Bandung (drink)

Bandung, sirap bandung, or air bandung is the name of a drink popular in Malaysia and Singapore. It consists of milk flavoured with rose cordial syrup, giving a pink colour. The drink is an adaptation of rose milk served in IndiaNaleeza Ebrahim, Yaw Yan Yee, Singapore. Not just a good food guide (Ed. rev. et augm.) 2007, p.253-4.

Name

In the Malay language, the term bandung means "pairs", while sirap means syrup and air means "water". More broadly, bandung refers to anything that is mixed from other ingredients or comes in pairs, such as the term rumah berbandung to refer to a semi-detached house.

Despite the name, there is no connection to the city of Bandung in Indonesia, and the drink cannot actually be found there.

Details

Bandung is a favourite beverage in Malaysia, especially among Malay communities. It is usually served during wedding receptions with foods such as nasi beriani or rendang. Modern innovations include adding grass jelly or soda water.

Street vendors began the custom of adding pink food colouring to help buyers avoid confusing the drink with teh tarik. As a result, bandung now only comes in pink.

It may be bought pre-mixed or made at home.

"Bandung" was available as early as the 1960s where it was favored by the Malay community.

References

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