Freshly Pressed
The best sugarcane juice is pressed to order. Look for the stall with the big mechanical rollers and a pile of peeled stalks. The juice should be a vibrant, cloudy green. If it looks dark or brownish, it has likely been sitting out too long and has oxidised, losing its bright, grassy flavour.
The Lemon Addition
While the juice is naturally very sweet, many locals ask for a squeeze of lemon or a small sour plum. This acidity balances the sugar perfectly and makes it even more refreshing. It is the perfect companion to spicy dishes like sambal stingray or satay.
Quick answers
- Does it have added sugar?
- No, the sweetness comes entirely from the cane itself. It is pure fruit juice.
- Is it served with ice?
- Yes, it is almost always served over a mountain of crushed ice to keep it bone-chillingly cold.