21 Refreshing Asian Dairy Drinks Everyone Can Love

Asian dairy drinks represent a fascinating fusion of traditional ingredients and modern culinary innovation.

Cultural preferences shape these unique beverages that blend unexpected flavors and textures.

Creamy, refreshing, and often surprising, these concoctions challenge Western beverage expectations with their distinctive profiles.

Milk transforms into something extraordinary through regional techniques and creative preparations.

Local ingredients infuse these drinks with remarkable character and sensory depth.

Some beverages offer cooling relief, while others provide warming comfort across different seasons and environments.

Nutritional value meets delightful taste in these carefully crafted liquid delights.

Here are 21 popular Asian dairy drinks that will expand your beverage horizons:

Standout Asian Dairy Beverage Types to Try

Asia’s dairy drinks range from yogurt lassis and sweetened milks to inventive modern blends. They’re beloved for refreshment and nutrition, whether served cold or hot.

Mango Lassi

Mango lassi exemplifies India's refreshing yogurt-based beverage blending sweet ripe mangoes with creamy yogurt, creating a smooth and cooling drink beloved worldwide.

Fresh mangoes get whipped with thick yogurt, water, sugar, and a hint of cardamom until perfectly blended and frothy.

Restaurants across India and international dining scenes feature this popular summer refreshment as a staple menu item.

Summer temperatures make the chilled beverage especially appealing to those seeking instant relief from heat.

Nutritionally, mango lassi provides calcium, probiotics, and vitamin benefits while delivering a delightful taste experience.

Sweet Lassi (Meethi Lassi)

Sweet lassi is a cooling yogurt-based beverage originating from Punjab, India that blends creamy yogurt with sugar and aromatic spices into a smooth, refreshing drink.

Traditionally prepared in clay pots, this popular summer refreshment combines thick yogurt with sweet ingredients like saffron, cardamom, or fresh fruit essences.

Mango lassi has become especially popular worldwide, offering a fruity twist to the classic recipe.

Slivered nuts often garnish the surface, adding subtle crunch and visual appeal.

Cream (malai) might be added for extra richness and texture.

Served chilled, sweet lassi provides instant relief from heat and pairs wonderfully with spicy meals.

Many regions in India feature unique sweet lassi variations, reflecting local taste preferences.

Restaurants and street vendors across India offer this beloved beverage as a standard menu item.

Lassi

Lassi is a cooling Punjabi yogurt drink that originated with farmers using traditional clay pot techniques before refrigeration existed.

Ancient milk preservation methods inspired this refreshing beverage that balances spicy meals and provides instant relief during hot summers.

Sweet varieties called metha lassi blend complex ingredients like ginger, mint, rosewater, cardamom, and tropical fruits such as mango.

Punjabi culture deeply connects this drink to agricultural traditions and dairy craftsmanship.

Fresh herbs and spices enhance its distinctive flavor profile.

Ice transforms the mixture into a chilled, smooth beverage.

Yogurt serves as the primary ingredient, creating a creamy base.

Soda Gembira

Soda gembira is a refreshing Indonesian drink bursting with sweet creaminess and vibrant pink hues that instantly cool you down.

Originating from street vendors in Indonesia, this non-alcoholic beverage blends condensed milk, carbonated water, and bright red coco pandan syrup.

Kids and adults love its simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Vendors typically mix the ingredients right before serving to maintain maximum fizz and freshness.

Summer heat makes this drink especially popular across Indonesian regions.

Street stalls and small cafes frequently offer soda gembira as a quick thirst-quencher.

Condensed milk provides rich sweetness while carbonated water adds a playful effervescence.

Each sip delivers a perfect balance of creamy smoothness and bubbly excitement.

Ayran

Ayran or doogh represents a refreshing yogurt-based beverage originating from Middle Eastern culinary traditions, particularly popular in Iran and Turkiye.

Ancient roots trace this drink's development across multiple geographical regions, suggesting simultaneous cultural evolution.

Mint and pepper frequently enhance its flavor profile, adding complexity to the simple base.

Some versions incorporate carbonation for additional texture and effervescence.

Occasional creative interpretations include fruit or vegetable additions, expanding its versatile nature.

