Butter Milk (Chaas)
Tangy balance in a glass
Get directions ↗ · 2 min walk from Grand Mercure
Last orders 30 minutes before closing
Dine-in · takeaway · delivery via GrabFood and LINE MAN
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it served?
It is served cold in a glass, sometimes garnished with fresh mint or coriander leaves.
Is it sweet or salty?
Chaas is a savory, lightly salted beverage that contrasts nicely with sweet or heavy dishes.
Does it actually contain butter?
No,"buttermilk" in this context refers to the thin, tangy liquid resulting from whisked yogurt and water.
Why is cumin added?
Roasted cumin adds a deep earthy flavor and is highly regarded for its digestive benefits in Indian cuisine.
Can I have it without ice?
Yes, you can certainly request it chilled from the fridge without any added ice cubes.
About Butter Milk (Chaas)
Chaas, often written as butter milk on Indian menus, is the lightest and most everyday of all the yogurt drinks — the thin, savoury, gently spiced cooler that is poured at the end of countless lunches across Punjab, Gujarat and the rest of North and West India. It should not be confused with the Western buttermilk used in baking; this is something quite different, a watered-down spiced yogurt drink meant to be sipped, not cooked with.
We make ours by whisking our own morning-set whole-milk yogurt with plenty of cold water until it is properly thin and drinkable, then seasoning it with roasted cumin powder, black salt and a scatter of chopped fresh coriander. Some versions across India add curry leaf, grated ginger or a little green chilli, and our chef will adjust the seasoning to taste. It is served cold and unsweetened — chaas is never sweet, which is the simplest way to tell it apart from lassi.
The role of chaas is digestive. In traditional North Indian eating it is taken after a heavy or oily meal because the thin yogurt, cumin and salt are believed to calm the stomach and cool the body — the reason it is a hot-weather fixture rather than a dessert. It is far lighter than any of our lassis, low in richness, and ideal if you have eaten a large thali or a plate of biryani and want something clean to finish. Many of our Indian regulars order it almost reflexively at the end of the meal. Vegetarian, made fresh, and one of the most genuinely refreshing things on the menu.
Best ordered fresh — call ahead if you are coming straight after work. Visit BHARAT →
See also: the Beverages menu · all drinks & beverages · best Indian food in Bangkok · order for delivery.