Sharjah, Saudi and Abu Dhabi. No, we are not listing cities or naming a country in West Asia. We are talking about thick, creamy milk shakes that are traditionally served in tall glasses. These drinks, a local take on milk shakes, were invented by expats who started bakeries-cum-juice shops after their return from those regions. It is perhaps their toast to their trysts in West Asia. It is said that these drinks, especially the Sharjah, were first served in Kozhikode.
A banana–based milk shake, Sharjah, was the first among these Kerala-styled shakes to be introduced in the city in the early 90s. It was a hit as the unassuming drink’s flavours were different from the ubiquitous juices and shakes that were available then.
While the drink in its purest form is a blend of banana, frozen milk, ice cream, peanuts and malt drinking powder or drinking chocolate, the shake now comes in various avatars. As the recipe exchanges hands, people add or minus ingredients. And so now you have Coffee Sharjah, Fig and honey Sharjah, Sharbath Sharjah, Kulfi Sharjah, Fruit Sharjah... on the menu of various juice shops in and around the city. While the Coffee Sharjah has either coffee ice cream or coffee powder or a mix of both in the drink, Orange Sharjah has a dollop of orange ice cream blended into the mixture. Fruit Sharjah, has generous serving of chopped fruits mixed into the shake, while Sharbath Sharjah has chewy bites of khus khus added to the drink. Some add flavoured syrups for extra colour, while others add coarsely ground nuts, for texture. Those who want an ice cream scoop floating on top of their drink can order Sharjah with ice cream.
Abu Dhabi and Saudi, which are relatively newer additions, are truer dedications to West Asia as they are date-based drinks. Some juice shacks, however, do prepare Abu Dhabi with a blend of cherries and cashewnuts. Moderately priced, these refreshing drinks are a meal in itself, with its combination of milk, fruits and ice cream.
A restaurant at Vellayambalam has a drink called Arabian pulpy grape, which reminds one of a fancier version of the current rage – ball grape juice. When asked why the drink is named so, a restaurant employee, shrugs his shoulder, and says: “It sounds nice and seemed to suit the drink.”
Well, whether the drink is named so because it fits the bill, or as an ode to a country, it looks like West Asian inspired drinks are here to stay.