Beverages — Coffee, Jamu & Kopi Luwak

Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producer in the world — and the coffee culture is deeply rooted:

Kopi Tubruk

The traditional Indonesian preparation method: Ground coffee is directly added to the cup, poured over with hot water, and stirred with plenty of sugar. The grounds remain in the cup — you drink carefully from the top. Simple, strong, widely available. From 5,000 IDR (0.30 €).

Kopi Luwak — the most expensive coffee in the world

Kopi Luwak is made from coffee beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet (Luwak). The digestive enzymes alter the beans, producing an exceptionally mild, low-bitter coffee. Original wild-collected Kopi Luwak is extremely rare and expensive (up to 50 € per cup). Warning: Most "Kopi Luwak" offers come from caged animals living in deplorable conditions. Only buy certified wild Luwak coffee or — better yet — try the excellent "normal" Indonesian coffees: Toraja, Gayo (Sumatra), Java, and Flores.

Jamu

Jamu is Indonesia's traditional herbal medicine — a system of hundreds of drinks and pastes made from roots, leaves, fruits, and spices. The most common is Jamu Kunyit Asam (turmeric-tamarind drink) — bitter, refreshing, and supposedly good for everything. Jamu vendors with their characteristic carrying baskets are a common sight in Java.

Alcohol

Indonesia is a Muslim country, but alcohol is legal and available in tourist areas, hotels, and supermarkets. Bintang is the Indonesian national beer (actually a Heineken offshoot). Arak (rice wine/palm liquor) is common in Bali and Flores — be cautious with the quality: Methanol-poisoned Arak has caused fatalities.