Bandung (drink)


Bandung, sirap bandung, or air bandung is a drink popular in Southeast Asia and Indian subcontinent, notably in India, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. It consists of evaporated milk or condensed milk flavoured with rose syrup, giving it a pink colour. The drink is an adaptation of rose milk served in India.

Regional names

The term bandung means "pairs", while sirap means "syrup" and air means "water". in the Malay and Indonesian languages, and the sirap refers to the rose-flavoured base syrup. 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, or "mee bandung" which refers to a noodle dish. The name Bandung inspired from the "city of flowers" Bandung in Indonesia, but not the place of origin.

Details

Bandung is a favourite beverage in Malaysia, especially among Malay communities. It is usually served during Iftar in Ramadan month or wedding receptions with other foods such as nasi beriani or rendang. Modern innovations include adding grass jelly or soda water and are served as street food. The soda water variant may be more commonly known as Soda Gembira by Indonesians.
It may be bought pre-mixed or made at home.

Variations

Due to the popularity of Bandung, many variations of the drink have emerged. Popular versions of the drink include the addition of grass jelly, sparkling water, carbonated sodas such as ice cream soda, and even Milo powder.