It's an age old practice to drink lots of chilled chaas to quench your thirst and soothe your parched throat in the soaring summer. And no other drink enhances the enjoyment and eating experience of Indian cuisine like it does. Rajdhani in Mumbai is synonymous with Gujarati thali.

But it’s also very popular for one of the creamiest, masala chaas that one can find in the city. Situated in the crowded street of Crawford market since 1948, it also serves a unique Smoked Barbequed Chaas for just Rs. 25.

Interesting? Here’s how it’s made. The waiter brings a tray with eight katoris, with various condiments. In the centre is a burning charcoal. From the katoris, he takes out tiny helpings of ginger, garlic, cumin powder, jeera and places them on the glowing charcoal as he simultaneously pours desi ghee over it.

As smoke ensues, he reverses an empty glass and captures the fragrant smoke in it. Then, straightening the glass, he quickly pours the buttermilk in it and he seasons it with coriander, chaat powder, chopped green chillies and salt. “Drink it slowly to experience the smoky flavour of the chaas and the sharp bite of the ingredients,” says head chef Avinash.

Another place to have great chaas is Corriander at Fort. It’s actually a tiffin service with a take away counter. The buttermilk is priced at Rs. 5 here.

Bhagatchand Tarachand near Mumbadevi temple which is more than 50 years old serves traditional Marwari food. Along with the thali, the chilled flavoured chaas served in beer bottles is quite an innovative idea and justifies the trip to the heart of commercial Mumbai.

Papa Pancho Da Dhaba is eclectically furnished to look like a dhaba. A must-have is their lip-smacking soothing masala chaas, or buttermilk, topped with ground ginger, chillies and a sizzling seasoning of cumin seeds and coriander. This spicy drink will rejuvenate your system. In case you want it less spiced up, ask the management not to put green chilies in it.

Samrat, near Churchgate Station specialises in wholesome Punjabi food. To complement the rich food drink the superthin, cuminflavored buttermilk. It’s delicious.

Amidst the urban bustle of Dadar, Pritam da Dhaba, is for Punjabi food lovers. The chaas is served plain without any toppings for Rs 56. Have it chilled with the food for refreshing meal.