Pronunciation: [pˈandən] (IPA) 
The word "pandan" refers to a tropical plant commonly used for both culinary and decorative purposes. Its spelling is derived from the Malay language, where it is spelled "pandang." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /pænˈdæn/. The "p" is pronounced with a brief pop of air, while the middle syllable is pronounced with a short "a" vowel sound. The final syllable features a shorter "a" sound and a nasal "n" sound.
Pandan is a noun that refers to a tropical plant belonging to the Pandanus genus, which is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This plant is characterized by long, narrow, and blade-like leaves that grow in clusters, reaching a length of easily up to two meters. The leaves themselves are a vibrant bright green color, making them easily recognizable.
The leaves of the pandan plant possess a distinct fragrance that is often described as sweet and floral. This unique aroma is widely used as a popular flavoring in traditional Asian cuisine, particularly in desserts and beverages. In addition to its fragrant leaves, various parts of the pandan plant are also used for both culinary and non-culinary purposes. For instance, the pandan leaves are often used to wrap food items such as rice cakes or used as a natural dye to impart a green color to various dishes.
Furthermore, pandan is also highly valued for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It is believed to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to alleviate certain health conditions.
Overall, pandan is a versatile plant that plays a significant role in the culinary and cultural heritage of Southeast Asia, with its distinctive fragrance and various applications in cooking, traditional medicine, and as a natural coloring agent.
The word "pandan" is derived from the Malay language. It comes from the word "pandanus", which refers to a genus of plants in the Pandanaceae family. These plants are commonly found in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The term "pandan" is used to describe both the plant itself and certain food items prepared using its leaves or extract.
