1/6 If you go to Madurai, you will come across a curious cold drink called Jigarthanda. While it is a lot like falooda, it is not quite the same.
It contains almond gum (from almond bark). It has a sweet earthy taste due to sarsaparilla syrup. What intrigued me most was its name
It contains almond gum (from almond bark). It has a sweet earthy taste due to sarsaparilla syrup. What intrigued me most was its name
2/ The name of the cold drink Jigarthanda translates to "cold heart". It is an amalgamation of two Urdu words jigar (जिगर/جگر) and thanda (ठंडा/ٹھنڈا).
While thanda made sense, I was puzzled by the usage of jigar which literally translates to one's liver rather than one's ♥️
While thanda made sense, I was puzzled by the usage of jigar which literally translates to one's liver rather than one's ♥️
3/ Turns out that Urdu poets use the word jigar (trans. liver) as a metaphor for the heart and as a term of endearment.
This is because the liver is as vital as our heart for survival.
That is also why you may have come across the term "jigari-dost" for close friends.
This is because the liver is as vital as our heart for survival.
That is also why you may have come across the term "jigari-dost" for close friends.
4/ Which led me to question - how did a drink with an Urdu name become so popular in a temple town like Madurai?
Records show that jigarthanda originated in Mughal times. It is most likely that the Nizams of Hyderabad brought it to Madurai, which used to be a major trading hub.
Records show that jigarthanda originated in Mughal times. It is most likely that the Nizams of Hyderabad brought it to Madurai, which used to be a major trading hub.
5/ Legend goes that jigarthanda took off when Sheik Meeran started selling it next to Madurai's Meenakshi temple. What started as a humble business on a pushcart became a brick-and-mortar establishment. The shop dubbed as the "Famous" Jigarthanda Shop now has franchises across TN
6/ If you are in Bangalore and are now craving some "jil jil" jigarthanda 🧋, you can head to @thepermitroom which has a deconstructed version of the drink (with liquid smoke!).
Note: Not a paid post, but wish I was :P
Source: thehindu.com/features/magaz…
Note: Not a paid post, but wish I was :P
Source: thehindu.com/features/magaz…
I miss going to Permit Room :(
TIL they introduced a new gin flavoured cocktail called Gin-kemari. Fam what 😭😂🦌 #ohdeer
TIL they introduced a new gin flavoured cocktail called Gin-kemari. Fam what 😭😂🦌 #ohdeer
It has sarsaparilla syrup (nannari sherbat) too!!
This entire thread was inspired by my love for nannari sherbat which should get more love and credit than that vile tasting "hum dardh" Roohahza. :|
This entire thread was inspired by my love for nannari sherbat which should get more love and credit than that vile tasting "hum dardh" Roohahza. :|
So based on new information from quiz-legend @bertyashley (who hails from Madurai!) I'd like to modify my theory on the origins of jigarthanda. See 13:00-14:30 of this @iwtkquiz
Note: Avoid this episode if you are not a fan of scatological humour & shit😛
Note: Avoid this episode if you are not a fan of scatological humour & shit😛
So as per Berty, Jigarthanada can trace its origins to the construction of the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal.
A few of you may recognize the mahal, which has featured in quite a few of Mani Ratnam's movies, including notably Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya from Bombay
A few of you may recognize the mahal, which has featured in quite a few of Mani Ratnam's movies, including notably Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya from Bombay
According to @bertyashley the erstwhile rulers of Madurai bought in architects and masons from as far as Italy & Turkey to build Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal in an Indo-Saracenic manner.
It is speculated that the Turks introduced jigarthanda to deal with the oppressive Indian summer
It is speculated that the Turks introduced jigarthanda to deal with the oppressive Indian summer
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