Grass Jelly Drink
Hawker • Singapore
About Grass Jelly Drink
Grass Jelly Drink is a staple thirst-quencher at many Singapore hawker centres and coffee shops, usually found alongside other local beverage classics like chin chow and soya bean milk. The drink features cubes or strips of black grass jelly suspended in a lightly sweetened liquid, often with ice and sometimes a touch of pandan flavour. The jelly itself has a gentle, almost herbal note, making it refreshing and not cloying even on humid days. Many locals enjoy mixing it with soya bean milk (to make 'Michael Jackson'), but the straightforward version lets the texture and subtle taste stand out. From a nutrition standpoint, per 100g, Grass Jelly Drink is low in calories (26.7 kcal), contains negligible fat and protein, and modest carbohydrates (6.7g), with a touch of fiber. However, standard servings at hawker stalls are easily 250–350g or more; that means a typical cup delivers roughly 70–90 kcal and over 20g carbohydrates—so it's still lighter than most sweetened soft drinks, but not entirely 'guilt-free' if you're watching sugar intake. Despite being vegan and halal-safe, the main health consideration is portion size. While not nutrient-dense, its cooling, hydrating nature makes it a practical pick for pairing with spicy or rich hawker foods. If you’re looking for a light, plant-based option to round off a meal or beat the heat, Grass Jelly Drink is a familiar, fuss-free choice. Just remember, those generous hawker servings are much more than 100g, so pace yourself if you're watching your sugar or calories.
How to Make Grass Jelly Drink (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Grass Jelly Drink is a beloved cooling beverage commonly found in Singapore’s vibrant hawker centres and traditional kopitiams. Known locally as 'cincau', this drink is a staple in Singaporean cuisine, enjoyed both as a refreshing treat on sweltering afternoons and as a healthier dessert alternative. Its origins in Southeast Asian street food culture have evolved, making it a popular fusion drink, often paired with soya milk or other local beverages for an extra twist. The silky, slightly bitter grass jelly cubes float in lightly sweetened syrup, creating a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Its subtle herbal notes and the chewy bite of the jelly make every sip satisfying yet guilt-free. Grass Jelly Drink is especially prized for its cooling properties, often consumed to alleviate heatiness in Singapore’s tropical climate. As a vegan and vegetarian-friendly option, it fits seamlessly into various dietary preferences, making it a go-to choice for all ages seeking a healthier, authentic Singaporean beverage.
Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (approx. 300ml each), kopitiam-style)
- 1 can (400g) or 300g fresh Grass jelly (cincau) (Available at wet markets or supermarkets)
- 2 cups Water (Filtered)
- 2 leaves Pandan leaves (Tied into a knot for aroma) - optional
- 2 tablespoons Rock sugar (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Stevia or monk fruit sweetener (Optional for lower calories) - optional
- 1 Lime (Cut into wedges, optional for zest) - optional
- As needed Ice cubes (For serving)
- A few sprigs Mint leaves (For garnish, optional) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Drain the grass jelly and cut into small cubes (about 1cm). Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
5 minutes
Use a wet knife to prevent sticking.
- 2
In a saucepan, combine water, pandan leaves, and rock sugar. Bring to a gentle boil until the sugar dissolves completely. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove pandan leaves.
10 minutes
Pandan leaves add authentic aroma but can be omitted for simplicity.
- 3
Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. For a healthier version, add stevia or monk fruit sweetener after cooling instead of extra sugar.
5 minutes
Do not add sweeteners while the syrup is hot to preserve their flavor.
- 4
Divide grass jelly cubes equally into two tall glasses. Add a generous amount of ice cubes over the jelly.
2 minutes
Layering ice above jelly keeps it bouncy and cold.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Grass Jelly Drink recipe is a healthy option because it uses minimal added sugar, offers a decent amount of fiber, and contains no animal products or processed creamers. Serving it with ice and fresh ingredients keeps hydration high and calorie counts low. The use of natural sweeteners and optional lime means you can customize sweetness without compromising on nutrition, making it suitable for most healthy diets.
Grass Jelly Drink is naturally low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for weight-watchers and those tracking their macros. The primary ingredient, grass jelly, is rich in antioxidants and contains dietary fiber that aids digestion. Using rock sugar in moderation, or substituting with plant-based sweeteners, keeps the glycemic load manageable. Adding lime boosts vitamin C content, while pandan leaves introduce trace phytonutrients. This beverage contains virtually no saturated fat and is free from cholesterol, gluten, and dairy.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use fresh grass jelly for the best texture and authentic flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust sweetness to your preference by blending rock sugar and stevia.
- 💡Tip 3: For a more aromatic drink, infuse the syrup with extra pandan leaves.
Storage & Serving
Keep grass jelly cubes and syrup refrigerated separately for up to 2 days. Assemble with ice just before serving for best texture.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 26.7 kcal |
| Protein | 0.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.7 g |
| Total Fat | 0.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
Cultural Notes
Grass jelly drink is a classic cooling beverage, regularly offered at drinks stalls alongside soya bean and sugarcane juice. It's widely recognised and enjoyed across all age groups in Singapore, often chosen to beat the heat or as a palate cleanser after a meal.
