The Story Behind Elaneer Payasam: How Pushpa’s Kitchen Blends Tradition with Innovation

Vijay Narayanan
Aug 2, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Every dish at Pushpa’s Kitchen tells a story of homes, of grandmothers, of shared meals under mango trees, and of memories that linger far beyond the last bite. And if there’s one dish that captures the very heart of our kitchen, it’s the Elaneer Payasam.

A Dish That Speaks of Comfort and Celebration

You know those days when you crave something soothing, refreshing, and nostalgic all at once? That’s what Elaneer Payasam is to us. This chilled dessert, made with tender coconut, milk, and just a hint of cardamom, is a beautiful reminder of Tamil Nadu’s timeless culinary wisdom. But more than that, it holds a special place at our table because of how it brings people together, whether it's at a wedding feast, a Sunday lunch, or a quiet evening with loved ones.

Why We Chose Elaneer Payasam

At Pushpa’s Kitchen, our menu is not just about what’s trending or what looks good on a plate. It’s about what feels right. Elaneer Payasam made its way into our menu because it checked all our boxes, it’s light, seasonal, nutrient-rich, and comforting. And the best part? It’s incredibly hydrating and gut-friendly too. With the natural sweetness of coconut, the richness of condensed milk, and the cooling properties of elaneer (tender coconut water), this payasam is a gift in Chennai’s tropical weather.

We’ve had guests who were surprised at how something so simple could feel so luxurious. That’s the magic of our cooking, tradition served thoughtfully, without overpowering the natural flavours.

The Pushpa’s Kitchen Touch – Here’s How We Make It

Let’s walk you through how we bring this to life:

Ingredients (for 3 servings)

1½ cups milk
½ cup thick coconut milk
½ cup tender coconut pulp
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp condensed milk
⅛ tsp cardamom powder

To blend:

½ cup tender coconut pulp
¾ cup coconut water(We use two fresh tender coconuts for this recipe)

The Method:

First, we blend the coconut pulp and coconut water until silky smooth. This is the soul of the payasam - fresh, untouched and full of flavour.
Separately, we bring the milk to a boil, add sugar and condensed milk, and let it simmer until it thickens into a creamy base.
Once slightly cooled, we fold in the blended coconut, thick coconut milk, more pulp, and a gentle dusting of cardamom.
The final step? Chill it well. The flavours marry beautifully when served cold, and you can top it with nuts for an extra crunch.

More Than Just a Dessert

To us, this dish isn’t just a sweet ending. It reflects our philosophy of simple ingredients, made with care, to create something truly memorable. Elaneer Payasam often shows up as a surprise on the menu during curated feasts or private celebrations at Hanu Reddy Residences. And every time it does, the smiles say it all.

At Pushpa’s Kitchen, Tradition Is a Living, Breathing Ingredient

Every item we serve is rooted in our culture. From steaming vegetable biryani to drumstick rasam, and of course, desserts like Elaneer Payasam, our kitchen is where authenticity meets warmth. We don’t just want you to taste our food, we want you to feel it.

Come dine with us, and let a simple dessert like this tell you everything you need to know about who we are.