Wait Pakistan has a National Drink?

After researching Pakistani popular culture, I learned that the national drink is sugar cane juice. The fact that the country has a national drink is very fascinating because it is a reflection of how important sugarcane is to Pakistani society.  Pakistan is one of the top ten sugarcane producers in the world; producing 55 million tons.  

Interestingly, sugar cane juice can only be bought on the street by vendors who brew it fresh. Being from New York City, I couldn't help to relate sugarcane juice vendors with hot dog vendors.  Like hot dog stands, sugar cane juice  dealers can be found on sidewalks, bus stations and have a similar sized cart. Furthermore,  sugar cane juice vendors are typically decorated with Pakistani stylized art, which is much different from the the dull metal hot dog carts in New York City. 

If you are traveling to Pakistan, keep in mind that there may be serious health risks to drinking sugarcane juice from street vendors.   A  glass of "raw" as locals call it, is not pasteurized and is often made fresh on the street.  Drink at your own risk!