Bir jawa: history, gastrodiplomacy, and health benefits of a Javanese non-alcoholic beverage

Abstract Bir jawa is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage from Java, Indonesia, renowned for its unique combination of aromatic herbs and spices, such as ginger, cardamom, cloves, sappan wood, cinnamon, lemongrass, lime juice, and sugar (either rock or granulated). Supplementary ingredients such as pandan leaves, alang-alang ( Imperata cylindrica ), black pepper, nutmeg, and galanga enhance their intricate flavor and fragrance. Notwithstanding its designation—signifying “Javanese beer”— bir jawa is non-fermented and was initially developed in the Yogyakarta Palace. Nonetheless, despite its cultural significance, bir jawa has garnered minimal academic scrutiny relative to other Indonesian herbal beverages, resulting in a considerable void in the recorded ethnogastronomic literature. Each ingredient, abundant in bioactive substances, reinforces the beverage's conventional function in enhancing health and well-being. Since its inception, bir jawa has epitomized cultural identity and functioned as a medium of gastrodiplomacy. This article comprehensively examines and synthesizes the historical, cultural, and scientific information pertaining to bir jawa . It examines its historical context, cultural importance, composition, preparation techniques, health advantages, and modern advancements. This review's primary contribution is its thorough synthesis, which establishes bir jawa as a distinctive topic for gastrodiplomacy and a beneficial beverage deserving of further advancement and international promotion.