Even cafes and soft drinks shape people’s food choices in Madurai, a steaming cup of Paruthipal Maintaining its position. This traditional drink made from cotton seeds is still consumed from generation to generation, with many shops in the city keeping the tradition alive. On a busy road, a small Paruthipal The shop has been serving customers for almost 90 years, attracting not only regular customers but also the younger generation.
K Santhanam, who now runs the shop, says the business was started by his father Karuppaiah in the 1930s when Paruthipal Sold on bicycles on the streets of Madurai. Nearly 90 years later, the family continues the tradition, serving a drink that brings back memories for many in the city. “We don’t just serve paruthipal, we serve it with care,” he says, a sentiment he believes has kept generations of customers returning.
Of. Santhanam serving hot paruthipal (cotton milk) at his shop in Madurai. | Photo courtesy: G. statue
Explaining the process, Santhanam says the drink is still prepared at home, just like it was done decades ago. Cotton seeds and raw rice are soaked for hours, ground together and carefully filtered to extract the milk. The mixture is then cooked slowly, stirring without interruption, allowing the flavors to settle. Sweetened with palm jaggery, the Paruthipal Ending with a measured blend of herbal powders – dry ginger, Chitrathai (less Ganga water), cardamom powder, Thippili (Indian long pepper) and some grated coconut – ingredients valued not only for their flavour, but also for their medicinal heat.
Recalling the early days of the business, he says that his father used to sell Paruthipal On a bicycle, carrying a small stove and utensils. “When he passed through the streets, he would make noises and people would come to shop,” he says. Over the years, the makeshift setup gave way to a proper shop, where today customers come for the familiar taste that has been passed down for generations.
He smilingly says that in the early days his father used to sell a glass for one or two paisa. Today, the drink costs ₹20-25, and is served in parcels for ₹40 to customers who take it home.
Santhanam’s son S Govindaraj says Paruthipal It is valued not only for its taste but also for its medicinal benefits. The herbal powders present in the drink are believed to boost immunity, manage cholesterol and support heart health. Palm jaggery helps maintain blood sugar levels. According to them, this drink helps women by regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing labor pain and providing support to lactating mothers.
Of. Santhanam serving hot paruthipal (cotton milk) at his shop in Madurai. | Photo courtesy: G. statue
He says that preparation at home starts around 9 am, even before the shop opens. “My father learned it from his father and I’m learning it from him,” he says.
Santhanam’s wife S Kausalya supports his business by managing the house and shop. “It’s not easy, but this shop has been a part of our lives for so long that it feels like it’s our second nature,” she says. “I make sure everything runs smoothly at home, plus I keep an eye on Paruthipal Preparing and serving your customers. My husband, son and I take turns working, helping each other throughout the day. It’s hard work, but seeing familiar faces return makes it worth it.”
Of. Santhanam serving hot paruthipal (cotton milk) at his shop in Madurai. | Photo courtesy: G. statue
“I often stay after college,” says S Vinoth. “Paruthipal is unlike anything else – warm and cosy.”
From a bicycle in the 1930s to a small shop running on a busy street today, it Paruthipal Traveling through generations has proven that some tastes become richer with time.
Chairman is located at Muthuramaiyar Road, Munikhali, Navarathinapuram, Madurai
