Countries where pandan is celebrated

Because of our Dutch-Indonesian heritage, Pandan was a familiar ingredient in our homes. However, outside of our households, in the Netherlands and even across the rest of Europe, this plant was relatively unknown. We made it our mission to introduce Pandan to the rest of the world and make it popular. Hence Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur was born.

Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius)
Often referred to as the “vanilla of the East,” is a tropical plant celebrated for its unique aroma, flavor, and vibrant green color. While its origins are rooted in Southeast Asia, pandan’s popularity has spread to various parts of the world, each incorporating it into their culinary and cultural practices in unique ways. This article explores the diverse countries where pandan is used and the distinctive ways it is embraced in each locale.

Indonesia
Culinary Uses
In Indonesia, pandan is a staple ingredient, particularly in desserts and beverages. Some popular Indonesian dishes featuring pandan include:

Klepon: Sweet rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut, often flavored and colored with pandan extract.
Dadar Gulung: Green pandan-flavored pancakes rolled up with a sweet coconut filling.
Pandan Cake: A light and fluffy sponge cake infused with pandan juice, celebrated for its vibrant green color and aromatic flavor.

Cultural Significance
Beyond its culinary uses, pandan holds cultural importance in Indonesia. It is often used in traditional ceremonies and offerings, symbolizing prosperity and freshness.

Malaysia
Culinary Uses
Malaysia shares many culinary traditions with Indonesia, and pandan is equally beloved in Malaysian cuisine. Key uses include:

Nasi Lemak: A fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, often served with sambal, anchovies, and boiled eggs.
Kuih: A variety of traditional Malay sweets and snacks often flavored with pandan, such as kuih seri muka (a layered sticky rice and custard dessert) and onde-onde (similar to klepon).

Beverages
Pandan Tea: A popular herbal tea made by boiling pandan leaves in water, enjoyed for its soothing properties and unique flavor.

Thailand
Culinary Uses
In Thailand, pandan is known as Bai Toey and is a key ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Popular Thai dishes with pandan include:

Pandan Chicken: Marinated chicken wrapped in pandan leaves and deep-fried or grilled, imparting a fragrant aroma to the meat.
Khanom Chan: A layered dessert made with rice flour, coconut milk, and pandan juice, creating a green and white striped appearance.

Beverages
Pandan Water: Fresh pandan leaves are often boiled to make a refreshing and aromatic drink, sometimes sweetened with a bit of sugar.

Philippines
Culinary Uses
In the Philippines, pandan is known as pandan and is widely used in both everyday cooking and special occasions. Notable dishes include:

Buko Pandan: A popular dessert made with young coconut, pandan-flavored jelly, and sweetened cream or condensed milk.
Pandan Rice: Rice cooked with pandan leaves, often served during festive occasions for its pleasant aroma.

Beverages
Pandan Iced Tea: A refreshing drink made by steeping pandan leaves in water and serving it chilled with ice.

Vietnam
Culinary Uses
Pandan is used in various Vietnamese dishes, adding a distinct flavor and color to the cuisine. Popular uses include:

Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa: Pandan-flavored waffles that are a favorite street food snack.
Xôi Lá Dứa: Sticky rice flavored with pandan and often paired with coconut milk and mung beans.

Beverages
Pandan Juice: Fresh pandan leaves blended with water and sometimes mixed with sugar and lime for a refreshing drink.

Singapore
Culinary Uses
In Singapore, pandan is integral to the nation’s diverse culinary landscape. Key dishes include:

Pandan Chiffon Cake: A soft and airy cake known for its bright green color and fragrant pandan flavor.
Chendol: A dessert featuring pandan-flavored jelly noodles, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.

Beverages
Pandan Milk Tea: A fusion drink combining the flavors of pandan and traditional milk tea, popular in Singaporean cafes.

Other Countries
Japan
In Japan, pandan has been embraced as a novel flavor in various fusion dishes and desserts, such as pandan-flavored mochi and ice cream. Its unique aroma and color have made it a favorite in contemporary Japanese cuisine.

United States
In recent years, pandan has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in areas with significant Southeast Asian communities. It is commonly found in desserts and beverages in Asian restaurants and specialty stores. Food enthusiasts and chefs are increasingly incorporating pandan into innovative recipes, from cakes and pastries to cocktails.

The Netherlands
Indo-Dutch migrants introduced their cuisine to the Dutch when repatriated to the Netherlands. Pandan infused food like Pandan cake or Pandan spekkoek (Layered cake) and desserts like Chendol are nowadays part of Dutch culinary culture. Bandoeng’22 pandan liqueur was first introduced to the Dutch market.

Conclusion
Pandan’s global journey showcases its versatility and widespread appeal. From Southeast Asia to the United States and beyond, pandan has become a cherished ingredient that adds a unique flavor and color to a wide array of dishes and beverages. Its integration into various culinary traditions highlights the interconnectedness of global cuisines and the enduring allure of this tropical plant.

About Bandoeng’22
Bandoeng’22 is a multi-award-winning liqueur with the distinguished taste, scent and color of pandan. Established in 2019, it’s made in the Netherlands and is a tribute to our Dutch-Indonesian heritage. Bandoeng’22 is the liqueur to give cocktails and desserts an Asian twist.