My childhood summers consisted of three drinks: metallic-tasting water straight from the tap, Sparletta, and tea.
Yet, nothing beats the cold, refreshing taste of Oros aan-maak (premix) drink as it hits the back of your throat. Sweet and sour intertwined in a marriage of convenience. Throw in a few ice cubes, and you’ve got the mocktail equivalent of the Screwdriver.
Nothing compared to it until I made the mango lassi’s acquaintance. The sun was a big, bright, shiny disk in the sky. I was hot, agitated, and heavily pregnant.
Not an Oros in sight.
My husband returned to our stuffy one-bedroom flat, bearing a gift. One sip and I was a gone girl.
Fresh mango pulp, yogurt, honey, cardamom, and crushed ice. The combination is really the girl she thinks she is.
The drink has its origins in the Punjab region of India and dates back to around 1000 BC, according to foodie blog Classic Indian. While most of us enjoy it as a summer drink, mango lassi was initially used as a digestive aid. How’s that for your Chappies installment of “Did you know…”
While the rest of the globe raves about matcha this and matcha that, nothing trumps a fresh mango lassi.
For those who prefer their drinks without viral hype, we’ve curated a list of lesser-known cafes and food joints that serve the authentic Indian drink as we head into summer.
Part of the Chef’s Warehouse collection, Thali puts a stylish twist on the traditional lassi. The eatery says, “Served cold, spiced and tangy, lassis perfectly balance a spicy dish.” No arguing with Thali because that’s exactly the effect you want to turn down the heat factor of your mains.
Address: 3 Park Rd, Gardens, Cape Town
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Headed up by Chef Hitesh Panchal, all roads lead to the esteemed mango lassi at Kapoochka.
If you want to take your taste buds on an adventure, order the traditional rose falooda as well. The milk-based beverage served with subja seeds is a chef’s kiss.
Time Out Tip: While you’re there, visit the rest of the vendors at Time Out Market Cape Town. The curated space merges food, drinks, local culture, music, and creativity under one roof.
Address: Time Out Market Cape Town, 19 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
If you find yourself in the heart of the city after hours, pop in at Food Inn.
The restaurant consists of several smaller shops where you can order and eat in or take away.
Uber Eats reviews rate Food Inn India’s mango lassi 85%. We’ll take it!
Address: 156 Long Street, Cape Town
Time Out Tip: This spot is a firm favourite with the late-night crowd - making it the right spot for a post-party lassi.
Gulshan has been a steadfast pillar in the Rylands community since 2017 and remains a thriving family-friendly restaurant. When it comes to authentic dishes served hot and spicy, this is the place. The same applies to its chilled mango lassi.
Address: 51 College Road, Rylands
Tucked away on a leafy street in the southern suburbs, Tashreeqa’s prides itself on creating memorable dining experiences for guests.
While the restaurant doesn’t list the mango lassi on its menu, they make incredible mocktails, in addition to their traditional cuisine.
Address: First Floor, Rooms 1 & 2 Kromboom Gardens, Kromboom Road, Crawford
Time Out tip: Theyr'e open for lunch on Sundays too. So next time you're at Tashreeqa’s sip on a signature mocktail - the mint and mango mojito is a game-changer.
Tandoor Palace in Table View will always have my heart. I got my first taste of mango sweetness, compliments of the unassuming takeaways squeezed between two bars.
Decades later, the shop’s biggest patrons are pub crawlers and curious youngsters on the hunt for late-night chow. Top marks; all the time. Consistent and never disappoints.
Address: 2 Keats Rd, Table View
Time Out Tip: Sip a sweet mango lassi with Table Mountain as your backdrop - Tandoor Palace proves Table View serves up more than just beachside sunsets
Bismillah is an institution on the Cape Flats, and it’s not hard to see why. Google is flooded with glowing reviews, particularly for the mango lassi. Some people drive all the way from the south and northern suburbs just to experience the restaurant’s varied menu.
Address: Shop No: 3, Temple Street, Gatesville / Shop No: 1, Gleemor House, 11 Belgravia Estate, Athlone.
Cape Town is the ideal place to experience genuine articles. It’s the confluence of culture and heritage that meets in a perfect symbiosis of food and drink. So, the next time you’re thinking about an invigorating summer drink, order a mango lassi.
Disappointment is the last thing you’ll feel.
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