RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Have you ever heard of a dessert named after a local folktale? Indonesia has a traditional drink called Es Selendang Mayang, which, according to local beliefs, is associated with the story of Jampang Mayangsari.

Es selendang mayang is one of Betawi's traditional dessert drinks, known for its refreshing taste and colorful appearance. It features soft, chewy jelly-like cakes in red, white, and green, served with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and ice, making it a popular choice on hot days.

According to the official website of Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemdikdasmen), the name "selendang mayang" was chosen because it is distinctive and easy to remember. Some also associate it with the folktale of Jampang Mayangsari, a woman renowned for her beauty and her long, wavy black hair.

Others believe the name was inspired by the image of a woman wearing a shawl (selendang), giving the dessert a graceful and elegant character. As a result, es selendang mayang is often regarded as a visually appealing traditional delicacy.

The shape of the colorful cakes is also believed to have influenced the drink's name. The three-layered dough is first cut into long strips resembling a shawl before being sliced into smaller pieces and served.

The main ingredients include sago starch, rice flour, salt, water, and pandan and suji leaves, which provide their natural green coloring. The dough is cooked until thickened, left to cool, and cut into pieces before being topped with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and shaved ice or ice cubes.

Besides being refreshing, Es Selendang Mayang is also quite filling because it is made from rice flour and sago starch. It is commonly served as an iftar treat during Ramadan as well as at traditional ceremonies and Betawi cultural celebrations.

Today, Es Selendang Mayang can still be found at Betawi culinary centers, traditional markets, and cultural festivals across Jakarta. Its continued presence helps preserve Betawi's culinary heritage while introducing one of the capital city's traditional desserts to both younger generations and visitors.