Cool Down with Es Pleret, a Sweet Traditional Drink from Blitar

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - On a hot day, there is nothing quite like a refreshing cold drink. If you are looking to try an Indonesian drink that may be less familiar to you, Es Pleret from Blitar, East Java, is one to try.

Es Pleret is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed by people in Blitar since around 1987. It consists of small rice flour balls served with a sweet coconut milk sauce, palm sugar, and ice cubes.

One of the things that makes Es Pleret unique is the shape of its filling. The rice flour dough is formed into small balls with a slight indentation in the middle, giving Pleret its distinctive appearance.

The name Pleret is believed to be related to the shape or the way the filling is made. Although it is not as widely known as other traditional drinks such as cendol, Es Pleret remains part of Blitar's local culinary heritage.

In terms of flavor, Es Pleret offers a combination of sweet and savory notes. The coconut milk gives the drink a mild, creamy taste, while palm sugar adds a rich sweetness that becomes even more refreshing when served with ice.

To make the Pleret, rice flour is mixed with hot water, salt, and tapioca flour until it forms a workable dough. The dough can then be colored as desired, shaped into small balls with an indentation in the middle, and boiled until cooked and they float to the surface.

The sauce is made by simmering coconut milk with palm sugar, granulated sugar, pandan leaves, and a little salt. Once ready, the Pleret is placed in a glass or bowl, topped with ice cubes, and covered with the sweet coconut milk sauce.

Besides being refreshing, the rice flour filling also makes Es Pleret a fairly filling drink. For those visiting Blitar or simply looking to discover more traditional Indonesian flavors, Es Pleret is a local specialty worth trying.