Taste of India @ Swiss

Although our trip to Switzerland is over, we can’t stop writing about it. If you are one of those regular visitors to our blog, you must know by now how much we enjoyed our one-week stay. You might be wondering what more can be there to write about.

Yes, there is always a lot to write about Switzerland, especially when comparing it with Paris and seeing it through Indian eyes. The pavements are made of granite stone, all routes are well-marked, and you can always be sure to find toilet paper in any remote restroom—not to mention clean restrooms. Last but not least, even public telephones are equipped with electronic phone books, which can hardly be seen in Paris.

There’s something about Switzerland that feels incredibly organized and efficient. The trains run on time, the streets are immaculate, and there’s a sense of tranquility that’s hard to match. It’s quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Paris. The Swiss precision and cleanliness were impressive. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with beautiful landscapes, well-maintained facilities, and a warm welcome from the locals. The attention to detail in every aspect of daily life made our stay even more enjoyable.

Now, coming to the point of what made me write this post: ‘Lassi’. Yes, you heard it right. You must be wondering what’s there to say about lassi, especially if you’re an Indian living in the UK. But to our utmost surprise, we noticed this product on the shelf in one of the small ‘all-in-one’ stores in a Swiss railway station. Later, we found the same product in larger stores, which can hardly be seen in Paris—or rather, I should say, can’t be seen at all.

Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, often flavored with spices or fruit. According to tradition, lassi is served at the end of the main meal or taken at lunchtime because that’s when appetite and digestion are at their peak. Lassi is meant to help digestion and is traditionally served at room temperature, not chilled, although it’s usually enjoyed as a cold beverage in the summer. Finding lassi in Switzerland was like discovering a piece of home in a foreign land.

The sight of lassi with Indian flavors was so thrilling that we had it almost every day during our stay in Switzerland. It was available in different varieties—plain, sweet, and even mango-flavored. Each time we sipped on that creamy, tangy drink, it brought back memories of home and the familiar taste of Indian cuisine. It was fascinating to see how Indian food culture has permeated even the remote corners of the world, bringing comfort to travelers like us.

Our Swiss lassi discovery led us to reflect on the blend of cultures we encounter in our travels. It’s amazing how food can be a universal language, connecting people across different backgrounds and traditions. Whether it’s enjoying a croissant in Paris, savoring pasta in Italy, or sipping lassi in Switzerland, these experiences remind us of the beauty of diversity and the shared love of good food.

Switzerland, with its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, provided the perfect backdrop for these delightful culinary surprises. As we explored cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken, we were continually amazed by the seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The old-world charm of cobblestone streets and historic architecture coexisted harmoniously with contemporary amenities and international influences.

Our daily adventures included not only scenic train rides and breathtaking views but also these unexpected moments of joy, like finding lassi on a supermarket shelf. It’s these small, delightful experiences that make travel so enriching and memorable.

In conclusion, our trip to Switzerland was not just about stunning scenery and efficient public transport but also about discovering unexpected connections to our roots in the most surprising places. The presence of lassi in Switzerland was a small yet significant reminder of how interconnected our world has become. It reaffirmed the idea that no matter where we go, we can always find a piece of home and a sense of belonging, even in the most unlikely corners of the world.

So, if you ever find yourself in Switzerland, keep an eye out for those little surprises that can make your trip even more special. And don’t forget to try the lassi—you might just find it to be a refreshing taste of home, just as we did.