Doogh serves as a cooling companion to spicy meals and offers a nutritious alternative to standard beverages.

Bandung

Bandung is a refreshing Malaysian pink drink celebrated for its sweet rose-infused flavor and creamy milk base.

Malaysian locals especially enjoy this simple beverage during festive occasions like weddings and Ramadan iftar gatherings.

Rose syrup gives bandung its signature pink color and distinctive floral aroma.

Milk varieties including condensed, fresh, and evaporated create different taste profiles and textures.

Served chilled over ice, bandung offers a cool and comforting refreshment.

Preparation involves mixing rose syrup with selected milk types in proportional quantities.

Salted Lassi (Namkeen Lassi)

Salted lassi stands as a quintessential Indian yogurt-based beverage renowned for its refreshing and cooling properties during hot summers.

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this savory drink blends creamy yogurt with salt, roasted cumin powder, and occasional pepper or additional spices.

Traditionally served in rustic clay cups called kulhar, the lassi transforms simple ingredients into a thirst-quenching experience through careful mixing until frothy and well-combined.

Skilled preparers whip the yogurt to create a smooth, light texture that balances saltiness and spice.

Summer crowds particularly enjoy this drink as a natural hydration method.

Street vendors and restaurants across India offer salted lassi as a popular accompaniment to meals.

Badam Doodh

Badam doodh is a luxurious Indian almond milk drink celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices.

Ground almonds form the drink's silky base, blended with warm milk and sweetened with sugar.

Cardamom and saffron elevate the beverage's complex flavor profile, creating a sensory experience that speaks to traditional Indian culinary practices.

Rosewater sometimes adds an extra layer of fragrance to this beloved beverage.

Families typically serve badam doodh during special occasions like weddings and religious ceremonies.

Slivered almonds, rose petals, or delicate saffron strands often garnish the drink for visual appeal.

You can enjoy badam doodh either warm or chilled, making it versatile for different seasons.

Nutritionally dense and deeply comforting, this drink connects generations through its timeless recipe.

Milkis

Milkis sparks a unique carbonated beverage experience blending creamy milk and yogurt into a fizzy soda sensation originating in South Korea.

Lotte Chilsung introduced this innovative drink in 1989, creating a revolutionary beverage that quickly captured consumer interest.

Carbonated water, corn syrup, sugar, and milk form its distinctive base composition.

Multiple flavor variations including mango, banana, peach, orange, strawberry, apple, and melon expand its appeal to diverse palates.

You can enjoy this refreshing drink as a cool, sweet alternative to traditional sodas.

Each sip delivers a smooth, light texture reminiscent of a melting mousse.

South Korean consumers especially appreciate its innovative taste profile.

Global beverage markets now recognize Milkis as a distinctive soft drink with international potential.

Thandai

Thandai is a refreshing North Indian milk drink renowned for its complex blend of nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices that create a uniquely cooling beverage.

Originating in traditional Indian celebrations, this creamy drink combines cashews, almonds, cardamom, peppercorns, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds into a thick, flavorful paste.

Skilled preparation involves mixing the spiced nut blend with milk, sugar, and saffron, occasionally enhanced with fragrant rose water.

Makers carefully strain the mixture after allowing it to set, ensuring a smooth texture and rich flavor profile.

Cold temperatures are essential for serving, with slivered nuts and delicate saffron threads adding visual and textural appeal.

Maharashtrian and Rajasthani regions particularly cherish this drink during festive seasons like Holi.

Religious ceremonies and summer gatherings frequently feature thandai as a refreshing and nourishing beverage.

Haldi Doodh

Haldi doodh stands as a powerful healing elixir from India, traditionally consumed during winter to boost immunity and soothe inflammation.

Warm milk blends seamlessly with bright yellow turmeric, creating a golden liquid packed with medicinal benefits.

Generations have relied on this simple drink to combat colds and support overall wellness.

Ginger, cardamom, black pepper, and honey often enhance the basic recipe, adding depth and complementary healing properties.

Ancient Ayurvedic practices recommend this beverage for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

Coconut oil can be added to improve turmeric absorption and provide extra health advantages.

Families across India prepare this comforting drink as a natural remedy and warming winter beverage.

