Discovering Jaisalmer: The Golden City and the Perfect Banana Lassi Recipe
Lassis are cool, refreshing yoghurt-based drinks found all over India. The best one I experienced was during a 32-day backpacking trip to Jaisalmer in 2014 - Banana Lassi.
Jaisalmer, often referred to as the Golden City, is a mesmerising desert town in Rajasthan, India, famed for its stunning golden sandstone architecture. At its heart lies the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few living forts in the world, where vibrant bazaars and ancient havelis bustle with life. The town serves as a gateway to the expansive Thar Desert, where camel safaris reveal a surreal landscape of rolling sand dunes beneath a canopy of stars. Known for its intricate carvings, vibrant culture, and timeless charm, Jaisalmer offers a glimpse into a bygone era steeped in history and tradition.
My travelling companion was a coffee addict and couldn’t function until he’d had at least two milky coffees. Each morning, we’d head out in search of a coffee shop or at least a shack that served it. One day, we stumbled across a sign saying Café + WiFi and decided to investigate.
Tony had his coffee, while I opted for a banana lassi served ice-cold. With a great view and delicious drinks, we were both thoroughly satisfied.
As soon as we returned to Spain, one of the first things I did was recreate that banana lassi. Here’s how:
Banana Lassi
Serves 1
135g thick Greek yoghurt
1 banana
Ice cubes
Blitz everything together, adding cold water until the mixture is light and frothy.
I also created another lassi variation that’s completely original—just let your taste buds and imagination guide you:
Rose and Cardamom Lassi
Serves 1
135g thick Greek yoghurt
1 teaspoon dried rose petals, crumbled
Seeds from one green cardamom pod
Ice cubes
Blitz everything together, adding cold water until it’s light and frothy.
India: My New Friend in Jaisalmer
This memory is part of a longer story — read more in What 32 Days on Indian Trains Did to My Appetite, 32 days across India by train, from Delhi's spice markets to Bombay Duck in Mumbai.
Wonky photos, proper food, genuine adventures – The Flexible Chef
