If you’re in India, there’s one experience you can’t afford to miss – sipping a cold, creamy lassi. This iconic yogurt drink is more than just a beverage; it’s a taste of Indian culture. We’d even venture to say you can’t really say you’ve been to India without tasting one.
In Mumbai, there’s a legendary spot that’s been serving up this beloved drink for over 90 years, and trust us, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Thick, rich, and creamy – are you drooling yet? We know we are! Well then, let’s crack on and discover why Jai Shri Krishna Dairy Farm has been a go-to spot for some of the best lassi in Mumbai for all these years.
What is lassi, the famous Indian drink with yogurt?
First, let’s get acquainted. Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt drink that’s either sweet or savoury. Today, we’re talking all about the sweet and creamy kind.
Many of the old, traditional lassi shops in India start the process by making their own yogurt. This is done in a way that leaves a thick layer of malai on the top. Malai is a type of clotted cream that forms as a layer on top of boiled milk once it’s cooled. The rich malai is a very important part of the Indian lassi, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
How to make this popular Indian lassi recipe
First, the homemade yogurt is scooped into a large, round metal pot. It’s either mixed with water for a more liquid consistency, or left without it to get the extra thick and creamy kind (our favourite). Then, a generous helping of sugar is added for the desired sweetness. Next, it’s all churned together using a wooden mathani, oftentimes with ice to make the lassi nice and cool. Lastly (remember that rich malai?), a scoop of the thick, creamy malai is gently placed on top of your full glass of lassi.
The result is a sweet-yet-sour, deliciously indulgent drink that has the most incredible smoothie-like consistency. Thick, creamy and oh-so refreshing, this is what dreams are made of!
This is the most common and traditional way of making a lassi, the famous Indian drink with yogurt. You can also find them mixed with spices like cardamom or saffron, and other ingredients like fruit or even flowers. The varieties are really quite endless.
The best lassis, in our opinion, are the ones made with buffalo milk yogurt. The extra creamy consistency from the buffalo milk makes it totally worth finding these gems.
Where to find the best lassi in Mumbai
Located in the Dadar neighbourhood, you’ll find quite possibly the best lassi in Mumbai at Jai Shri Krishna Dairy Farm. This tiny, unassuming spot is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it situation, just off a busy road.
This legendary shop has been around now for over 90 years and is one of the oldest lassi shops in all of Mumbai. It’s also clearly one of the best, considering it’s been going strong for almost a century. It’s a very quaint, local and highly casual affair.
The vibe
The width of the whole place can’t be more than a few feet, making it more of an alley than a shop. Luckily enough, they’re always mixing fresh lassi right at the front of the shop, so keep an eye out for this and you won’t miss it.
As you squeeze past the lassi-making near the entrance and enter inside, you’ll be met with two rows of benches lining the long walls. Find an empty spot, plop yourself down, and ask for a lassi. In no time at all it will be brought to you, along with a spoon.
*Spoiler alert: If you’re ever given a spoon for your lassi, you know it’s gonna be good. That’s pure foreshadowing for how thick it must be!*
Unparalleled quality that’s healthy too
The lassi here is rich and creamy, with no water added; another reason many locals call it the best lassi in Mumbai. It’s just homemade buffalo milk yogurt with ice and sugar. Of course, it’s topped with a generous slice of that malai, the proverbial cherry on top.
The best part about this popular Indian drink with yogurt, besides the fact that it’s insanely delicious and addictive? It’s also good for you! Since it’s made with good-quality yogurt, it aids digestion, much like a probiotic. So, although you may think you’re indulging in something sweet (which technically you are), there are many benefits to an Indian lassi! That way you don’t have to feel too bad when you’re ordering your second one…
The thickest and richest lassi in Mumbai
If you’re in India and want to try the best lassi in Mumbai, a visit to Jai Shri Krishna Dairy Farm in Dadar is a must. The lassi here is on a whole other level of taste, quality and experience. It’s no exaggeration to say this is the thickest, richest, and best lassi in Mumbai! With its thick, velvety texture and perfect sweetness, coupled with the casual, local vibe, this is a Dadar lassi experience you can’t miss.
Not to mention that tasting this beloved yogurt drink is an essential part of India’s culture. Beyond experiencing the plethora of benefits that an Indian lassi brings, it’s just insanely delicious. Sipping on a refreshing lassi surrounded by locals, cooling off from the heat of the day — now, this is an experience you won’t forget. As one of the country’s most cherished drinks, you can’t truly say you’ve been to India without indulging in at least one. Although, let’s be honest, you’ll have way more than the one. They’re just that irresistible!
Name: Jai Shri Krishna Dairy Farm
Address: 4, Ranade Rd, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
what3words: ///litters.rucksack.meanders
Price: ₹40 INR
Check out our video below to see what the best lassi in Mumbai tastes like, it truly blew us away!