Medicinal and delicious, haldi doodh continues to be a cherished traditional wellness solution.

Chalap

Chalapis a refreshing Kyrgyz fermented dairy drink combining water, salt, and qatiq that offers a unique tangy and salty flavor profile surprising many international palates.

Mountain shepherds traditionally prepare this beverage as a thirst-quenching option during long herding days in Central Asia.

Kyrgyz families frequently serve chalap as a cooling summer refreshment across rural regions.

Qatiq, a thick fermented milk product, provides the drink's signature creamy base and distinctive taste.

Nomadic communities originally developed chalap as a practical way to preserve dairy and hydrate during extended travels.

Salt enhances the beverage's complex flavor and helps balance its slightly sour notes.

Carbonated or still water determines the drink's final texture and consistency.

Rural households continue making chalap using traditional methods passed through generations.

Bhang Lassi

Bhang lassi is a potent cannabis-infused traditional drink from India that blends crushed cannabis leaves with yogurt, spices, and nuts.

Religious significance surrounds this beverage, with legends claiming it rescued the god Shiva after consuming poison.

Monks frequently drink bhang lassi during meditation and religious festivals like Holi and Shivratri.

Cultural practices in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have long embraced this intoxicating preparation.

Medicinal folklore suggests potential health benefits, though scientific evidence remains limited.

Variations of the drink emerged prominently during the 1970s.

Cannabis paste forms the core ingredient, mixed carefully with dairy and seasonings.

Users should exercise extreme caution due to potential psychoactive effects and legal restrictions.

Kumis

Kumis are fermented mare's milk beverages originating in Mongolia with distinctive alcoholic properties unique to Central Asian traditional drinks.

Mongolian nomads have crafted this nutritious beverage for centuries using raw horse milk that naturally transforms through fermentation.

Mare's milk contains higher sugar content compared to cow or goat milk, creating a light, slightly sour drink with subtle almond-like undertones.

Fermentation produces low alcohol levels, typically ranging between 1-2 percent alcohol by volume.

Skilled herders carefully monitor the brewing process to ensure proper bacterial cultures develop during transformation.

Nutritionally, kumis delivers significant protein and vitamin C benefits unavailable in other dairy products.

Advanced fermentation can turn kumis into stronger spirits like araka or arkhi through distillation.

Mango Mastani

Mango mastani is a luscious milkshake-style beverage originating in Pune, Maharashtra, that celebrates the region's beloved summer fruit through a creamy, indulgent blend of ripe mangoes and chilled milk.

Sweet, fresh mangoes or mango pulp form the drink's foundation, creating a vibrant golden liquid with intense tropical flavor.

Cool milk adds richness and smoothness to the mixture, transforming it into a luxurious treat.

Vendors traditionally serve mastani in tall glasses, ensuring maximum visual appeal and refreshment.

Generous scoops of vanilla ice cream crown the drink, melting slowly and adding extra decadence.

Slivered almonds or pistachios sprinkled on top provide delightful crunch and nutty undertones.

Pune street vendors popularized this drink, making it a signature summer refreshment.

Restaurants and cafes across Maharashtra now feature mango mastani as a beloved seasonal specialty.

Suutei Tsai

Suutei tsai represents a beloved Mongolian milk tea blending robust tea leaves with rich milk and a surprising hint of salt.

Nomadic herders traditionally brew this warming beverage by boiling water and milk together in a large pot.

Mongolian families prepare the tea by adding loose tea leaves and stirring constantly with a special ladle.

Salt enhances the tea's unique flavor profile, creating a savory drink different from sweet Western tea styles.

Herders consume suutei tsai throughout cold days to stay hydrated and maintain body heat.

Ceramic or metal pots work best for preparing this classic beverage.

Most Mongolian households serve suutei tsai multiple times daily as a central part of their culinary routine.

Mint Lassi

Mint lassi delights taste buds with its cool, herbal freshness and yogurt-based smoothness.

Originating in India, this traditional drink blends creamy yogurt with vibrant mint leaves for a crisp, invigorating beverage.

Salt enhances the flavor profile, creating a balanced and refreshing experience.

Cumin and black pepper often add subtle depth to the drink's complexity.

Some variations incorporate additional herbs like cilantro for extra aromatic dimensions.

