TULUNGAGUNG – As sunset approaches during Ramadan, takjil markets across Tulungagung grow crowded with residents searching for refreshing drinks and snacks to break their fast. Among the many options, the Es Gayung Ramadan drink has become one of the beverages attracting strong interest from visitors.
The drink stands out because of its unusual name and its distinctive serving style. Instead of using bottles or dispensers, vendors scoop the drink from a large container using a plastic dipper known locally as a gayung. They then pour the drink into cups for customers, creating a simple but eye-catching presentation.
As a result, many people feel curious when they see the serving process. Visitors often stop to watch before deciding to try the drink themselves.
One of the vendors selling the drink is Cornella, who operates a stall at a Ramadan snack market. She offers a variety of colorful flavor options that attract customers looking for something refreshing before iftar.
Her menu includes banana creamy ice, es kuwut, fruit ice, taro ice, cappuccino with grass jelly, and even bubble gum–flavored drinks. Because of the variety, many visitors gather around her stall in the late afternoon.
Cornella explained that the name Es Gayung comes directly from the serving method.
“We call it Es Gayung because the ice stays in a large tub, and we scoop it using a dipper,” she said.
During Ramadan, Cornella usually starts selling at around 3 p.m. However, the crowd grows larger as sunset approaches and residents begin preparing food and drinks for iftar.
Soon afterward, lines of customers often form in front of her stall. Many visitors want to secure a cold drink before the Maghrib call to prayer.
In some cases, the drinks sell out even before the call to prayer begins. Cornella said the strong demand happens almost every day during Ramadan.
“Thankfully, it’s always busy. Almost every day we sell out,” she said, adding that she hopes the enthusiasm will continue throughout the fasting month.
Meanwhile, Ramadan markets across Tulungagung continue to offer many types of takjil. However, thanks to its unique serving style and refreshing flavors, Es Gayung Ramadan drink remains one of the memorable choices for visitors exploring the seasonal food stalls.
