While a viral social media moment recently catapulted it into the national spotlight, the creamy, fizzy delight of doodh soda has been a cherished part of Kolkata's nightscape for generations. At the iconic Balwant Singh's Dhaba in Bhawanipur, serving this frothy concoction remains a midnight ritual, a refreshing antidote to the city's humid summer nights for students, night-shift workers, and late-night revellers.
From Bhawanipur's Midnight Staple to National Fame
For decades, the drink has been served in classic steel tumblers or tall glasses, sometimes with a splash of rose syrup for a floral twist, perfectly balancing the creaminess of milk with the lively sparkle of soda. However, its journey to internet fame began with actor Gaurav Gerav's iconic line, "Darling Darling, Peelo Doodh Soda" from the show 'Dhurandhar'. This snippet went viral, introducing the traditional drink to a completely new and younger audience far beyond its traditional stronghold.
Manish Singh of Balwant Singh Dhaba confirms this surge in popularity. He states that while the recipe is his grandfather's legacy and had steadily become a city favourite over the decades, the Dhurandhar effect was unmistakable. "This is my grandfather's recipe. Over the decades, it has become Kolkata's favourite. But after Dhurandhar, we've seen a whole new crowd coming in," says Singh, highlighting how digital trends can amplify longstanding cultural staples.
A Punjabi Heritage Drink with Deep Roots
Long before it became a trending hashtag, doodh soda was a summer saviour across North India and Pakistan. Its origins are humble, often cited as a quick-fix cooler where milk provided a mellowing base and soda added the essential spark. It evolved into what many consider the Punjabi answer to modern energy drinks, a homemade remedy for scorching days.
In Punjabi households, the drink is practically a family heirloom, with each home boasting its own slight variation. Some insist on extra fizz, while others, like the Kolkata dhaba, incorporate rose syrup. Satnam Singh Ahluwalia shares his nostalgic connection, "Doodh soda is the go-to drink in our house. We have it every day. While growing up, it was more like a desi energy drink. I remember having it on football match days—refreshing and energizing." He also mentions creative twists like adding ice-cream to transform it into a float.
The Enduring Appeal of a Simple Cooler
The story of doodh soda is a testament to how regional classics can capture the imagination of a wider audience. Its appeal lies in its paradoxical simplicity—it is both oddly satisfying and deeply nostalgic. For the regulars at Balwant Singh's Dhaba, it remains an unwavering part of their nightly routine. For the new crowd drawn by a viral video, it offers a taste of authentic, shared culture.
This drink's journey from a Punjabi household staple and a Kolkata midnight ritual to a viral phenomenon underscores the power of social media in reshaping food trends. Yet, its core identity remains untouched—a frothy, comforting, and uniquely satisfying blend that has cooled generations and continues to find new fans.
