Bhaskarettan’s Shop near Paragon Hotel in Kozhikode, the one-and-only outlet serving the unique ‘milk sarbath’ for over five decades, has downed shutters permanently. This was after Bhaskarettan’s family lost a legal battle with the owner of the building in which the shop functioned over vacating the premises.
When news spread over the court order directing the milk sarbath shop to vacate, hundreds of people thronged the place on Sunday to enjoy one last sip of the renowned beverage. In fact, 'Bhaskarettan’s Milk Sarbath' enjoyed the status of a must-drink item among food aficionados residing in Kozhikode as well as those visiting the historic city known for its tasty cuisine. Many of the last customers also clicked selfies in front of the shop with the sarbath in hand.
The key of the shop, which has been closed forever, had been be handed over to the court on Monday.
The milk sarbath shop was first set up by Kozhiparambathu Bhaskaran, who lived near Aaram Gate (Sixth Railway Gate) at Nadakkavu in Kozhikode city back in 1963. Initially, the outlet functioned from near Moonnam Gate (Third Railway Gate) and in no time earned fame for quenching the thirst of customers with its innovative preparation. Soon, the shop was shifted to the building near Paragon Hotel, another iconic location for food lovers in Kozhikode.
When demand grew and Bhaskaran couldn’t serve the customers all by himself, brother Kumaran joined him at the shop. After the demise of Bhaskaran and Kumaran, their children Murali, Anandan and Manoj took over the place.
Apart from milk sarbath, Bhaskarettan’s Shop was famous for sarbath, soda sarbath and masala soda. All preparations for the sarbath were carried out at the shop itself. “During summer, we bought around 100 litres of milk a day to make the sarbath,” said Murali.
Murali remembers selling the milk sarbath for as little as Rs 1.5 a glass. When the outlet shut shop on Sunday, the price was Rs 25.
Incidentally, Bhaskarettan’s milk sarbath was noticed by celebrities also. Well-known movie, cultural, political, literary and artistic personalities have visited the shop. Moreover, it was featured in movies such as ‘Salt and Pepper’ and ‘Goodalochana.’
“There is a plan to shift the shop to another building near C H Overbridge, but nothing has been finalized,” said Murali.
