Pehalwan Lassi

Pehalwan Lassi in Orpington

Pehalwan means wrestler. The word comes from the Persian pahlavan, meaning champion, and in India it is the title given to a kushti wrestler, one of the men who trains in an akhara and eats for strength.

Milk, ghee and almonds are the three pillars of the traditional pehlwani diet, and lassi is how a wrestler drinks the first of them. This is a strength food in a glass rather than a light refreshment.

The name belongs to Punjab, where kushti developed, and to the famous lassi shops of Varanasi that have served it in earthen kulhads for over a century. It is a North Indian drink, and we would rather tell you that than dress it up as something it is not.

At Crispy Dosa Orpington it is made from thick set curd, churned with sugar until smooth and aerated. Churning gives a lighter texture than blitzing does, which is why it was traditionally done with a wooden madhani rather than a blender.

It goes into a tall glass and is finished with malai, the clotted cream that rises to the top of the milk. It arrives thick, and the first few mouthfuls often want a spoon. That is exactly right.

The flavour is creamy and cooling, with a gentle tartness from the curd sitting underneath the sweetness and a proper layer of richness on top. It is filling rather than refreshing, which surprises people expecting a cold drink to be light.

Curd coats the palate and takes the edge off chilli faster than water or anything fizzy can. Order it alongside the hotter end of our menu and sip between mouthfuls rather than draining it at the start.

Plenty of guests share one across the table in place of dessert, and at £5.49 it is a genuinely substantial glass rather than a token one.

If you have any nut allergy, please say so when you order. Lassi finished with malai is often garnished with almonds or pistachios, and our team will confirm exactly how yours is made on the day.

It is served cold in a tall glass rather than a kulhad, but the drink itself is unchanged from the one those Varanasi shops have been pouring for a century.

Available to dine in at 273 High Street, Orpington, as a takeaway, or added to your online order for collection or delivery.

Cool Down with the Wrestler's Lassi

Order Pehalwan Lassi in Orpington at Crispy Dosa Orpington, churned fresh and topped with malai. Have it less sweet, or without the malai, whichever suits you. It is the best thing on our menu to drink alongside a spiced dish. Call 01689 492201 to book a table, or add it to your online order.

What Goes Into Our Pehalwan Lassi

• thick set curd
• sugar
• chilled water
• malai (clotted cream)