Indian street food
Lassi vs smoothie.
A lassi starts with yogurt and a smoothie starts with fruit. That one difference changes the taste, the texture and the way you drink it.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 1 min read
Lassi base
Yogurt
Smoothie base
Fruit, ice
Lassi taste
Creamy, tangy
Best with
Spicy food
01
What a lassi is
A lassi is a yogurt drink from Punjab. It is made by whisking or blending yogurt with water or milk, and then sweetened, salted or flavoured with fruit. Mango lassi blends yogurt with ripe mango pulp and a little sugar.
02
What a smoothie is
A smoothie is a blended drink, usually made of fruit, ice and a liquid such as juice, milk or yogurt. It can include many ingredients, such as leafy greens, protein powder or oats.
03
Taste and texture
Lassi is thick, creamy and gently tangy from the yogurt, which keeps it from tasting too sweet. A smoothie tends to be icier and fruitier, with less tang.
04
When to drink them
Lassi is a drink for the table. It is served with spicy, fried and rich meals, because the dairy calms heat. A smoothie is a drink on its own, often for breakfast or after exercise.
05
Mango lassi at Tapri Chai
Our Mango Lassi is a sweet and creamy blended drink made with mango pulp, $5.99. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
- Mango Lassi, $5.99
- Masala Soda, $5.99
Questions, answered.
Is a mango lassi a smoothie?
It is similar, but a lassi is built on yogurt and is creamier and tangier.
Is lassi good with spicy food?
Yes. Dairy helps calm the heat of chilli.
Is lassi vegan?
No. It is made with yogurt.
How much is a mango lassi at Tapri Chai?
Mango Lassi is $5.99 CAD.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.