More than just the city of litchis
Say the name Muzaffarpur and most people instantly picture its famous shahi litchi. But this Bihar city's identity runs deeper than one fruit. It is also home to old, familiar flavours that have stayed on people's tongues and in their memories across generations. One such name is Gupta Ji Ki Lassi — a drink that has been pulling people in for the past 56 years, and whose popularity hasn't dimmed one bit.
The small shop sits in the city's Dharmshala area, right across from the Santoshi Mata temple. It is a favourite spot for locals, and visitors from outside the city rarely leave without tasting it. Anyone heading to Muzaffarpur, locals insist, should try it at least once.
How it all began in 1970
The shop was founded in 1970 by the late Mohan Prasad. Originally from Maner in Patna district, he came to Muzaffarpur in search of a living and ended up settling there for good. Through sheer hard work and a flavour all his own, he gave his lassi such a reputation that the shop quickly became one of the best-known in the city.
As time passed, the family business was taken over by his sons, Jitendra Prasad Gupta and Santosh Kumar Gupta. Today the third generation of the family has joined in too, carrying forward the same taste and the same quality. That, perhaps, is why customers' trust in the shop has held firm even after all these years.
The three layers that set it apart
The real secret of this lassi lies in how it is made. It is prepared using quality ingredients — curd, sugar, khoa and cashews. What makes it special is that the lassi is arranged in three distinct layers. At the bottom sits fresh curd set from home milk, topped by a layer of khoa, and finally a layer of cashews on top. This method is what separates it from an ordinary lassi, giving customers a different taste with every sip.
From 75 paise to ₹85 a glass
Shop owner Santosh Kumar Gupta recalls that when the lassi was first sold, it cost just 75 paise. Over the years prices rose and costs climbed, but the family never compromised on taste or quality. A glass now sells for 85 rupees, yet the demand has shown no sign of slowing.
When summer arrives, the shop sees heavy crowds. Some settle in to enjoy their lassi on the spot, while many get it packed to carry home for their families and relatives.
