Lassi is a creamy Indian yogurt–based beverage similar to a thin smoothie, usually with fruit and sweetener added, and often salt, too. Savory versions are made with salt and spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. Whether sweet, savory, or both, they are usually served chilled.
Lassis are extremely popular in India and they are growing in favor among American consumers as more of them explore the cuisines of the Subcontinent, including its drinks, which not only include lassi, but also chai.
Consumers are also drawn to lassis for their health properties. The beverage’s yogurt base is beneficial for digestion and can aid in indigestion and heartburn. It also is high in protein.
Market research firm Datassential reports that lassis are found on 2.3% of menus, up by 16% over the past four years.
Click through the gallery to learn more about this week’s Flavor of the Week and see how one restaurant is using lassis on its menu.