What are the different variations of ayran across different regions and countries?
Ayran is a cold, salty drink of yogurt, water and salt, and it changes by region. Turkey has regional styles such as Susurluk ayran and Malatya spicy ayran. Iran and Afghanistan call it doogh and often add mint, cucumber or fizz. Albania has dhalle, Armenia has tan and Central Asia has chalap. The core recipe is the same everywhere.
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In this article
What is ayran made of?
The base is yogurt thinned with cold water and a little salt. Cooks may add black pepper, dried mint or lime juice, and some versions are carbonated. It is served cold, often with grilled meat, bread, rice or pastries.
What are the regional variations of ayran?
| Place | Name | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Ayran | Plain salty yogurt drink; regional styles include Susurluk ayran (a registered geographical indication in Turkey) and Malatya spicy ayran |
| Iran | Doogh | Often with dried mint; sometimes sparkling |
| Afghanistan | Doogh or shromba | Mint, diced cucumber and lime; may be carbonated |
| Albania | Dhalle | Yogurt, salt and water, served cold |
| Cyprus | Ayrani | Sour sheep yogurt, water, salt and mint |
| Armenia | Tan | Related salty yogurt drink; a carbonated version is sold |
| Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan | Chalap, shalap | Fermented milk with water and salt; a bottled fizzy version is sold |
Details differ from house to house, and sources disagree on whether doogh and ayran are the same drink or close cousins.
Is ayran the same as lassi?
No. Lassi, from the Indian subcontinent, is a related yogurt drink and may be salted or sweet. Ayran is almost always salted and thinner.
What is ayran served with?
Kebabs and other grilled meats are the classic match, and the salt and sourness make it refreshing in summer. Pairings vary by country.
Which milk is used?
Today ayran is usually made from cow’s milk yogurt. Sheep or goat yogurt is traditional in some places. Check the label of a bought bottle, since brands vary in fat, salt and thickness.
How do you make it at home?
Whisk plain yogurt with cold water, roughly equal parts as a starting point, then add salt to taste and chill. Thin it more for a lighter drink.
People also ask
What is the difference between ayran and doogh?
Both are salted yogurt drinks. Doogh is the Iranian and Afghan name and often includes mint, cucumber or fizz. Some sources treat them as the same, others as close cousins.
Which countries drink ayran?
Turkey, the Balkans, the Middle East and Central Asia, each with its own name and variations.
Is ayran the same as lassi?
No. Lassi is an Indian-subcontinent yogurt drink that can be sweet or salty. Ayran is salted and thinner.
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