Thé-cola
Especially in northern Madagascar, the cola nut is a popular natural energizer. The nut, which is bitter in taste and rich in caffeine, is either chewed directly or prepared as Thé-cola, an invigorating natural energy drink.
For a thé-cola, the nut is peeled, sun-dried and thereafter pounded. The nut powder is boiled with water and poured through a sieve. To neutralize the bitter/sour taste. A cup of Thé-cola is mixed with a teaspoon of sugar and/or sweetened condensed milk. A slice of ginger root or diluted ginger water is sometimes added. A squeeze of lime will give the drink an extra zest. For a litre of tea, about five cola nuts are needed.
If ordering a Thé-cola in Madagascar, and of the condensed milk is not wanted – the only unnatural processed ingredient which will usually be added without asking – say "Tsy ronono" (no milk) and if ginger, which isn't typically added, say "Misy sakaitany" (with ginger).
Thé-cola is typically considered to improve male libido, and is a more popular drink among men than women in Madagascar, young and old alike, but is still consumed by some women. Thé-cola stalls in towns, villages and the countryside are informal social venues, much like some coffee shop in the Western world.
Thé-cola throughout Madagascar
While there are countless Thé-cola stalls in every village and the countryside, here are a few:
Madame Juliane in Diego Suarez
-12.297087, 49.298571
Near Ambanja direction Bemaneviky
-13.725203, 48.478543
Madame Soaluis in Marotolana
-14.025978, 48.614772
Thé-cola stand under a shaded tree at the market in Mosorolava
-12.735762, 48.966194
Between Ambanja and Ambilobe
S 13°31.266' E048°41.080'
S 13°31.266' E048°41.080'
