When we think of summer survival kits in Delhi, the mind instinctively goes to nimbu paani, chilled Rooh Afza, and cold coffee. But suddenly, a humble, earthy contender from Bihar’s heartlands has taken over menus across the Capital. Sattu – the roasted gram flour drink long associated with village life and Indian midday meals – is becoming a cool café superstar. From posh South Delhi outlets to quirky pop-ups in Shahpur Jat and Kamla Nagar, sattu-based drinks are having a major moment.
At first glance, this might seem curious. After all, sattu is the quintessential rustic health drink – more farmer’s choice than urban chic. But it is precisely because of a growing consciousness around gut health, sustainability and traditional nutrition that sattu has found a bold new identity. Rich in protein, low in glycemic index and naturally cooling, sattu is everything Gen Z wellness culture craves. Add to that the nostalgia kick-down memory lane for Bihar and UP-origin Dilliwalas, and the comfort food factor becomes undeniable.
What’s especially heartening is how Delhi-based cafés are elevating sattu without stripping it of its authenticity. At Jugmug Thela, the sattu lemonade arrives spiced with kala namak and mint, served in earthenware glasses. At Bihari Soul Café in Lajpat Nagar, you can sip it savoury or sweet, while scooping up littis on the side. Even cafés in Khan Market are experimenting with sattu shakes blended with dates and almond milk—a healthy alternative to sugar-loaded frappés.
This trend marks more than just the arrival of a new summer drink. It signals a deeper appreciation for India’s traditional, regional food wisdom—once dismissed as too rural or old-fashioned. In much the same way millets were rediscovered, sattu is reclaiming its space, and Delhi is acting as the perfect melting pot to give it a modern home.
So the next time you find yourself sweating through a June afternoon, consider swapping that iced coffee for something our ancestors actually understood. It’s wholesome, refreshing and tastes like the kind of summer we might just want to go back to.
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