What does lassi mean?
A lassi is a blended yogurt drink associated especially with India and Pakistan. It is made by combining yogurt with water or milk and may be sweetened and flavored with fruit, or prepared with salt and spices such as cumin. Sweet mango lassi and savory salted lassi are among the best-known varieties. The drink is normally whisked until smooth and aerated, producing a texture somewhere between a beverage and a light yogurt-based emulsion. Its characteristic cooling quality makes it especially popular in hot weather and alongside spicy food. Although lassi is now widely available in cafés and restaurants outside South Asia, its cultural associations remain closely connected with Punjabi and broader South Asian culinary traditions. In international menus, the unqualified term usually refers to the sweetened drink, sometimes with a specified fruit or spice flavor.
nounA refreshing drink made from blended yogurt, water or milk, and often spices or fruit. Sweet and savory varieties are common in South Asia.
- A yogurt-based South Asian drink, often flavored with fruit, spices, or salt.
"We shared a chilled mango lassi after the spicy meal."
"The café offers plain, mango, mint, and salted cumin lassi."
"She ordered a sweet lassi instead of the chilled tea."
Used for separate servings or distinct varieties of the drink; often avoided when referring to lassi as a category.
"The shop sells several fresh lassis every morning."
Lassi turns cooling yogurt into a drink that can be served sweet with mango or boldly savory with cumin and salt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lassi
The English word is borrowed from Punjabi lassī, the traditional name for a yogurt-based drink. Closely corresponding forms are used in neighboring South Asian languages, including Hindi lassi. English usage developed through contact with food and drink traditions in British India during the colonial period.
How lassi is actually used
In culinary contexts, the word is commonly treated as uncountable when referring to the drink in general, although the plural "lassis" is used for individual glasses or distinct varieties. It may suggest a traditional South Asian beverage or an adaptation of one.
Easily confused with lassi
A lassi is a yogurt-based drink, whereas a lasso is a loop of rope used to catch animals.