On Surf’s Turf

We’re not sure it’s a coincidence that Aloha is hidden inside a general store named Sea Spray, but this clandestine location (with a well-matched moniker) makes its discovery all the more delightful. bpb’s here to expose this new-ish shop that sells yum gourmet paletas  (Mexican for popsicles usually made from fruit) and Hawaiian shave ice. Waikiki leaks?

Inside this petite shop with frosty treats and warm owners you’ll find a case full of the prettiest popsicles – red apple with flecks of rosemary, translucent with frozen fruit, cranberry with swirls of milk – all the results of owner-chef Sudheer Grover’s years of experiments.

Stick Figures

From the fruit ones and dairy ones, healthy and exotic versions, we started with the fuzzy strawberry cheesecake popsicle that looked like a baby pink cashmere sweater on a stick, and came complete with a biscuit base.  This, also Sudheer’s favourite, is probably as satisfying, if not as filling as eating actual cheesecake. If berries are your thing, we also recommend the terrifically tart three-berry paletas textured with actual seeds that feel like a festival on your tongue. Those visiting post dinner, opt for the heavier dark chocolate or white chocolate versions studded with macadamia nuts and dipped in chocolate sauce. If you’ve just stepped in from the sun, get the refreshing (and bpb’s favourite) guava-pear or the glass-like popsicle with real strawberries and kiwi frozen in them.

Starting at Rs 60 and going up to Rs 100, these paletas may read steep, but they taste of all the “imported ingredients” promised on the flyers (berries and chocolate from a vendor in Sicily) and are surprisingly satiating for ice treats. Aloha also claims that they don't use any artificial colour and flavour. PS: There’s a delish cucumber-chilli-lime popsicle (see recipe below) that’s not on the menu, but is available at the shop so remember to ask. Sudheer and his partner Pallavi even take cocktail party orders, customising paletas and serving them with vodka dip.

Snow Ball

We were less excited by the shave ice stand (that’s also because we’ve never liked the icy treat), but tried the birthday cake flavour anyway, which came with ice cream and chocolate sauce as well. It didn’t taste comforting, grand or sweet enough to evoke birthday cake, but we made a wish anyway.

A wish to return to Aloha next weekend, for all Sundays should end with a cucumber-chilli-lime popsicle. It makes the impending doom of Mondays a little more bearable.

Try This At Home: Paleta Recipe

Cucumber-Lime-Chilli (For a 120 ml mould)

Take one thinly sliced cucumber, the juice of five cucumbers (strained), 2 tsps of lime juice, salt to taste and a pinch of habanero chili powder. Freeze the concoction in a popsicle mould and voila!

Getting there: Aloha, inside Sea Spray general stores, Carter Road, opposite Yogurtbay, Bandra (W), call 9833141983 or view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 60.

bpb pays for its own meals.