Es teler
Indonesian fruit cocktail with coconut, avocado, jackfruit and sweet milk over ice
Es teler is a chilled Indonesian dessert drink made by mixing avocado, coconut flesh, jackfruit, and sometimes grass jelly with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, cocopandan syrup, sugar, and a pinch of salt over crushed ice. Created in 1982, it is enjoyed across Indonesia as a refreshing treat.
- Created in 1982 by Murniati Widjaja
- Won a contest to become Indonesia's national drink
- Made with avocado, coconut, jackfruit, and sweet milk
- Served cold over crushed or shaved ice
What is Es teler?
Es teler is a cold fruit cocktail from Indonesia, made by combining pieces of avocado, coconut flesh, jackfruit, and sometimes grass jelly. These fruits are mixed with coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk, poured over crushed or shaved ice. Cocopandan syrup, which is flavored with pandan leaf, adds a fragrant sweetness, while a little sugar and salt balance the taste. The result is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing dessert drink, with a mix of soft and chewy textures from the different fruits.
Where does Es teler come from?
Es teler was created in Indonesia by Murniati Widjaja. In 1982, it won a competition to find a national drink for Indonesia, and since then, it has become popular throughout the country. The drink brings together tropical fruits and local flavors, reflecting Indonesia's rich fruit variety and tradition of cold, sweet desserts. Its invention is recent, and it quickly spread to become a staple in Indonesian dessert culture.
How is Es teler made?
To make es teler, fresh avocado, coconut flesh, jackfruit, and sometimes grass jelly are sliced or scooped into a bowl or glass. Crushed or shaved ice is added on top. A mixture of coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk is poured over the fruits and ice. Cocopandan syrup, made from pandan leaf and coconut, is drizzled in for extra aroma and sweetness. A small amount of sugar and a pinch of salt are sometimes added to enhance the flavors.
How and when is Es teler eaten?
Es teler is usually served as a dessert or snack, especially in hot weather. It is enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and street stalls across Indonesia. Served in a bowl or tall glass, it is eaten with a spoon or straw. Es teler is often chosen for its cooling effect and sweet, fruity taste, making it a favorite during the afternoon or after meals. It is not tied to any specific festival or religious occasion.
Kinds of Es teler
While the basic version of es teler uses avocado, coconut, and jackfruit, some versions add other fruits or grass jelly for extra texture and flavor. The syrup can vary, with some using more pandan or coconut flavor. Occasionally, sellers or home cooks include fruits that are in season or locally available, making each serving a little different. However, the main combination of tropical fruits and sweet milk over ice remains the same.
What Es teler means
Es teler is widely recognized as a symbol of Indonesian creativity in desserts. Its status as a national drink, chosen through a competition, gives it a special place in the country's food culture. It is a common sight at gatherings, food courts, and family events, and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The drink showcases the use of local fruits and the Indonesian love for cold, sweet treats.
Questions people ask about Es teler
What is es teler made of?
Es teler is made from avocado, coconut flesh, jackfruit, sometimes grass jelly, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, cocopandan syrup, sugar, salt, and crushed or shaved ice.
Where does es teler come from?
Es teler comes from Indonesia. It was created in 1982 and is now enjoyed throughout the country.
Is es teler a drink or a dessert?
Es teler is both a dessert and a drink. It is a fruit cocktail served cold, eaten with a spoon or straw.
When is es teler usually eaten?
Es teler is usually eaten as a snack or dessert, especially in hot weather or after meals.
Does es teler contain dairy?
Yes, es teler contains sweetened condensed milk, which is a dairy product.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Es teler", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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