Drinks
Air Batu Campur (Brunei-Style Shaved Ice)
Ingredients
- - 500 g Shaved or crushed ice (4 cups)
- - 60 g Cooked red beans, sweetened (¼ cup)
- - 60 g Grass jelly, cubed (¼ cup)
- - 40 g Sweet corn kernels, cooked (3 tbsp)
- - 40 g Attap chee or nata de coco (optional) (3 tbsp)
- - 60 ml Rose syrup (¼ cup)
- - 60 ml Condensed milk (¼ cup)
- - 30 ml Evaporated milk (2 tbsp)
Method
- Prepare all toppings — sweetened red beans, grass jelly cubes, sweet corn and any jellies — and keep chilled.
- Divide the sweetened red beans, grass jelly, sweet corn and jellies among serving glasses or bowls, layering them at the base.
- Shave or crush the ice finely, either using an ice shaver or by pulsing ice cubes in a blender until snowy.
- Pile the shaved ice generously on top of the toppings.
- Drizzle the rose syrup evenly over the mound of ice.
- Finish with a generous drizzle of condensed milk and a splash of evaporated milk.
- Serve immediately with a long spoon, mixing everything together before eating.
Introduction: Air Batu Campur, literally 'mixed ice water' and known for short as ABC, is a colourful shaved-ice dessert drink found at night markets across Brunei, piled high with sweet toppings such as grass jelly, red beans, sweet corn and jellies, then drenched in condensed milk and flavoured syrup.
Cultural Background: Air Batu Campur, literally 'mixed ice water' and known for short as ABC, is a colourful shaved-ice dessert drink found at night markets across Brunei, piled high with sweet toppings such as grass jelly, red beans, sweet corn and jellies, then drenched in condensed milk and flavoured syrup. It is an essential cooling treat in Brunei's tropical heat, especially popular during Ramadan evenings and family outings.
Tips: Prepare and chill all toppings ahead of time so the dessert can be assembled quickly once the ice is shaved. Shave the ice as finely as possible for the classic snow-like texture; chunky ice makes for a less pleasant eat. Serve immediately — shaved ice melts quickly, especially in a warm climate.
Variations: Add scoops of vinyl or coconut-flavoured ice cream on top for an extra-indulgent version. Use pandan or sarsaparilla syrup instead of rose syrup for a different flavour profile. Include diced fresh fruit such as jackfruit or mango for a fruity twist. Naturally vegetarian; substitute condensed and evaporated milk with sweetened coconut milk for a vegan version.
Storage: Best assembled and eaten immediately; toppings can be prepared and refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Not applicable — served cold.
Nutrition: Per serving: approx. 260 kcal, 4g protein, 48g carbohydrate, 6g fat.
FAQs:
Q: What is grass jelly?
A: Grass jelly is a dark, mildly herbal jelly made from the Mesona plant, commonly used as a topping in Southeast Asian iced desserts.
Q: Can I make this without an ice shaver?
A: Yes — pulse ice cubes in a strong blender in short bursts until they reach a fine, snow-like texture.
Q: Is Air Batu Campur the same as Malaysian ABC?
A: It’s very similar, part of the same wider regional tradition, though the exact combination of toppings varies by household and stall.