RRI.CO.ID, Singaraja - Es gabus (spongy ice) is a traditional Indonesian snack closely associated with the childhood memories of many Indonesians. Made from hunkwe (mung bean) flour, this snack used to be easily found in front of schools and traditional markets, and was even sold by street vendors. 

Its soft texture and subtle sweetness make es gabus a popular choice for quenching thirst in hot weather. Although es gabus is becoming increasingly rare, it still holds strong nostalgic value.

Its popularity is inseparable from the simplicity of its ingredients and production process. The main ingredients are mung bean flour, coconut milk, sugar, and a little salt, making es gabus easily accessible to the public. 

Its distinctive characteristic of being pink or a combination of bright colors immediately recalls snacks from the 1990s to early 2000s. During that time, es gabus was an affordable snack enjoyed by people of all ages.

Amid the rise of modern foods and trendy desserts, es gabus has been rediscovered as part of a nostalgic culinary trend. Many people are starting to make it at home to reminisce about their childhoods and introduce traditional snacks to the younger generation. 

Furthermore, es gabus is often featured at family events, small-to-medium enterprise (MSME) bazaars, and traditional culinary festivals as a symbol of nostalgic snacks from the past.

Making es gabus is relatively simple and requires no special equipment. Mung bean flour is mixed with sugar and salt, then cooked with coconut milk until thickened. The mixture is colored with food coloring, poured into molds or plastic bags, and frozen. This process reflects the simplicity of traditional snacks, which prioritize flavor and texture over additives.

From a culinary and cultural perspective, es gabus proves that traditional snacks have enduring appeal across generations. Despite its simple appearance, es gabus tells the story of togetherness, the school atmosphere, and the social life of the community at that time. It is more than just food, it is also part of the collective memory, which is difficult to replace.

Preserving snacks like es gabus preserves local culinary traditions and prevents them from being lost over time. By reintroducing es gabus through homemade recipes and simple presentation innovations, people can continue enjoying the classic, nostalgic flavor. Despite changing tastes and lifestyles, es gabus retains its place as a symbol of the sweetness of the past. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)