Port Louis Local Customs

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Before my visit to Mauritius in February 2008, I had read about the refreshing local drink known as Alouda, and that Port Louis Central Market was the best place on the island to try it.

So, during a daytrip to the Mauritian capital, I headed to the central market and sought out somewhere to sample a glass of this vanilla and almond flavoured drink. It didn’t take me long to find somewhere and, in fact, within seconds of entering the marketplace I was ushered into a shaded food and drink court where I found bustling crowds and all sorts of varieties of Alouda.

I opted for the most common version, and paid 15 Rupees (approx. 0.25 GBP) for a large glass of almond flavoured drink, topped with vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce. I wasn’t entirely sure what was in the drink, but it had a strange texture (a bit like a lumpy milkshake), with some slimy, jelly-like molecules and lots of stringy bits. I wasn’t too keen on the texture, but the taste was great. It proved to be a very refreshing drink on a hot, sunny day.

I managed to find this recipe online (thanks to: http://ile-maurice.tripod.com/alooda.htm):

2 tablespoons of basil seeds
1 cup of chopped agar agar strips
1 litre of cold milk
500ml of water
Crushed ice
Vanilla essence
Almond essence
Sugar

It seems that it was the agar agar strips (which, according to the recipe, can be substituted with chopped gelatine jelly) that gave the drink its slimy jelly-like texture.

I saw locals drinking other versions of Alouda that were mixed with Coca Cola or other soft drinks, or which included food colourings to give a green, pink or blue appearance. Some versions of Alouda don’t include milk, just water, and have the appearance of a runny jelly.

Be sure to sample a refreshing glass of Mauritius’ famous Alouda!

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