A lassi bar on Lavelle Road in a Bengaluru of the 1970s ...imagine. Probably one of the earliest times when a concoction from the north was available here? In the south it has largely been a much watered down buttermilk that has been the cooling drink. With a history of over 40 years, Sreeraj Lassi Bar is one of the most iconic spots on the city’s food map. For many of us old timers here, the place holds strong gustatory memories. In simpler times, it was a Sunday family treat... almost a revered ritual — going to Cubbon Park and then treated to the lusciously thick lassi and creamy kulfis at Sreeraj Lassi Bar.
Read MoreDuring the 1980s, when the city’s ice-cream lovers were just getting a taste of 25 different flavours of kulfis at the Sreeraj Lassi Bar, founder Abdu Rahiman introduced a unique cold delicacy. It was neither a dessert, nor a juice, nor even a thick drink like their popular lassis. It was an assortment of semia (vermicilli), segu dana (tapioca pearls), sabzi beenj (basil seeds), dryfruits, rose milk, topped with kulfi - the falooda. “My father is a creative person. He used to travel a lot during the 70s before he opened the kulfi parlour. Apparently, he had tasted the falooda in Mumbai during one of his travels and that’s when he got the idea and introduced it here,” says Kahab CK, Rahiman’s third son.
Read MoreSreeraj Lassi Bar When your biggest weakness is Indian sweets, but can’t bear the thought of a warm phirni on a summer day, then what do you turn to? SLR or Sreeraj Lassi Bar that has been serving kulfis to Bengaluru since 1973. Most popular among their kulfis are the kesar badam and mewa misri flavours. Equally tasty is the matka kulfi – kesar flavoured kulfi served in a earthenware matka. Want something more elaborate? Try their Faloodaice-cream, which includes fruits, almonds, rose water and of course, icecream or the Gadbad sundae with a scoop of mango, vanilla and strawberry icecream, fruits and jelly.
Read More'Sreeraj Lassi Bar' serves a variety of desserts that tempt you no end
Ice cream may have doubled up as everyone’s favourite dessert, but the indigenous kulfi still holds its charm for many. This frozen milk dessert has many admirers and that is one of the reasons why ‘Sreeraj Lassi Bar’ in the City has lasted for decades.
The first shop was opened in the City, 37 years ago, by Abdul Rahiman, near Cubbon Park. Back then it only sold lassi, falooda and kulfi but has extended its menu to include a whole lot of new stuff. Today, the store still remains one among the popular destinations for its milk items and fruit juices.