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  A Final Bow to Indonesia's Sweet Cultural Heritage (8) What an amazing journey it's been! We hope that through the seven chapters, you have traveled with us through this enveloping Indonesian archipelago from the spice-rich kitchens of Sumatra to the hectic bustling markets of Sulawesi into the forests of Papua. We are beginning to understand that Indonesia's traditional cakes (kue) are much more than only satisfying foods. The various kue we mentioned - the honeycomb-style kue Bika Ambon, the layered kue Lapis Legit, the green pasta-like kue Klepon, and so on - all have history to say, local wisdom to display, and community values to signal to us all. All of these kue also carry with them thoughts of diverse cultural Islamic plural identities in Java, reconciliation from Hindu spirituality in Bali, and ideas of vigorous improvisation in Nusa Tanggara. As you bite into a sticky bean-sized morsel of Lempok Durian or take a refreshing spoonful of Es Pisang Ijo, you're c...

  Love from the East: The Sweet and Savory Treasures of Papua and Maluku (7) Welcome, explorers of Indonesian Cuisine! In this installment of our journey, we’ll explore the incredible culinary landscape of Indonesia! Today, we’ll explore the easternmost regions of the archipelago, namely Papua and Maluku. These regions are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, as well as their unique traditional snacks, which have garnered attention from other locals. We’ll be introduced to these two delicious yet distinct dishes, each with its own unique flavor. Kue Sagu Bagea Let's transition from a sweet, soft dessert to a dry and crunchy one with Kue Sagu Bagea, a traditional dry cookie found in Maluku and Papua, which includes a key ingredient that makes it different--sago flour. Sago, derived from the pith of a sago palm is plentiful in this area. These small round cookies are baked until the outside crust is firm and dry, but unexpectedly a slightly soft and sandy crunch comes from...

  Es Pisang Ijo,  a Representation of Makassar’s Vibrant City (06) This new journey is served with rich flavors, with a traditional Indonesian flair. In the Makassar region, the dish served is es pisang ijo (green banana ice). This green banana ice is a Makassar specialty and a favorite in several regions of Indonesia and at local cafes. Made from plantains and a mixture of rice pudding, this banana offers a distinctive and soft flavor. The natural color of pandan leaves makes this green banana appealing. The addition of colorful shaved ice, which represents the vibrancy of Semarang, makes this dish iconic in various regions, not just Makassar, and the result is also charming and luxurious. Es pisang ijo is a delicious, balanced, and multifaceted treat. The main dish is made with dense bananas, typically Raja bananas, wrapped in a soft green dough. Traditionally, the dough is made with the natural dye of pandan leaves, which imparts a distinctive, fragrant color and refreshi...

  The Sweet, Sticky Magic of Kalimantan's Durian (5) Hello food lovers, and welcome back to this sweet journey into traditional cakes from Indonesia! We've gone through a few islands, so now we are heading to Borneo's heart, the lush and wild Kalimantan. The traditional sweets in this region are all wonderful, very sweet and pack a lot of fabulous and exotic natural aromas. One of the treats that gives you that bliss is the famous Kue Lempok Durian. A sweet to enjoy that totally shows the fragrance of this well-loved and pungent fruit, Durian. Lempok Durian is not your average cake; it is pure concentrated pleasure, for those who enjoy life, and adventure. If you are excited to talk about a small dessert that represents both joy, pleasure sustained in life, and tradition, then you are in the right place. So let's dig into Lempok Durian, a sticky, sweet, memorable dessert from Pontianak, which is a mild palate tease into Kalimantan's flavors, whilst it is a fun cel...

  A Taste of the Islands from Nusa Tenggara (4) Hello everyone, food enthusiasts, welcome back again! We are glad to have you back on our exploration through the culinary landscape of Indonesia. We talk about balance in what we will see today as we have explored many regions and now turn our attention to the distinct and sometimes unfamiliar culinary experiences from Nusa Tenggara. Nusa Tenggara is known for its incredible savannas and cultures, however, they also have culinary experiences that are not only versatile but incredibly creative. The traditional snacks in this area are not simply dormant recipes of baked goods, but rather manifestations of survival, storytelling, culture, and creatively using the land. Corn Catemak On our next trip to the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), we were served delicious dishes typical of this eastern region. Corn catemak is a staple food and is often served by the people of NTT for breakfast and special occasions. Because corn is known to thrive bet...

  Kue Laklak - A Bite of Bali's Divine Harmony (3) Welcome back to our delightful journey into Indonesia with traditional cakes! We have explored the tastes of Sumatra and the refined symbols of Java. Today, we are visiting the Island of the Gods, Bali, to discover a cake that is more than just a snack. You will be introduced to Kue Laklak, a small, sweet cake, with a big place in Balinese culture. Picture a small, fluffy pancake, soft and warm in texture, usually white with some green, lightly sprinkled with sweet coconut, and drizzled with a palm sugar sauce. Sounds good? The magic of Laklak is that it's not just food for your stomach, it's food for the soul, embodying a powerful message about the elements of the sacred and the everyday coexisting in a divine and ideal sweetness. A cake that originated as an offering to the gods. To understand Kue Laklak, you first have to understand that in Bali, food and faith are deeply connected. Laklak is one of the most authenti...

  The Soul of Java in Every Bite – Elegance, Symbolism, and Layered Meaning (2) Kue Lapis Legit Hello culinary enthusiasts! This trip will take you to Indonesian destinations that offer a variety of delicious and delicious cakes. Java, one of Indonesia’s largest islands, boasts simple yet philosophical cakes. These cakes symbolize richness and tenderness. Kue klepon is a typical Javanese cake, round and filled with liquid palm sugar. This cake symbolizes the simplicity of the diverse and varied Javanese people. We're starting with the "thousand-layer cake," which is especially closely associated with Semarang or the port city from Central Java. The Kue Lapis Legit from Semarang has all the history and flavor worthy of its royalty in name. Originating from the Dutch colonial days, it used to be called spekuk, adapted from stew that layered cake. The Javanese version stood out due to its base of vanilla cooking evoking the smells of valuable spices from the islands (cinnamo...

  A Journey into Sumatra's Sweet Soul (1) Hello food adventurers, we are going to explore Indonesian sweet treats! Yes, it’s the cake! To the first chapter of our exploration, we’re setting our sight to the island of Sumatra! The well-known island of its rich culinary and landscape will be the first stop of our journey. When it comes to Sumatran food, people always think about its fiery rendangs or nasi padang since it is very popular and easily found in all around Indonesia. However, prepare yourself to have sweeth tooth delighted treats from Sumatra! Forget about the western pastries if you’re used to the light buttery type of cake. This Sumatran cake will surprise you for its strong flavor and rich in fragrant. A great way to see this is by looking at two famous icons. Let’s get to know each of two iconic cakes from Sumatra! Bika ambon So, let's start our journey in the city called Medan. This city is located in North Sumatra, where one of the most famous cakes is Bika Ambon...