Mango lassi is a cold, creamy drink made by blending yogurt with mango, and masala chai is hot black tea brewed with milk and warming spices like cardamom and ginger. They're two of the most popular Indian drinks, and both pair perfectly with spicy food.

Our Specialty Drinks menu has both, plus sweet and salty lassi, spiced buttermilk, masala coffee, a Rooh Afza tea and a cheeku shake. Here's what each one is and when to order it.

What is a lassi?

Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that comes from North India, especially Punjab. Yogurt is blended with water or milk until smooth and frothy, then made sweet, salty or fruity. It's thick, cool and tangy, and it's a classic way to balance a spicy meal.

We make three kinds:

  • Mango Lassi ($6.50): yogurt and mango. Sweet, fruity and the easiest place to start.
  • Sweet Lassi ($6.50): the plain sweet version, creamy and tangy without fruit.
  • Salty Lassi ($6.50): savory rather than sweet. Traditional salty lassi is often seasoned with salt and roasted cumin. It's refreshing in a different way, more like a cool, savory yogurt drink.

What is masala chaas?

Chaas is Indian spiced buttermilk: thinned, lightly spiced yogurt that's lighter and more watery than lassi. Our Chaas Masala (Spiced Buttermilk) ($6.50) is lightly spiced and very refreshing. In India it's a classic way to cool off on a hot day.

Lassi vs. chaas: lassi is thick and often sweet; chaas is thin and savory.

What is masala chai?

Masala chai means "spiced tea." Black tea is brewed with milk, sugar and a blend of spices. Common ones include cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper, and every household has its own mix. The result is warm, sweet, milky and gently spicy.

Our Masala Chai is $2.99, which makes it an easy add-on to any order. If you prefer coffee, there is also Masala Coffee ($2.99) on the menu.

Chai with something crispy is a classic Indian combination. Try it with samosas, aloo pakoras or medhu vada.

What is Rooh Afza?

Rooh Afza is a rose-colored syrup popular across South Asia, known for its floral flavor of rose water and kewra (screwpine). It's mixed into milk, water or desserts. We serve it on its own in two sizes, and in the Indian Rose (Rooh Afza + Tea) ($6.50), which combines Rooh Afza with milky tea for a sweet, floral drink.

What is a cheeku shake?

Cheeku (also called sapodilla or nispero) is a tropical fruit with a soft, sweet, caramel-like flavor. Our Cheeku Shake (Sapodilla / Nispero) ($8.50) is sweet and creamy. If you've never tried cheeku, this is an easy introduction.

Which drink should I order with spicy food?

  • For heat: mango lassi or sweet lassi. Yogurt-based drinks are a traditional way to soothe a spicy bite.
  • For a big meal: chaas masala. It's light and won't fill you up.
  • For a cold day or a snack: masala chai with samosas or pakoras.
  • For something sweet: cheeku shake or Indian Rose.

Tip: with a Mysore masala dosa or chole bhature, a mango lassi is hard to beat.

Is mango lassi like a smoothie?

It's similar in texture, thick and cold and blended, but the base is yogurt, so it's tangier than most fruit smoothies. If you like a mango smoothie, you'll likely enjoy mango lassi. It's also a common pick for kids who aren't used to spicy food.

Are lassi and chai vegan?

Lassi and chaas are yogurt-based, and chai and the Indian Rose are made with milk, so they contain dairy as usually served. If you eat vegan, ask the counter about drinks that fit, or see our vegan Indian food guide.

Can I add bubble tea or a smoothie too?

Yes. SmoothieFRESH is in the same food hall, and their bubble teas and smoothies are in the same online cart as Ananda Kitchen, so you can order your food and drinks together. See our FAQ for more on ordering.

Where to get mango lassi and masala chai in Langley Park

Ananda Kitchen is inside BITES Food Court + Bar at 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20783, in the Langley Park Shopping Center, near College Park, Takoma Park and Silver Spring. Parking is free.

We're open daily 11am to 9pm, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Browse the full menu and order online for pickup. Most orders are ready in about 30 minutes.