Zaiqa: Dhood-Soda

In this series, one of many to come, we will make some common drinks to serve our guests. Pakistan takes hosting to a whole new level as it is tradition to treat all guests to a house with respect and great service. I remember my first time back to Pakistan was when I was about 14 years old with my Ami (Mama) and siblings. My mom, who has her entire family back home, took us to meet EVERY single relative she can fit into 24 hours. I remember one day, right after breakfast, we went to go see her two cousins who lived in the street over to where my Nani lived. In our group was my Ami, Nani Jaan, my sister, my little brother, and my aunt. This was the first of the seven houses we visited. Everyone was hugging and crying to see my Ami but the sight I will never forget was the trays of drinks and appetizers flowing from the kitchen. 

It is polite to serve food and drink to the guests of the house, no matter what the situation is.

Much of the dairy products were sold fresh as many local farms covered the area where my Nani Jaan lived. I would hear her yell, “Aye zara baraber se dhood te leti aa” translated to “Go fetch some fresh milk from next door!” Followed by her lecturing on how good fresh milk is for the bones and all the reasons to drink it more. Watch some facts on milk here on Kanopy Kids.

I remember having a small glass of soda and Aloo Samosa (potato samosa) with Tamarind Chutney (sweet and spicy dipping sauce). It was delicious. After some time, we left and went to the next house. Same process there: crying, hugging, trays of samosa, chips, and soda/juice/sharbat followed. I believe it was after the third house I could not digest anymore. I didn’t want to be disrespectful, but then again, I didn’t want to puke either. I requested something lighter and refreshing as it had been quite a summer day. 

Dhood-Soda is a mixture of milk and soda (cola or lemon-lime). The ratio varies as some like more milk than soda, and vice versa. This drink is shared during Ramadan months but then can be created anytime if you are craving a little fizz. This might be a good book to experiment with on COSMOS.

I have a mindset of “Don’t hate it until you try it.”