic

With every good meal, there is always that one drink that completes the entire circle of bliss—the cooling sipper between bites, the ice-cold rush that soothes the spice, or the sweet finish to the savory journey.

At Hussain Catering, we’re experts in soulful Hyderabadi cuisine and Pakistani comfort foods, yet something that never fails to amaze visitors is our signature mango lassi—a drink modest by ingredients but rich in nostalgia, culture, and comfort.

Join us on a taste adventure into the world of Desi drinks and why mango lassi is more than just a drink—it’s an experience we’re proud to include with every event we cater.

Mango Lassi: Summer in a Glass

Cooling, sweet, tangy, and creamy—mango lassi is everyone’s favorite in most South Asian families, especially on hot summer days when the spices are in full blast. It’s a blend of ripe mangoes, creamy yogurt, a hint of sugar, and a dash of cardamom or rosewater occasionally. But not here at Hussain Catering. We do it differently.

So what sets ours apart?

We don’t take shortcuts. Each of the mango lassis we sell is handcrafted in small batches. We use actual alphonso or kesar mango pulp when possible, thick desi-style yogurt, and not a single syrup whatsoever. It’s refreshing, it’s comforting, and it reminds you of the hot, lazy summers of your childhood.

Our founder, Shakir Hussain, recalls his own childhood in Hyderabad, sipping lassi after school on hot afternoons, and the flavor of fresh curd and mango still fresh in his mouth. “Lassi,” he likes to say, “is the first drink you fall in love with—and you never really outgrow it.”

Desi Drinks That Deserve to be in the Spotlight

While cocktails might dominate most of the Western bar tables, South Asian drinks have charm as well. We don’t just drink so that our bodies are hydrated—we drink to remember, cool fire, and please.

Some of the most popular Desi drinks that we typically recommend pairing with our catering menus are as follows:

1. Nimbu Pani (Spiced Lemonade)

Sour, salty, slightly sweet—and seasoned with roasted cumin powder and black salt. A quick pick-me-up enjoyed for grilled kebabs or rich curries.

2. Rooh Afza Fizz

A Desi version of the ever-popular rose syrup drink, except that instead of syrup, cold soda water, lime, and mint are mixed in. Similar to Desi soda pop—but adorable.

3. Chaas (Masala Buttermilk)

Spicy, savory, and good for the gut. Chaas is a post-meal treat, which soothes the system after a spicy Hyderabadi dum biryani. We usually serve it at summer parties for its digestive qualities and old-world charm.

4. Kashmiri Kahwa & Masala Chai

Warm drinks aren’t overlooked either. For winter parties and evening get-togethers, the scent of cardamom and cinnamon in a hot chai or saffron warmth of Kashmiri kahwa cannot be beat.

Did You Know? Fun Drink Facts from Our Kitchen to Yours

Lassi is over 1,000 years old. From Punjab, it’s one of the world’s oldest probiotic beverages.

Mango is India’s and Pakistan’s national fruit. No surprise it makes an appearance in so many celebratory drinks!

Chaas was given to tired travelers in ancient India as a cold, refreshing tonic after long journeys.

Special occasion lassi in Hyderabadi homes is typically pistachio and saffron flavored—a sweet celebratory theme.

Cocktail Culture? Let’s Get Desi

We may not do booze, but we love the drama of cocktails. We encourage our clients to let us create mocktail-inspired Desi drinks that are just as playful and refreshing:

• Mango Mojito Lassi: Mint, lime, and mango lassi combined and served ice-cold—a summer wedding must-have.
• Lychee Rose Sparkler: Lychee juice, rose syrup, and soda—perfumed and sophisticated.
• Spiced Apple Punch: Apple juice infused with clove, cinnamon, and a twist of lemon.

These drinks don’t just quench your thirst—they tell a story. One of the traditions, hospitality, and flavor.

Why We Pour With Passion at Hussain Catering

Every drink we serve is more than just a liquid—it’s a reflection of who we are. Hospitality to comfort, we say. From our signature mango lassi to a surprise mocktail, our drinks are always:

• Freshly made, not from a bottle
• Seasonally adjusted for flavors
• Carefully matched to the menu
• Always served with love (and lots of ice!)

Come visit us for a Glass

So the next time you plan an event, remember that drinks are as important as the cuisine. At Hussain Catering, we’ll make sure your guests have something to think about drinking—from clay kulhars, which are served with mango lassi, to tangy nimbu pani in copper glasses.

In our culture, hospitality begins with a glass of something cold and ends with a smile.