Hey, tea lovers! Did you know that in Indonesia, drinking tea isn’t just about enjoying a warm beverage? It’s also a meaningful tradition deeply rooted in culture!
From family gatherings to important celebrations, tea plays a vital role and holds a special place in Indonesian traditions.
Tea-Drinking Traditions in Indonesia
Let’s take a closer look at six tea-drinking traditions in Indonesia, rich in social and cultural values!
1. Patehan, Yogyakarta
First, we have the Patehan tea tradition in the Yogyakarta Palace. This ceremony is held to welcome royal family members, palace guests, and the Sultan’s relatives.
Tea is served with a special ritual that reflects respect and warmth toward the guests. The tea used is usually green tea or jasmine tea, brewed without sugar to preserve its authentic taste.
2. Teh Punakawan, Javanese Royal Tradition
Behind every cup of tea served in the Javanese palace tradition, there is a deep philosophy passed down through generations. One of the most well-known tea traditions in Yogyakarta and Surakarta is Teh Punakawan.
This tea is more than just a drink—it represents wisdom, simplicity, and balance in life, values embodied in the Punakawan characters from Javanese shadow puppetry (wayang kulit).
Teh Punakawan is typically served without sugar to maintain its pure taste. However, for those who prefer a hint of sweetness, rock sugar is often used. Interestingly, the rock sugar isn’t stirred into the tea; instead, it’s placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly while sipping the tea.
3. Nyaneut, Garut
In Garut, West Java, there’s a tea-drinking tradition called Nyaneut. The way of drinking tea here is quite unique—you rotate the glass twice in your palm, inhale the aroma three times, and then take a sip. This ritual symbolizes gratitude and appreciation for nature.
The tea used in Nyaneut is usually black tea or green tea from local plantations in Garut. It can be served with or without sugar, depending on personal preference. It is often enjoyed with traditional snacks like ranginang or opak.
4. Nyahi, Betawi Tradition
The Betawi people have their own tea-drinking tradition called Nyahi. This tradition is usually enjoyed with family or friends in the afternoon.
Nyahi features brewed tea (teh tubruk) sweetened with palm sugar and is often paired with traditional snacks like kue ape or boiled bananas. This tradition reflects the warmth and togetherness of Betawi culture.
5. Teh Talua, West Sumatra
In West Sumatra, there’s a unique tea-based drink called Teh Talua (Egg Tea). This beverage is made from a blend of tea, egg yolk, sugar, and lime juice.
Teh Talua is believed to boost stamina and is often served during traditional ceremonies or to welcome special guests. This shows how tea represents warmth and hospitality in Minangkabau culture.
6. Teh Obeng, Tanjung Pinang
Who would have thought that the iconic Teh Obeng from Batam and the Riau Islands actually has its roots in Singapore? In Mandarin, this tea is called “Xin Cia Po” and was originally made by brewing aromatic herbal tea leaves.
In Singapore, this tea was served with crushed ice, known as “apeng” in the local language. Over time, the term “teh apeng” became popular among the Chinese community in Batam, especially those with family ties to Singapore.
Eventually, due to the influence of the Malay dialect, the name Teh Apeng evolved into Teh Obeng. Since then, people in Batam and surrounding areas have used this term to refer to iced sweet tea.
In making Teh Obeng, choosing the right tea leaves is essential to achieve its signature taste. A high-quality tea ensures that the flavor doesn’t become diluted when mixed with ice, making it the preferred choice over other types of tea.
Experience the True Taste of Indonesian Tea Traditions!
From these traditions, it’s clear that tea is more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of culture, community, and deep-rooted traditions across Indonesia.
If you want to experience authentic tea-drinking moments, Teh Prendjak is the perfect choice! Established in 1980, Teh Prendjak offers a variety of high-quality teas with a rich, bold taste, perfect for enjoying traditional tea rituals or simply savoring a refreshing Teh Obeng.
So, why wait? Create memorable tea moments with Teh Prendjak and embrace the warmth of Indonesia’s tea culture in every sip!
Comments are closed.