Kulukki Sarbath.. with a pinch of pride!

Dissecting a dish is something that I have always loved to do. I try to guess the spices that have gone into a dish or discern a familiar flavour in it and seek confirmation from the chef… (usually met with raised eyebrows or approving smiles).

It was recently that I encountered a challenge. It is called Kulukki Sarbath, a deceptively simple drink!

Last week I was taking a night stroll in Marine drive, Kochi. A busy lane attracted not just mine but everybody’s attention. Many people were gathered on one side of that lane beholding what seemed like a performance. I entered the lane and turned around to see what it was all about.

I found that one side of the lane was full of small Kulukki Sarbath stalls with an assortment of flavours dangling on the menu boards. As soon as I entered, each shopmen eagerly called out names of flavours at me and I was only expected to choose!

The air was full of thudding sounds of drinks trying to reach ‘heights of perfection’, clicks of phone cameras and even Go Pros trying to keep up with the action. The most exciting part comes once you place the order! Do stand a few feet back to catch this spectacle – Making of Kulukki Sarbath.

It is a display of unerring precision and joy of the activity. The taste wows you as much as the sight.I ordered a Mosambi Kulukki Sarbath and it had stripped green chilli, chia seeds, tinge of sourness and sweetness … I can’t pin down the exact tantalising flavours!

But I am sure that a pinch of pride from the craftsman behind the stall has given it a shaking-ly great taste!

If you are in Kochi, just walk down Marine drive and get a hold of this amazing drink. Some of the interesting flavours are boost, raw mango and gooseberry!