Indonesia is known for its rich cultural heritage that continues to shape everyday life. One reflection of this living tradition can be found in Indonesian traditional drinks, made from natural ingredients and crafted through generations of inherited knowledge.
Through their diverse flavors and traditional preparations, you can discover another side of Indonesia in every glass. Below are selections of Indonesian traditional drinks known for being refreshing, nourishing, culturally significant, and well worth trying.
10 Indonesian Traditional Drinks That Are Healthy and Worth Trying
Below are some traditional Indonesian drinks that offer refreshing flavors and make for a meaningful culinary experience across the archipelago.
1. Jamu - Java
Jamu is one of the most well-known traditional Indonesian drinks, especially on the island of Java. It is made from a blend of spices and herbal plants such as turmeric, ginger, temulawak, and tamarind, ingredients that have been used for centuries.
The flavor varies from bitter and sour to warm and soothing, depending on the ingredients used. Jamu is commonly consumed as part of a daily routine to support overall balance and well-being.
2. Bir Pletok - Jakarta
Bir Pletok is a non-alcoholic Indonesian traditional drink originating from Jakarta. It is made from a mixture of ginger, lemongrass, sappan wood, cloves, and cinnamon.
It offers a warm taste with a strong aromatic spice profile, making it ideal to enjoy in cooler weather. Its natural red color, derived from sappan wood, is a distinctive characteristic of this drink.
3. Teh Talua - West Sumatra
Teh Talua comes from West Sumatra and is known for its unique character. This drink is prepared using hot tea mixed with egg yolk, sugar, and a squeeze of lime.
The result is a creamy, warming beverage with a noticeable tea aroma. Teh Talua is often served as a warming drink and remains part of Minangkabau tea-drinking traditions.
4. Wedang Uwuh - Yogyakarta
Wedang Uwuh is a traditional Indonesian drink from Yogyakarta made from a variety of spices. Its main ingredients include ginger, sappan wood, nutmeg leaves, cloves, and cinnamon.
The taste is warm and aromatic, with an appealing natural red hue. This drink is commonly enjoyed for relaxation and to provide warmth.
5. Bajigur - West Java
Bajigur is an Indonesian traditional drink from West Java, made primarily from coconut milk and palm sugar, often with added ginger for warmth.
It has a sweet and savory flavor with a smooth texture that feels comforting to drink. Bajigur is typically enjoyed in the afternoon or evening, often paired with traditional snacks.
Related Article: Explore West Java: Nature, Culture & Scenic Wonders
6. Sarabba - South Sulawesi
Sarabba originates from South Sulawesi and is known as a rich traditional Indonesian drink made from ginger, palm sugar, coconut milk, and egg yolk.
It has a thick texture with a distinctive sweet and spicy taste. Sarabba is commonly served at night or during cooler weather.
7. Sekoteng - Central Java
Sekoteng is a traditional Indonesian drink from Central Java. It consists of warm ginger-based liquid served with peanuts, glutinous rice pearls, bread, and palm fruit.
The flavor is sweet and warming, with varied textures from its toppings. Sekoteng is often sold as a popular nighttime drink.
8. STMJ - East Java
STMJ stands for milk, egg, honey, and ginger. This traditional Indonesian drink is popular in East Java and is commonly found at night stalls.
It offers a creamy and warming taste, combining sweetness with gentle spiciness. STMJ is widely known as a filling comfort drink.
9. Wedang Ronde - Central Java
Wedang Ronde is an Indonesian traditional drink made with ginger-based broth and glutinous rice balls filled with peanuts.
It has a strong ginger aroma and a warm, sweet flavor. The chewy texture of the rice balls is a defining feature of this drink, often enjoyed in the evening.
10. Bandrek - West Java
Bandrek originates from West Java and is made from ginger, palm sugar, and various spices. Coconut or milk is sometimes added to create different flavor variations. Its taste is sweet, spicy, and warming, making it a popular choice during colder weather.
Health Benefits of Indonesian Traditional Drinks
Many traditional Indonesian drinks are made from natural spices such as ginger, turmeric, temulawak (Java ginger), and cinnamon. These ingredients are known to contain natural compounds that help support body functions, especially digestion and the immune system.
Ginger and turmeric, for example, have antioxidant properties and provide a comforting warming effect for the body. It is no surprise that traditional drinks are often enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle and daily wellness routine, rather than as a substitute for medical treatment.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Must-Try Indonesian Food
Are Indonesian Traditional Drinks Safe for Daily Consumption?
In general, Indonesian traditional drinks are safe to consume regularly as long as the ingredients and portions are well considered. Many of these drinks use palm sugar or honey as natural sweeteners.
Enjoyed in moderation, they can be part of a healthy lifestyle and a thoughtful way to appreciate Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage.
Interested in tasting Indonesian traditional drinks directly from their places of origin? From Java to Sulawesi, you can ask MaiA for destination recommendations, then plan your journey with AI Plan Your Trip!