Why a glass of orange juice costs ₹120
Oranges, a pressing machine, rent on Beach Road and the fruit we throw away. Where the money in one glass goes.
Sugarcane, coconut or watermelon: picking a cooler for May
Three classic drinks for a hot afternoon in Vizag, and what each one tastes like, costs and suits best.
From April to June, three drinks make up more than half the glasses we sell: sugarcane juice, tender coconut and watermelon. People often stand at the counter unsure which to choose, so here is how they compare.
Sugarcane juice, at ₹60 a glass, is the sweetest and the most filling. We press it through our steel roller with ginger and half a lime, which cuts the sweetness and gives it a sharp edge. It is the one to choose when you are tired and need something with body. It should be drunk at once, as it darkens and loses its fresh taste within fifteen minutes.
Tender coconut, at ₹70, is the lightest. The water is mildly sweet, a little salty and very refreshing, and you get the soft malai to eat afterwards. It travels well, because it stays sealed in the nut until we open it, which makes it the best choice on the beach or after a long walk.
Watermelon and mint, at ₹90, sits between the two. It is cool, gently sweet and pink, and the pinch of black salt and lime we add makes it taste like more. Children usually choose this one. If you cannot decide, ask for a half glass of two. We do it for the price of one full glass plus ₹10. Most regulars end up with a favourite for each time of day.
