Air Tebu

Global • Vegetarian

110

kcal

0.3g

Protein

27g

Carbs

Fat

Log This Food

Track with App

Log this food instantly with our mobile app

Get App

About Air Tebu

Fresh sugarcane juice

How to Make Air Tebu (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

2 servings

easy

Air Tebu, or sugarcane juice, is a beloved beverage in Malaysia, cherished for its naturally sweet, refreshing taste and its role in the country's vibrant street food scene. Found at pasar malam (night markets), festive bazaars, and roadside stalls, Air Tebu is a quintessential thirst-quencher for Malaysians of all backgrounds. Its origins are deeply rooted in Malaysia’s multicultural tapestry, where local ingredients like sugarcane (tebu) are celebrated for their purity and revitalizing qualities. The taste of freshly pressed Air Tebu is unmatched—lightly grassy, silky smooth, and delicately sweet without being cloying. In traditional Malaysian cuisine, Air Tebu is often enjoyed ice-cold on hot afternoons, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan or at festive gatherings. This beverage stands out as a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, made simply by extracting juice from fresh sugarcane and infusing it with fragrant local herbs like pandan and a hint of limau nipis (calamansi lime). For those seeking a nutritious, plant-based drink, Air Tebu is naturally vegan and vegetarian. It’s a perfect showcase of Malaysian ingenuity and love for local produce, making it a must-try for anyone wishing to experience authentic Malaysian cuisine.

Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (approx. 250ml))

500g Fresh sugarcane stalks (tebu) (cut into manageable pieces)
2 leaves Pandan leaves (tied into knots)
2 Calamansi lime (limau nipis) (halved, for juicing)
100ml Filtered water (for diluting juice) - optional
1 cup Ice cubes (for serving)
1 stalk Lemongrass (serai) (bruised, optional for aroma) - optional
A few sprigs Mint leaves (for garnish) - optional
A pinch Sea salt (to enhance sweetness, optional) - optional

Instructions

1
Wash and peel the sugarcane stalks, removing the tough outer skin with a sharp knife. Cut into smaller pieces that fit your juicer or blender.
5 minutes
Use caution when handling sugarcane; it's tough and fibrous.
2
If using a sugarcane juicer, feed the pieces through to extract the juice. If using a blender, chop sugarcane into small bits, add filtered water, and blend until pulpy.
5 minutes
A dedicated sugarcane juicer yields the smoothest result, but a strong blender works too.
3
Strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a large jug to separate the juice from the fibrous pulp.
3 minutes
Press the pulp well to extract maximum juice.
4
Add pandan leaves and bruised lemongrass (if using) to the jug. Let the mixture infuse for 5-10 minutes for a fragrant aroma.
10 minutes
Gently muddle the pandan and lemongrass for deeper flavor.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This healthy version of Air Tebu is crafted using fresh, whole ingredients and contains no refined sugars or additives. By opting for fresh juice and adding local herbs like pandan and lemongrass, you benefit from natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It hydrates effectively while satisfying sweet cravings in a wholesome way, making it a smart, guilt-free drink for any diet.

Air Tebu is a natural source of quick energy, providing essential carbohydrates for hydration and stamina. With no added sugars or artificial preservatives, it retains minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium found in sugarcane. The infusion of pandan and lemongrass offers antioxidants and supports digestion, while calamansi lime adds a boost of vitamin C. Each serving is low in fat and cholesterol-free, making it a nutritious, plant-based beverage.

Pro Tips

💡Tip 1: Use young, fresh sugarcane for the sweetest juice.
💡Tip 2: Let pandan or lemongrass infuse longer for stronger aroma.
💡Tip 3: Serve with crushed ice for a truly authentic Malaysian street drink experience.

Storage & Serving

Best consumed immediately. If storing, refrigerate in a sealed jug for up to 24 hours; stir well before serving. Avoid storing with ice to prevent dilution.

Best served: Breakfast or Lunch