Thandai

Thandai
Alternative namesSardai
CourseBeverage
Place of originIndia
Serving temperatureChilled or sometimes hot
Main ingredientsMilk key ingredient, cardamom, almonds, sugar, and saffron, cannabinoids (bhang thandai only)
VariationsRose thandai, Mango thandai, Badaam kesar thandai, Bhang thandai
  •   Media: Thandai

Thandai, sardai or thanday (ʈʰəɳ.ɖɑːiː) is an Indian cold drink prepared with a mixture of almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk and sugar. It is native to Indian Subcontinent. It is mainly used in summer. In Northern Indian Hindu culture, it is often associated with the Holi or Holla mahalla festival. It is most commonly consumed in hot areas of North India and Punjab. There are variants of thandai and the most common are badam (almonds) thandai and bhang (cannabis) thandai.

Thandai is a centerpiece of Holi celebrations where other snacks like dahi vada, gujiya and other savory snacks called chaat are served alongside the cold, sweet beverage.