Where can I buy mattha milk?

What is mattha?

Mattha is a drink from the Indian subcontinent made by blending yogurt (dahi) or buttermilk with spices, salt or sugar. Common add-ins are roasted cumin, black pepper, ginger and fresh coriander. It is similar to chaas but spicier and slightly thicker. It is not a milk product sold under one brand name, so shops list it under several names.

Where to buy it in India

• Packaged spiced buttermilk: some dairy brands sell ready-to-drink spiced buttermilk (masala chaas) in cartons and pouches. Look in the chilled dairy section and check the label.
• Dairy booths and sweet shops: fresh chaas is sold by the glass or bag in many towns.
• Delivery apps: grocery apps list buttermilk and chaas; availability depends on your city.

Where to look outside India

• Indian and South Asian grocery stores sometimes stock packaged chaas or lassi.
• Plain cultured buttermilk or plain yogurt in any supermarket is the base for making it yourself.

What to check on the label

• Whether it says buttermilk, chaas or lassi. Lassi is usually thicker and often sweet.
• Ingredients: milk solids, culture, salt, spices. Short lists are simpler.
• The use-by date and storage instruction. Refrigerate and use by the date printed on the pack.

Make it at home

One reference gives 1 cup of yogurt to 2 cups of water. Blend them, then add salt, roasted cumin, black pepper or ginger to taste and a little chopped coriander. Chill and drink it before or after a meal. If you use store-bought buttermilk instead, thin it with a little water.

Stock changes by store and city, so call ahead or check the shop’s listing. This is general buying guidance, not a brand recommendation.