Forum Chhaya

Vadodara: The humble gola (or 'ice slush' in posh circles) which has shot a thrill of relief into generations of heat-assaulted Gujaratis, has become a hot favourite in Singapore. During its journey to one of Asia's wealthiest cosmopolitan centres, the gola got rid of its wooden sticks, and took on many embellishments.

The transformation has made the gola act pricey: while it delighted Gujaratis in some places for as little as Rs2, in Singapore it often offers its soothing powers for Rs180.

Moreover, in spite of the rise in popularity of ice creams and other frozen treats, the gola has somehow managed to retain its icy superiority among its peers in Singapore, as it had done in Gujarat. So much so, many NRGs who visit the state make it a point to savour the gola.

In short, gola was just ready for marching into other parts of the globe, and in Singapore, it has found a firm base to launch its next leg of conquests. Shyam Galatiya, who opened a gola outlet in Singapore said, "No matter what season, NRIs and foreigners throng our four outlets in Vadodara for golas. This convinced me to open an outlet in Singapore."

Galatiya collaborated with a friend to set up 'Shyam Gola' in Singapore's Ferrer Park. Galatiya said that golas have been such a hit that Singaporeans are relishing them in 25 varieties, including popular flavours like kaachi keri, lemon, orange, shahi gulab, pan masala, kala khatta and kothu.

Golas with toppings of dry fruits, jellies and waffles have also found a loyal following.

“Singapore has a pleasant climate round the year,” Galatiya said. “People want golas irrespective of the season because the country has warm days and chilly evenings.”

The Singaporean golas tend to be made of mineral water.

“The flavours used are natural, and there is the sugar-free gola for the health conscious,” said Galatiya.

The Singaporean golas cost anywhere between one Singapore dollar and 6SGD. The customers are usually a mix of NRIs, Indian tourists and Singaporeans.