Traditional Food from Bengkulu That You Must Try
Get to know a variety of mouth-watering traditional Bengkulu foods, from sweet cakes to crunchy snacks that you must try when you are in Bengkulu.
Bengkulu not only captivates tourists with its natural beauty and unique tourist attractions, but also with its unique culinary riches.
Traditional Bengkulu food is known to have a unique, appetizing taste and is rich in cultural heritage. If you are looking for a different culinary sensation when visiting, try these tempting traditional Bengkulu foods.
Here are some Traditional Bengkulu Foods that you must try to complete your culinary experience.
1. Koja Cake
Bolu Koja is one of Bengkulu’s iconic cakes that must be tried. This cake is known for its soft texture and sweet taste produced from a combination of pandan and agar-agar.
The distinctive green color of bolu koja comes from pandan leaves and suji leaves, which provide an authentic aroma and taste.
At first glance, bolu koja is similar to the typical Palembang bolu, but the addition of agar-agar gives a different savory sensation in every bite.
The softness of Koja cake which resembles brownies makes it a favorite snack for many people. Some modern variations even serve it with additional toppings to enrich the flavor.
2. Punai’s Stomach
Perut punai is a unique cake that resembles the belly of a punai bird, hence its name. This cake is available in two flavors: the original savory flavor and the sweet, legit variant.
With a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, Perut punai is a favorite snack choice for locals and tourists alike.
This cake is easy to find in various souvenir shops in Bengkulu and is one of the typical souvenirs that tourists often take home. Its affordable price also makes the punai stomach popular as a delicious and economical souvenir.
3. Lepek Binti
Lepek binti is a traditional Bengkulu cake made from a mixture of sticky rice flour and coconut milk. This cake has a filling of seasoned ground meat, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. The texture is chewy with a savory taste, making it a snack that many people like.
Lepek binti is very popular during the month of Ramadan and is often served as a dish to break the fast. You can find this cake in traditional markets, or if you are looking for an authentic taste, you can visit Nenek Sita’s house in Lempuing Village, Bengkulu.
4. Dancing Flowers
Kembang goyang is a traditional Bengkulu snack that is shaped like a flower. This cake is called kembang goyang because the dough is shaken when fried, producing a beautiful flower shape. This snack is available in two flavors, sweet and plain.
Its crunchy and light taste makes kembang goyang often used as a dish at celebrations or holidays. Apart from its attractive shape, its crunchy texture also makes this cake a favorite for many people to enjoy as a casual snack.
5. Tat Cake
Tat Cake is one of Bengkulu’s typical foods that has a long history. In the past, this cake was only served to kings and nobles. But now, this cake can be enjoyed by everyone and is often found in shops during Eid al-Fitr.
This cake has a soft texture with a harmonious sweet and savory taste. Tat cake is also available in a small version called anak tat cake, suitable for light snacks. With a rich taste, this cake is one of the typical foods that must be tried when visiting Bengkulu.
6. The pea
Bungkul is one of Bengkulu’s sweet foods that is much sought after during the month of Ramadan. Made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk, bungkul is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked.
The sweet taste of palm sugar blends perfectly with the savory taste of coconut milk, creating a very distinctive taste.
Kue bungkul is similar to bubur sumsum, but the difference lies in the way it is served. Coconut milk and rice flour dough are placed on top of palm sugar, then wrapped and steamed, giving a very unique combination of flavors.
7. Cucur Cake
Kue cucur is a traditional cake that is familiar in many regions in Indonesia, including Bengkulu. Made from wheat flour and brown sugar, this cake has a soft texture and a distinctive sweetness. In Bengkulu, kue cucur is often served at bridal engagement events as a symbol of harmony.
Cucur cakes are also easy to find in traditional markets at very affordable prices, making them a popular snack among local people.
8. One Cake
Kue Satu is a traditional food that is always present during the celebration of holidays in Bengkulu. Made from mashed green beans and mixed with powdered sugar, this cake has a crunchy texture and just the right amount of sweetness .
This cake is also often used as a souvenir because it is easy to carry and lasts a long time. This cake is usually served with tea or coffee, making it the perfect snack to accompany your relaxing time.
9. Snail Cake
Photo: Facebook/Ayu Wahyuni https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029933418624
Snail cake is a crunchy snack typical of Bengkulu which gets its name because its shape resembles a snail. Made from wheat flour with a peanut filling, this cake is rolled into a snail shape before being baked until crispy.
This cake is available in sweet flavors with brown sugar or salty, depending on taste. Snail cake is often served during Eid al-Fitr and is a favorite snack that you can find in souvenir shops in Bengkulu.
Bengkulu offers a variety of traditional foods that are not only delicious, but also have high historical and cultural value. In addition to Bengkulu’s delicacies, you can also explore Typical Jambi Food, which has its own unique taste and cultural richness.
From soft bolu koja to crunchy snail cake, each dish reflects the richness of local flavors and traditions. So, when visiting Bengkulu, make sure you try these foods and bring them home as souvenirs for your beloved family and friends.
