Drinks

Authentic Singaporean Sirap Bandung Recipe

This iconic pastel-pink beverage is a beloved Singaporean classic, combining the floral fragrance of rose syrup with the rich creaminess of evaporated milk. Perfect for pairing with spicy dishes, it is a refreshing treat that captures the essence of local Malay-influenced beverage culture.

Bandung
Prep
5 min
Serves
4
Level
Easy
Per serving
185 kcal

Method

  1. In a large pitcher, pour in the rose syrup and the water. Stir thoroughly until the syrup is evenly diluted.

  2. Slowly add the evaporated milk into the rose water mixture while stirring constantly. The liquid will transform into a vibrant, opaque pink color.

  3. Taste the mixture. If you prefer a richer and sweeter profile, stir in the condensed milk until fully dissolved.

  4. Prepare four tall glasses by adding a handful of ice cubes and a spoonful of grass jelly cubes into each.

  5. Pour the Bandung mixture over the ice and serve immediately while chilled.

Notes

For an authentic 'lemak' (rich) taste, always use evaporated milk rather than fresh milk.

To prevent the milk from curdling, ensure you mix the rose syrup with water first before adding the milk.

If you want a fizzy version, replace the plain water with ice-cream soda or club soda.

Ensure the water is at room temperature or cold; using hot water can alter the flavor of the rose syrup.

Questions

What is the best brand of rose syrup to use?
In Singapore, the Red Man brand is the most common and provides the specific floral profile and deep red color traditional for this drink.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or evaporated oat milk, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Why did my Bandung turn a brownish color?
This usually happens if the rose syrup is old or if you used a brown-tinted sweetener. Ensure your syrup is fresh and your milk is pure white.
Is Bandung served at specific occasions?
While available daily at hawker centers, it is a signature drink served at Malay weddings (Majlis Perkahwinan) and during Iftar in the month of Ramadan.

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