Not Just Bandrek! 5 Most Iconic West Java Beverages, Must Try!

YOGYAKARTA - Indonesia is rich in culinary variety, including various West Java specialties that offer authentic freshness. Ready to try traditional drinks rich in spices?

Of the many types, some Sunda drinks have become legendary for their unique taste and extraordinary properties. Let's take a closer look at this unforgettable delicacy.

The area of Pasundan is not only famous for delicious food, but also for drinks that have philosophical meanings and health benefits. Here VOI presents five drinks that you must try:

In Garut, West Java, there is a tea drinking tradition called Nyaneut. The tea drinking ritual is quite unique, symbolizing gratitude and appreciation for nature.

How to drink nyaneut starts by turning the glass twice in the palm of your hand, inhaling the aroma three times, then sipping. The tea used is generally black or green tea from local plantations.

In addition, nyaneut tea is often enjoyed with traditional snacks such as ranginang or opak.

Bajigur is a traditional Sunda drink that is popular because of its warmth. This drink is perfect to enjoy during the rainy season or cold nights.

Bajigur itself is made from a mixture of coconut milk and palm sugar, which then produces a creamy base with a caramel flavor.

The difference between bajigur and other drinks is, in the addition of aromatic spices such as ginger and a little pandan leaves that give a soft spicy touch and a fragrant aroma. Interestingly, there are now several variations that even add coffee for a deeper taste complexity.

Bandrek is a traditional spice drink from West Java that is known for its soothing properties, warming the body, and improving blood circulation, making it a favorite choice in the highlands.

Made from palm sugar and fresh ginger, Bandrek has a rich sweet-spicy taste. Often other spices are added such as cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass, and black pepper.

Lahang is a traditional sweet and cold drink made from the sap of the male flowers of the areca tree (Arenga pinnata). This drink is popular among the Sundanese people and is known as a natural traditional isotonic drink.

To maintain its freshness, the areca gum is tapped in the early morning and stored in a bamboo container. The process of tapping areca gum requires special expertise so that the resulting liquid remains pure and sweet.

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It is incomplete to talk about typical West Java drinks without mentioning Es Cendol and Es Doger. Es Cendol is the freshness of coconut ice cream with green dawet that is poured with liquid brown sugar.

Meanwhile, Es Doger offers the freshness of ice cream made from coconut milk which is equipped with various festive fillings such as Chinese tapioca, tape, and black rice, making it a popular choice to quench your thirst.

Well, to get an authentic experience, look for these drinks at traditional stalls or culinary centers.

Bajigur or Bandrek is very suitable to be paired with warm snacks such as bala-bala (noodles) or boiled sweet potatoes. Meanwhile, Nyaneut must be tried while enjoying the cool Garut natural atmosphere.

West Java's signature drink is an integral part of the national culinary wealth that is full of meaning and benefits. Both the warming Bajigur and the refreshing Lahang, all offer a unique taste.