Bandrek
Indonesian traditional beverage
Bandrek is a traditional Indonesian beverage originating from the Sundanese region of West Java. It is particularly popular in the highland areas of Bandung and is known for its warming properties, making it a favored drink during the cooler months or in colder climates.
Ingredients and Preparation[edit | edit source]
The primary ingredients of bandrek include ginger, palm sugar, and cinnamon. These ingredients are boiled together to create a spicy and sweet drink. Additional spices such as cloves, cardamom, and star anise may also be added to enhance the flavor.
To prepare bandrek, fresh ginger is typically crushed or sliced and then boiled in water. Palm sugar is added to the boiling mixture to sweeten the drink. The spices are added during the boiling process to infuse their flavors into the liquid. Once the mixture has boiled sufficiently, it is strained and served hot.
Variations[edit | edit source]
There are several variations of bandrek, depending on regional preferences and available ingredients. Some versions include the addition of coconut milk to create a creamier texture. Others might incorporate lemongrass or pandan leaves for additional aroma and flavor.
In some areas, bandrek is served with small pieces of young coconut flesh or tapioca pearls to add texture to the drink. The level of sweetness and spiciness can also be adjusted according to personal taste.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Bandrek is more than just a beverage; it is a part of the cultural heritage of the Sundanese people. It is often consumed during social gatherings and is believed to have health benefits, particularly in warming the body and improving circulation. The drink is also associated with traditional medicine, as ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Consumption[edit | edit source]
Bandrek is typically consumed in the evening or during cold weather. It is a popular choice for those seeking comfort and warmth. In Bandung, it is common to find street vendors selling bandrek, especially in areas frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD