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Discover 8 Traditional Indonesian Drinks You Must Try, from spicy ginger wedang to creamy bajigur, plus the history and culture behind them.
Indonesia isn’t just famous for its food — its drinks tell just as rich a story. Across the archipelago, warm, spiced beverages known as wedang have been part of daily life for generations, rooted in the same herbal tradition as jamu (Indonesian traditional medicine). Believed to warm the body, ease colds, and boost energy, these drinks are as much about wellness as they are about flavor. If you’re curious about Indonesian culture or simply love trying something new, these traditional Indonesian drinks are a delicious place to start.
A Brief History of Traditional Indonesian Drinks
Indonesia isn’t just famous for its food — its drinks tell just as rich a story. Across the archipelago, warm, spiced beverages known as wedang have been part of daily life for generations, rooted in the same herbal tradition as jamu (Indonesian traditional medicine). Believed to warm the body, ease colds, and boost energy, these drinks are as much about wellness as they are about flavor. If you’re curious about Indonesian culture or simply love trying something new, these traditional Indonesian drinks are a delicious place to start.
The Culture of Wedang Sellers
In many Indonesian cities, traditional Indonesian drinks are still sold the old-fashioned way — from a gerobak (small cart) pushed through neighborhoods at night, often announced by a distinctive bell or call. This is sometimes called wedang keliling (roaming wedang seller). Sitting on a small stool by the roadside, sipping a hot glass of wedang while chatting with neighbors, is a small but cherished part of everyday Indonesian life — especially during the rainy season.
1. Wedang Jahe (Ginger Drink)
The most iconic of all traditional Indonesian drinks, wedang jahe delivers a sharp, peppery heat from fresh ginger that lingers warmly in the throat, balanced by a caramel-like sweetness from palm sugar. Indonesians often describe it as anget-anget (comfortingly warm) — simple, soothing, and known for easing colds and improving digestion. Best paired with: fried banana
2. Wedang Ronde
This Central Javanese specialty combines chewy, mochi-like rice balls filled with peanuts — the filling bursts with a savory-sweet richness on the first bite — served in a mildly spiced ginger broth alongside peanuts, dried longan, and bread cubes. Among traditional Indonesian drinks, wedang ronde stands out for its playful mix of textures. Best paired with: enjoyed on its own as a light evening snack.
3. Wedang Uwuh
Hailing from Imogiri, Yogyakarta, wedang uwuh has an earthy, slightly tart flavor from secang wood, with a warm clove spiciness that lingers at the end of each sip. Its striking red color and fragrant aroma make it one of the more memorable traditional Indonesian drinks you’ll come across. Best paired with: traditional Javanese snacks like klepon.
4. Bandrek
A West Javanese classic, bandrek tastes noticeably spicier and more “fiery” than plain wedang jahe, thanks to a bolder mix of cinnamon and cloves alongside ginger and palm sugar — sometimes softened with a splash of coconut milk. It’s a beloved choice among traditional Indonesian drinks for chilly weather. Best paired with: roasted peanuts or grilled corn.
A Quick Comparison: Bandrek vs Bajigur
Both bandrek and bajigur come from West Java and share a ginger base, but bajigur leans creamier thanks to coconut milk and palm sugar, while bandrek keeps things lighter and spicier.
5. Bajigur
Made from coconut milk, palm sugar, and ginger, bajigur tastes rich and creamy like melted coconut candy, with a gentle ginger warmth trailing behind the sweetness. It’s often served with kolang-kaling (palm fruit) or bread, making it a comforting favorite among traditional Indonesian drinks, especially in Sundanese communities. Best paired with: fried cassava (singkong goreng).
6. Wedang Secang
Known for its deep red hue from secang wood, this drink has a slightly tart, woody flavor with a light spiced finish. Wedang secang is especially popular in Solo and Central Java, and is often praised as seger (refreshing) despite being served hot. Best paired with: light snacks like rengginang (rice crackers).
7. Sekoteng
Sekoteng features a bold, peppery ginger broth that contrasts nicely with the soft sweetness of mung beans and the chewy bite of kolang-kaling. Traditionally sold by street vendors at night, it remains one of the most nostalgic traditional Indonesian drinks for many Indonesians. Best paired with: nothing else needed — it’s a meal in a glass.
8. STMJ (Susu Telur Madu Jahe)
Popular in cooler regions like Malang and Batu, STMJ tastes thick and creamy from milk and honey, finished with a sharp ginger kick that leaves the whole body feeling instantly warm. It’s a heartier option compared to other traditional Indonesian drinks on this list. Best paired with: enjoyed before a long day of activity or travel.
Tips for Trying Traditional Indonesian Drinks
- Start mild: If you’re new to ginger-based drinks, ask for less ginger — the spice level can be adjusted at most stalls.
- Best time to try them: Traditional Indonesian drinks are especially popular in the evening or during the rainy season, when their warmth feels most comforting.
- Watch the sweetness: Many traditional Indonesian drinks use palm sugar generously — you can usually ask for less if you prefer a milder taste.
Bringing Traditional Indonesian Drinks Into Your Culinary Journey
Trying traditional Indonesian drinks is more than just satisfying your thirst — it’s a small, flavorful window into Indonesian daily life, hospitality, and history. Whether you prefer the sharp warmth of wedang jahe or the creamy richness of bajigur, each drink carries its own story and regional identity. If you enjoyed this list, you might also like our deep dive into Jamu, Indonesia’s Natural Wellness Shot Heritage, since many traditional Indonesian drinks share the same herbal roots as jamu.
Learning about food and drinks is one of the most enjoyable ways to understand a language and its culture more deeply. If you’re interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia while discovering more about its traditions — including the stories and vocabulary behind dishes and drinks like these — Basantara is here to help. Our BIPA programs are designed for foreign nationals who want to learn Indonesian in a way that feels practical, cultural, and genuinely enjoyable.
Ready to start your Indonesian language journey? Chat with us on WhatsApp or visit basantara.net to learn more about our courses.
