Pakistani cuisine is as diverse as its people. Among the drinks or beverages consumed in Pakistan, lassi, is quite popular. It is a traditional Pakistani dairy beverage, originally from Punjab. On a hot sunny day it is only natural to quench one’s thirst with a tall glass of Lassi.
Traditional lassi in Pakistan has two flavors;
1. Salty or Kachi lassi: It is prepared by adding few table spoons of milk in a glass of water along with a pinch of slat in it. It has been famous to minimize the effect of warm weather. Usually used after meal or eating mangoes. Some people like to prepare it by yogurt, milk, salt and water also which is rich version.
2. Sweet lassi: It is prepared by blending yogurt, milk, water and sugar until frothy. Chill it and enjoy in the summer season as it is the most refreshing drink. Sometimes served withblended sweet of Khoya called “paira”, or used with a huge ball of homemade butter in it.
It is consumed by over one billion Asians throughout the world. With its smooth, cool and refreshing taste, it is the perfect accompaniment to the hot and spicy flavours that epitomize Pakistani cuisine. This traditional drink is economical and plentiful in Pakistan, where cows and buffalo provide an overflow of dairy-based recipes.
Lassi serves to cleanse the palate alongside spicier foods. It aids digestion and is a healthy addition to any balanced diet. Lassi is 100 per cent natural and is free from artificial colourings, preservatives and flavourings. Besides offering health benefits, lassi is also indulgent and can be enjoyed with or between meals.
The modern version of lassi includes many fruits like mango lassi, strawberry lassi but they are like smoothies. They either don’t have the effects of lassi but enjoyable.

If you want to try it out, follow my version of Lassi.
- 1 cup of yogurt
- 1/2 cup of water(if you want it to be rich add milk)
- 1/2 cup of ice cubes
- 3 to 5 teaspoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Blend all the ingredients at high speed till frothy.
- Serves 2 or 3.
For Mango lassi add 1/2 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned) or any other fruit like strawberry.
For Salty Lassi Do not add sugar, Just add 1 cup chilled milk