Old Dhaka refers to the ancient part of Dhaka city that still amazes people with its vibrant archaic outlook and distinctive appearance. People adore its explicit cultural melody as well as the elements which are related to this place. “Matha” of old Dhaka is something that narrates the local people’s age-old tradition.
Matha is a kind of drink that was invented by the old Dhaka dwellers. As time passed, modernization has occurred vastly but this drink still manages to melt people’s hearts through its dulcet taste. The English meaning of math is called “Cream”. The key element of Matha is sour yogurt. At first, it is required to process the yogurt for turning it into a thin layer by mixing a certain level of water. Then other elements like tasting salt, sugar, and lemon juice gets mixed with the processed yogurt. In the next stage, it is required to blend the whole mixture properly. People often mix some more water with it. After getting the desirable texture, smashed ices are used in it, and once again the mixing process begins. Finally, the whole thing is prepared and people serve it with a regular meal or simply as a drink.
Not only in Bangladesh, but Matha is also renowned in some other parts of the world like India and Nepal. Those country people prepare it following their cuisine but yogurt always remains the key element. It also has many useful uses to the human body like restraining indigestion, filling vitamin requirements, preventing dehydration and minimizing body fat, and many more. Moreover, there are anti-bacterial, anticancer, and antiviral components in Matha that keep the body free from diseases.
It is a very common scenario of old Dhaka that people are enjoying the taste of Matha and having a little chit-chat. Several shops are observed to serve them. Besides, people also prepare it for various types of occasions and relish the taste of enthusiasm with it. Matha is a living example of bringing people closer and celebrating togetherness.