Pune on my plate: As temperatures soar, soda and ice gola shops offer cool relief in dozens of flavours

Indian Express

09-05-2025

Written by Alister Augustine and Aarushi Prakash
With summer temperatures soaring, local soda and gola shops across Pune are witnessing a sharp rise in customers looking for cool, refreshing drinks. From classic masala sodas to fusion fruit mixes and traditional ice golas, these shops have been serving hundreds daily, especially in the evenings.
The Soda Factory in Ajmera, run by Mahesh Ghodke, 78, offers a wide variety of sodas. 'We are proud to say we serve over 40 types of soda, and each one has its own twist. Our shop is known for unique flavours like Masala Cola, Kala Khatta, Jeera Soda, Mango Punch, Blue Lagoon, Guava Mirchi, Orange Masala, Pineapple Crush, Watermelon Soda, Chikoo Soda, and so many more. We even make combo sodas like Fruit Blast, Rainbow Soda, and Triple Mix,' he said.
The Soda Factory is open daily from 11 am till midnight, which sometimes stretches up to 1 am and their drinks are priced between Rs 25 and Rs 90. 'During the summer, our sales shoot up by more than 90 per cent. To make it special, we have introduced 'Summer Chill Specials' like Khus Mojito, Iceberg Mint, and Aam Panna Soda,' Ghodke said. 'Everything is made fresh with chilled soda and in-house masala blends.'
Fizz Fantasy Soda Shop on Camp Street, known for its fusion sodas, sees a large crowd too. Arbaz Sheikh, an employee, said, 'Fizz Fantasy is where people come for funky and fusion sodas. We have around 20 soda types, but we keep experimenting. Some bestsellers are Lemon Mint Blast, Kala Khatta Masala, Apple Twist, and Peach Fizz. Kids love our Bubblegum Soda and Blueberry Cooler.'
The shop offers sodas priced between Rs 30 and Rs 100, in regular and jumbo sizes. 'In the peak summer season, we see a 50-60 per cent jump in sales. We also offer flavours like Coconut Lime Chill and Frozen Guava Masala, and have 'buy-2-get-1-free' deals on weekends,' he said. The store operates from 11.30 am to 11 pm.
In Kothrud, Mahalaxmi Ice Gola and Soda continues to attract families with its traditional gola flavours. 'We are a family-run gola and soda stall, and our specialty is traditional stick gola — the kind you remember from childhood,' said Seema Patil, a staff member. 'We crush the ice fresh and use homemade syrups like Kala Khatta, Rose, Kairi, Orange, and Butterscotch.'
Golas are priced anywhere between Rs 20 and Rs 80, depending on the variety. A popular new item is the Choco Delight Gola, which includes chocolate syrup and choco chips. 'In summer, our sales double,' she said. Their soda options include Jeera, Lemon, and Orange Soda. The stall runs from 12 noon to 11.30 pm.
In Viman Nagar, New Soda Shop has also been gaining attention. Its owner Advani, who prefers to go by his surname, said, 'The store sells the most sodas during summers, so this is our peak time. We have had the store for about two years here and it has been doing very well. We have around eight flavours and the ones that sell the most are Jeera, Blueberry and Orange soda. We also have fruit juices.'
Raj Ice Gola Centre near Sarasbaug Lane has been serving golas for the past decade. 'We have been making authentic Maharashtrian-style golas for 10 years,' said Ayush Pawar, 65, its owner. 'Our golas are crushed manually using a traditional ice crusher, then placed on a wooden stick. We pour thick, flavoured syrup generously on it and roll it in masala or coconut flakes.'
Popular flavours include Kala Khatta Stick Gola, Aamras Gola, and Sitaphal Gola. 'We have also started 'Ice Cream Gola', where we top the gola with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce—it is a hit among teenagers,' he added. The prices here range from Rs 30 to Rs 100. During April to June, sales rise by around 70 per cent, and extra staff members are hired to manage the demand. 'We also offer a Summer Gola Platter with three mini golas of different flavours for Rs 80,' he said. The shop is open from 12 noon to 11 pm.