Served chilled, mint lassi provides instant relief during hot summer days.

This versatile drink complements spicy meals by cooling the palate and offering a smooth, tangy counterpoint.

Egg Soda

Soda sua hot ga emerges as a unique Vietnamese drink blending whipped egg yolks, sweet condensed milk, and sparkling soda water into a creamy, frothy beverage.

Originating in Vietnam, this refreshing concoction transforms simple ingredients into a rich, smooth experience.

Street vendors traditionally prepare the drink by vigorously whisking egg yolks with condensed milk until they become light and airy.

Soda water gets added to create a signature fizzy texture that distinguishes this drink from other egg-based beverages.

Cafes and street stalls across Vietnam serve this drink cold, making it a popular summer refreshment.

Temperature and whisking technique significantly impact the drink's final consistency and taste.

Serving the beverage chilled enhances its creamy, effervescent qualities.

Gajar Ka Doodh

Gajar ka Halwa is a luxurious Indian dessert originating from North India that transforms humble carrots into a rich, creamy sweet treat through slow cooking and careful caramelization.

Traditionally prepared during winter months when carrots are most fresh and sweet, this dessert blends grated carrots with milk, ghee, and sugar until the mixture reduces to a thick, pudding-like consistency.

Nuts like cashews and almonds provide delightful crunch and texture throughout the dessert.

Cardamom and saffron often enhance the halwa's aromatic profile, adding layers of complex flavor.

Ghee plays a crucial role in developing deep, caramelized notes and creating a smooth, indulgent texture.

Jigarthanda

Jigarthanda represents a refreshing milk-based beverage originating from Madurai, blending unique ingredients like almond gum, nannari syrup, evaporated milk, and creamy ice cream into a cool summer drink.

Street vendors across Tamil Nadu expertly mix badam pisin (almond gum) with sarsaparilla-derived nannari syrup, creating a sweet and smooth concoction.

Sugar and regular milk enhance the drink's rich flavor profile, while a generous scoop of ice cream crowns the beverage.

Variations sometimes include agar-agar as a substitute for almond gum.

Local recipes differ slightly, but the core ingredients remain consistent.

Preparing jigarthanda requires careful technique and patience.

Traditionally sold from pushcarts and street stalls, this chilled drink offers refreshment during hot Indian summers.

Generations have enjoyed this iconic Madurai beverage as a beloved regional specialty.

Chal

Chalis stands out as a traditional Central Asian fermented camel milk beverage prized for its unique nutritional profile and refreshing qualities.

Originating in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, this light and frothy drink undergoes a precise fermentation process lasting at least four hours at high temperatures.

Nomadic communities traditionally prepare chalis as a healthy, low-calorie beverage packed with essential minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.

Camels provide the raw milk for this tangy drink, which offers a distinctive taste profile different from cow or goat milk products.

Regional herders have perfected the fermentation technique over generations, ensuring consistent quality and flavor.

Microorganisms naturally present in camel milk contribute to the drink's complex taste and potential health benefits.

Locals consume chalis as a cooling summer refreshment and a nutritious alternative to other dairy beverages.

Tourists visiting Central Asian regions often enjoy sampling this traditional fermented milk drink as part of their cultural exploration.

Are Asian Dairy Beverages Mostly Sweet or Savory?

Asian dairy beverages encompass a diverse range of drinks, but they tend to lean more toward the sweet side in most regions:

Many popular dairy drinks, such as Indian lassi (yogurt-based), Thai iced milk tea, and Filipino sikwate (chocolate milk), are sweetened with sugar, fruits, or spices.

• Savory Variations Exist: Some dairy beverages include savory elements, like Indian buttermilk (chaas), which is spiced with salt, cumin, and herbs for a refreshing, savory taste.
• Regional Differences: In East Asia, sweetened milk teas and flavored milks dominate, whereas South Asian countries offer both sweet and savory yogurt-based drinks.
• Fermented Dairy Drinks: Drinks like kefir or fermented milk (lassi, kumis) can have a tangy flavor that bridges sweet and savory profiles.
• Cultural Preferences: Sweet dairy beverages are often enjoyed as desserts or snacks, while savory ones may serve as refreshing accompaniments to meals.