When Summer Feels a Little Too Much

Delhi summers, yaar, they don’t joke around. The heat, the traffic, the dust — by the time you reach home, you just want something cold, sweet, and comforting. Last week, Glass of Thandai at dwarka after a long grocery run (and yes, no milk or bread because Aap Ka Bazar doesn’t deal in those),

I came home totally drained. I opened the fridge and spotted a jar of thandai powder that my cousin had gifted me. I thought, “Chalo, let’s see what the hype is about.

I mixed two spoons in chilled milk, gave it a swirl, added some ice cubes… and wow. One sip and it felt like I was back in my nani’s courtyard, Holi morning, colour on my face, and laughter everywhere. That taste of cardamom, fennel, almonds — it just hits different.

The Magic of Thandai, Without the Fuss

When we were younger, making thandai was a full project. Soaking almonds overnight, grinding them with poppy seeds, mixing everything by hand — total labour of love. But now, who has that kind of time? Between work calls and life’s chaos, even boiling milk feels like a task sometimes.

That’s why these milk mix powders and thandai drink mixes are a blessing. They’re quick, clean, and honestly, taste pretty close to the real deal. The best part? You can store them for weeks and whip up a drink anytime — after dinner, when guests drop by suddenly, or when you just need a break from the usual cold coffee routine.

Tradition in a Spoon

There’s something about thandai that makes it more than just a drink. It’s part of our festivals, our summers, our family stories. It’s not trendy or modern — it’s ours. When I tried that traditional thandai powder, it wasn’t just about flavour. It was nostalgia in a glass.

You could feel the warmth of family gatherings, the sound of cousins fighting over the last glass, the aroma of dry fruits soaking in the kitchen.

We keep running after fancy smoothies and frappes, but thandai has this earthy charm that nothing else can replace. It’s simple. It’s desi. It’s full of love.

Glass of Thandai at dwarka

If you’re planning to buy thandai online, there are quite a few good brands these days. I found some at Aap Ka Bazar, my go-to supermarket for almost everything (except, of course, fruits, vegetables, milk, and bread).

Their range of traditional Indian products is honestly pretty nice — perfect for anyone who wants to keep a little tradition handy in the kitchen.

Just One Sip

So the next time the Delhi heat starts getting to you, skip the cold drink. Mix up some thandai instead. Sit by the window, take a slow sip, and let that rich, nutty taste remind you that not all good things have to be complicated. Sometimes, they just need a spoon, some milk, and a bit of memory.