The Traditional Drink.

[adi0000]

The traditional drink up here in Telangana also called 'Kallu' is a comes from trees . This drink gives a different kind of taste, such a taste that there are people who may like it or also people who might hate to an extent.

 

[Travguy]

I have been served a welcome drink many times when I have traveled to different parts of the world. It is usually a non-alcoholic cocktail which tastes like a fruit juice. But whenever I get a welcome drink I feel thrilled as it is a sign of good hospitality.

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

Kallu sounds interesting. Is it like a nonalcoholic beer type of drink? They had something like that in Ukraine called Kvas (i'm not sure of the spelling, sorry.) I think that Kvas had a very, very minor alcoholic content because it was made in a fermentation process, but it was a very weak drink in that sense.

 

[EdmondE]

This drink, "Kallu", can you describe the taste? As someone who has not yet been to India, much less tried this exotic beverage, I am extremely curious on all aspects of Indian culture, and have been trying to immerse myself to an extent over the past couple months. Is it something that can be made at home or purchased in North America? I am very curious.

 

[Johnnie]

Except when I've heard rumors that traditional drinks in a certain place aren't safe to drink, I'll always try all traditional drinks. I'm yet to try Kallu. It's one of those things one just has to try so even if you don't get yourself a souvenir you at least remember a place because you tasted something there that you've not had elsewhere.

 

[Trevlr]

I would prefer drinking non alcoholic drinks, even though I have in the past had issues with traditional drinks. If you are not used to some traditional drinks - not fruit juices - then you may suffer from stomach upsets. Others can make you to vomit. You may only need to take a small quantity at a time to see how your body reacts.

 

[djtravels]

There is a different traditional drink in every city, sometimes within miles of each other. I have never had "Kallu". But, I've had the orange wine thing in Goa- the Goa Feni? It was great except for the smell part. Too much orange for me. I've also had the Kashmiri Kawa, which is a great drink to have when its freezing cold. The Kawa has saffron which is a well-known "anti-aging" and beautification compound.

 

[Blue Betta]

I've never heard of Kallu. What is it made from, and is it an alcoholic drink? The only thing I had to drink that was not bottled when I was in India was the locally-made chai. If it's not fermented or served hot, I would be wary because some of the microbes in the local water can cause some GI problems. If in doubt, I advise people to drink things that are bottled and sealed.

 

[vkar]

Didn't have the chance to taste it, but have heard about it. There's certain appeal of traditional drinks, but personally I found my curiosity lasts till I try it once. I have tried traditional drinks of Kerala, Assam and many other places and liked the experience the first time few times. But it grows old quite fast.

 

[iamawriter]

In the South a traditional drink could include tender coconut water. The tender coconut is chipped off at the top and a hole is made to insert the straw.

and also toddy. Toddy is produced by tapping the tender inflorescence that can be seen on coconut trees. For those who want nonalcoholic toddy it is tapped early in the morning and not kept to ferment.

Photo credit Pinterest

 

[Admin]

Kallu: Telangana’s Traditional Drink – A Unique Experience!

Kallu, also known as toddy, is a fermented sap extracted from palm trees and is a popular traditional drink in Telangana and several other parts of India. It is naturally sweet when freshly collected but starts fermenting quickly, developing a mild alcoholic content. In the mornings, it is usually non-alcoholic and refreshing, while by the evening, fermentation makes it slightly stronger.

Taste & Varieties​

• Fresh Kallu: Mildly sweet with a unique earthy flavor.
• Fermented Kallu: Slightly tangy, with a light alcoholic content.
• Flavored Variants: Some regions mix it with ingredients like ginger or jaggery for additional taste.

Availability & Consumption​

Kallu is commonly found in toddy shops across rural Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. However, visitors should ensure they get it from a hygienic and licensed vendor to avoid adulteration.

Similar Drinks Around the World​

• Kvas (Ukraine & Russia) – A mildly fermented drink made from rye bread.
• Tuba (Philippines & Mexico) – A coconut palm drink similar to Kallu.
• Palm Wine (Africa & Southeast Asia) – Made from palm tree sap, just like Kallu.

Can You Get Kallu Outside India?​

Kallu is mostly available locally and isn't mass-produced for international export due to its short shelf life. If you’re outside India, you might find similar palm-based traditional drinks in specialty Indian stores or South Asian markets.

For those visiting Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, or Kerala, trying Kallu is a must-have cultural experience! Have you tried it? Let’s hear your experiences!