As the Indian summer intensifies, culinary traditions across the country offer delightful respite.

From the backyards of rural villages to the terraces of bustling cities, food becomes more than just sustenance; it becomes a way to stay cool, connected, and comforted.

Each region taps into its seasonal wisdom, offering up cooling sips and light, nourishing meals that are as rooted in culture as they are in climate. Whether it’s a chilled clay cup of buttermilk after a hard day’s work or a bowl of fermented rice that soothes the soul, these summer staples are India’s delicious answer to the heat.

Let’s explore seven dishes and drinks that define Indian summers. While some are celebrated, others are passed down in family kitchens:

1. Panakam – A sacred South Indian sip

Where is it famous?

Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Why is it loved?

Panakam is the best thirst-quencher on humid days. Made with jaggery, dry ginger, cardamom, and a dash of lemon, this sweet-spicy concoction is believed to balance body heat and boost energy. In homes and temples, it is served as prasadam, a sacred offering, as well as a practical antidote to the blazing sun. Its simplicity hides centuries of Ayurvedic wisdom in every sip.

© The Better India