Avocado Milk Drink
The avocado and milk drink is a sweet beverage widely consumed in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is typically made by blending ripe avocado flesh with milk or soy milk and condensed milk, often adding chocolate syrup and ice. Locally known as ""Jus Alpukat,"" this drink is popular at street stalls, cafes, and shopping mall food courts. In urban areas such as Jakarta’s Blok M, it is a common and well-loved drink often enjoyed as a dessert.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 30000 Rupiah
- Meal Date
- 8/26/2023
- Food Travel Log
- Jakarta's Blok M is famous for nightlife and street food. I tried "Avocado Milk" from a street vendor. The unique avocado flavor was balanced by milk, with condensed milk adding pure sweetness. The area also boasts many Japanese-speaking establishments for a fun night out!
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
The Avocado and Milk Drink is a cold beverage widely enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, where it is a popular sight in urban areas, night markets, and street stalls with a strong food culture, such as in Jakarta. Known in Indonesian as "Jus Alpukat," its distinctive features include fresh avocado, milk, and often sweetened condensed milk, ice, and sometimes chocolate syrup. The drink is highly regarded as a "drinkable dessert" due to the perfect harmony between the rich and creamy texture of avocado and the smooth, sweet taste of milk and condensed milk, making it stand out from other fruit-based beverages.
History and Background
There are several theories regarding how avocados were introduced to Indonesia, but by the 19th century during the Dutch colonial era, they were already recognized as fruit native to Central and South America. The tropical climate and fertile soil of Indonesia were well suited for avocado cultivation, leading to its rapid spread into everyday households and street food culture. In modern Jakarta, it has become a staple drink available day and night at countless street vendors. In vibrant areas such as Blok M Square, it is especially popular among local youths and tourists, often serving as a refreshing drink for nighttime outings.
Preparation and Variations
While there is a basic recipe for the avocado and milk drink, each maker or region has their own creative twists. Usually, ripe avocado is mashed into a paste or made smooth, then combined with chilled milk, sweetened condensed milk, and ice before being blended. It is typically served in a glass or as a take-away in a plastic cup. For added flavor, versions with chocolate syrup or coconut milk are also common. Recently, with a growing health-conscious movement, low-sugar recipes and soy milk versions have also been developed.
| Main Ingredients | Supplementary Ingredients | Typical Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado (1/2 to 1 fruit) | Chocolate syrup, coconut milk | Approx. 200–300kcal per glass |
| Milk or soy milk | Vanilla essence, ice | - |
| Sweetened condensed milk | Sugar (optional) | - |
Health and Nutritional Value
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and is also known as a good source of vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. The combination with milk adds protein and calcium, providing a well-balanced supplement often consumed for daily nutrition or as a way to cool off from the heat in Indonesia. However, due to the high sugar content from condensed milk, moderate consumption is recommended.
How to Enjoy Locally
In Jakarta’s Blok M, avocado and milk drinks can be enjoyed in a variety of situations, such as after an evening meal, as a snack, or while chatting with friends at outdoor tables. Sipping this fruit juice during the cooler nighttime hours, while soaking up the lively atmosphere of local food stalls or modern cafes, is one of Indonesia's unique experiences. Furthermore, Japanese-friendly restaurants and entertainment facilities are scattered throughout this area, allowing visitors to appreciate a multicultural atmosphere.
Conclusion and Cultural Significance
Avocado and milk drinks represent a unique blend of ingredients and a focus on health, symbolizing the dynamic street food scene of Indonesia's urban culture. As a beverage that continues to be cherished across generations, blending tradition and innovation, it is still much loved by many today.