East Africa · Drink
Alouda (Sweet Basil Seed and Agar Milk Drink)
A fragrant Mauritian iced milk cooler layered with silky agar-agar jelly ribbons, plump basil seeds, and floral rose syrup.
The story
Originating from the Indo-Muslim community of Port Louis, Alouda is the quintessential thirst-quencher sold at the bustling Victorian Central Market (Bazar Central). While related to Persian and Indian falooda, Mauritius replaced the heavy vermicelli with delicate strands of grated agar-agar sea-moss jelly. The traditional touch relies on rich full-cream milk scented with red rose syrup, crowned with a melting scoop of local vanilla ice cream.
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