The scorching heat during summer often makes us restless and only a cool and refreshing drink can bring some relief to our thirsty mind and soul. While there are various types of summer coolers and mocktails available these days, some sherbets have remained all-time favourites for us. My Kolkata takes you on a nostalgic trip to three sherbet shops that hold a special place in our hearts.
Paramount
Located on Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square in Kolkata, this century-old shop was founded by Nihar Majumdar in 1918
Speaking of sherbets, the first name that comes to our mind is that of Paramount. Located on Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square in Kolkata, this century-old shop was founded by Nihar Majumdar in 1918, and has been a witness to many secret conferences of the revolutionaries during the British period.
The famous Daab Sherbet
Their Daab Sherbet, which is perhaps the most popular item at the shop, is made with coconut water (daaber jol), coconut malai and crushed ice. This delish combination is priced at Rs 120 per glass. Another option is the Cream Strawberry drink, made with curd and strawberry syrup — just perfect for hot days. This drink is priced at Rs 70 per glass. Do try, if you still haven’t.
Timings: Monday-Saturday 12 - 9pm; Sunday 3 - 9pm
Address: 1/1/1D, Bankim Chatterjee Street, Kolkata -73
Kapila Ashram - Rishi Babur Dokan
‘Old is gold’ they say — and rightly so. Kapila Ashram, a quaint sherbet shop at Sreemani Market, Kolkata, serves some delicious hand-churned sherbets, including Dadhiti, a curd-based cool drink, and Malai Sherbet made with kheer and water-based syrup.
Kesar Malai and raw mango sherbet available at Kapila Ashram
Their raw mango Dadhiti is priced at Rs 30 for 225ml and Rs 40 for 350ml, while their Kesar Malai Sherbet, made with kesar and kheer, is priced at Rs 40 for 225ml and Rs 50 for 350ml.
Timings: Open all days 11 am to 9.30pm
Address: 206, Bidhan Sarani, Kolkata - 6
Ralli’s
Ralli’s has been a hot favourite of many over the years
Known for their variety of syrups, often used in sherbets and ice golas, Ralli’s has been the hot favourite of many over the years. The newly renovated shop at Dharmatala may not give you a nostalgic feeling, but their famous soda sherbets that are still available sure will.
The yummy rose and green mango soda drinks at Ralli's
The Rose Soda, made with rose syrup, soda water and crushed ice, and the Green Mango Soda, made with green mango syrup, soda water and crushed ice, are still showstoppers. Both are priced at Rs 60 per glass and are brilliant thirst quenchers.
Timings: Open all days 11am to 9.30pm
