INDONESIA has a variety of traditional drinks that are not only refreshing, but also full of local wisdom. One of the famous ones is dawet selasih, a sweet and tempting drink of Indonesia with a strong blend of textures, flavors, and historical value.
This drink is not only popular among local people, but also an attraction that excites culinary tourists from various regions. Let’s explore further about what makes dawet selasih so special and why this drink is worth tasting when on a culinary tour.
Texture that Pampers the Tongue
One of the things that makes dawet selasih so popular is its diverse textures. Dawet, or cendol, which is made from rice flour or sago flour, has a chewy and soft texture. When served with savory coconut milk sauce and the sweetness of liquid brown sugar, this mixture creates a very satisfying sensation in the mouth.
The uniqueness of this drink lies in the addition of selasih, small seeds from the basil plant that provide a different sensation. The basil adds a little chewy texture that is interesting and refreshing. The combination of the texture of cendol and basil seeds provides a drinking experience that is not only refreshing but also varied.
Pampering Taste–The taste of dawet selasih offers the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The brown sugar used to provide a sweet taste has a distinctive caramel aroma, combining perfectly with the soft and tasty coconut milk. Not only is it sweet, there is also a touch of freshness from basil seeds which gives a light and refreshing taste to every sip.
When served with ice cubes, dawet selasih is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day, providing instant coolness and enjoyment.
History and Cultural Values –Dawet has been part of the Indonesian culinary culture for a long time. This drink originates from Central Java and is known as a special dish at various events, such as weddings, celebrations or traditional ceremonies. Over time, dawet experienced various innovations, one of which was the addition of basil seeds, which further enriched the Indonesian culinary variety. In some areas, dawet is even used as a symbol of hospitality and an expression of gratitude.
Basil seeds themselves have a long history in Southeast Asia and are used in various traditional dishes as a healthy additive. Known to have calming properties and are rich in antioxidants, basil seeds add a healthy dimension to this dish, making dawet selasih not only delicious but also have health benefits.
Culinary Tourism
As a traditional drink, dawet selasih is now starting to attract the attention of tourists who are interested in local cuisine. Many want to taste the rich authentic taste of the archipelago, and dawet selasih is the perfect choice as a thirst quencher that is full of history and uniqueness.
This drink is often found in traditional markets, local drink shops, and restaurants that offer the concept of Indonesian cuisine. Not infrequently, dawet selasih is also a mainstay menu at various culinary festivals and traditional food exhibitions, attracting the interest of both local and foreign tourists.
In addition, dawet selasih is very photogenic, making it popular on social media among tourists who like to share their culinary experiences. The green color of cendol, black of basil seeds, and golden brown of brown sugar create an eye-catching appearance, making this drink often used as a photo object on various online platforms.
Promotion for Culinary Tourism
For culinary industry players, dawet selasih is a dish that has great potential to be promoted. This drink can be the main attraction in a culinary tour package that explores the uniqueness of traditional Indonesian food and drinks.
In addition, by offering fresh dawet selasih at tourist locations, especially in areas that are visited by many tourists, it will increase visitors’ interest in tasting this unique local dish.
Dawet selasih is one of the traditional drinks that has been able to survive and continue to be in demand in the modern era. With its pampering texture, rich taste, and inherent historical appeal, this drink is not only a thirst quencher, but also a representation of the richness of Indonesian culture that should be preserved. For tourists, dawet selasih offers the opportunity to experience authentic freshness and pleasure, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
