Air Katira (Katira Gum Drink) from Malaysia

by foodsamaritan

5 Comments

  1. Pickled_Kagura

    I misread the last one as Billie Eilish

  2. foodsamaritan

    Air Katira is a milk-based drink with katira gum as one of its main ingredients. Originally a South Indian Muslim beverage, it has become popular in parts of Malaysia, especially in Johor. This drink is usually consumed during the fasting month of Ramadan.

    There are many variations of Air Katira, but every recipe will have its number 1 must-have ingredient – Katira gum (aka getah anggur, gond Katira or Tragacanth gum). It is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of Middle Eastern legumes of the genus Astragalus. It is usually sold in powder form or in small opaque chunks. After it is soaked in water, it becomes gelatinous, odourless and tasteless. Air Katira’s other main ingredients are milk (usually evaporated milk), biji selasih (basil seeds), buah kembang semangkuk (malva nuts), rose water syrup and sugar.

    Apart from the above ingredients, many Air Katira vendors took their own initiative to add special ingredients they think the locals will enjoy. Most of the time, pandan leaves are used in the recipe to give it a more Malaysian flair. Nuts and dried fruits like almond, peanuts, raisins, dates are often added. It is also possible to find strands of cincau and cendol in the drink. Finally, there are creative vendors who start to make durian, banana, bandung, honeydew flavoured Air Katira, just to name a few.

    Air Katira can be described as syrupy, fragrant, milky, refreshing drink with wonderful textures. It’s been told that consuming air katira has many benefits, like reducing heatiness and reenergizing, so it is perfect for the hot and humid weather of Malaysia.

  3. So this is kind of analogous to boba & milk tea! Sounds delicious and refreshing! Ramadan mubarak!

  4. Ah yes! Tragacant gum is used in India as Katila/katira. You get it as small dried crystals that swell up 50 times in water. We soak a teaspoon overnight and have it in the morning. It’s a great source of fiber and helps with constipation.

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