10 Typical Betawi Foods That You Must Bring Home as Souvenirs When You Go Home!
From Ketapang Seeds to Betawi Dodol, find a variety of delicious Betawi souvenirs that are perfect to take home for your family.
Betawi, the indigenous people of the Jakarta area, has a rich and unique culinary heritage. Although some Betawi specialties are becoming difficult to find, many still survive and are favorite choices for tourists and local residents.
If you are looking for souvenirs to take home when you go home, here are 10 typical Betawi foods that you shouldn’t miss. Every bite of this food presents a distinctive taste that depicts the diversity of Betawi culture.
1. Ketapang Seeds
Ketapang seeds are a typical Betawi snack that is usually present during Eid celebrations, but you can enjoy them all year round. This cake has a crunchy texture and a small oval shape, resembling the seeds of the ketapang tree.
Made from a mixture of flour, grated coconut, and cheese, ketapang seeds offer a savory taste that is addictive. This cake is very suitable as a souvenir because it lasts a long time and is easy to carry anywhere. Its practical packaging makes it ideal as a souvenir when going home for Eid.
2. Crocodile Bread
Typical Jakarta Souvenirs, Crocodile Bread is a bread that is very identical to Betawi traditional wedding traditions. This bread symbolizes loyalty and eternity in marriage.
Although known for its large size, you don’t need to worry because now many shops sell mini versions as souvenirs. This bread has a soft texture but tastes a little bland, but its advantage is that it lasts a long time, making it suitable as a souvenir.
3. Dancing Flowers
Kembang Goyang is a traditional Betawi cake that is shaped like a flower. This cake is made from a mixture of rice flour, sago, and coconut milk, then fried until crispy. Its savory taste with a touch of sweetness makes it a favorite of many people.
Now, kembang goyang comes with flavors such as cheese and pandan which are increasingly popular with the younger generation. Besides its delicious taste, this cake also lasts a long time, making it suitable as a unique souvenir.
4. Pletok Beer
Bir Pletok is a typical Betawi drink made from spices such as ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass, and pandan leaves. Although called “beer”, this drink does not contain any alcohol at all. The warm taste of the spices makes it perfect to enjoy at night.
Besides being refreshing, Bir Pletok is also believed to have many health benefits, such as relieving headaches and improving digestion. You can make it as a souvenir in the form of a practical and durable bottle packaging.
5. Betawi Dodol
Dodol Betawi is one of the traditional foods that is often present during big celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr. This dodol has a chewy texture and a distinctive sweet taste, because it uses Javanese sugar and coconut milk as its main ingredients.
Some popular flavors include black sticky rice, white sticky rice, and durian. Dodol Betawi is suitable as a souvenir because it can last for a long time and can be enjoyed by all ages .
6. Geplak
Geplak is a traditional Betawi food made from rice flour mixed with sugar and grated coconut. This cake is famous for its bright and striking colors, such as white and brown.
Its soft texture and distinctive sweet taste make geplak a snack that many people like. Geplak can last for several days, so it is suitable to be taken home as a souvenir for the family at home.
7. Semprong
Semprong Cake is one of the traditional Betawi cakes that is often served at special events. This cake is shaped like a cylinder or triangle roll with a crunchy texture.
Its sweet and savory taste makes semprong a perfect snack to enjoy in the afternoon. Some new innovations in semprong cakes include chocolate or green tea fillings that add to the deliciousness and appeal of this snack as a souvenir.
8. Ape Cake
Kue Ape is a Betawi snack that is easy to find on the roadside, especially around schools or markets. This cake is thin with a thicker, softer center and crispy edges. It is usually green in color because it uses pandan as a natural dye.
In addition to the original variant, ape cake is now also available in various contemporary flavors such as cheese and chocolate. Therefore, ape cake is very suitable as a souvenir for family, especially children.
9. Mayang Shawl
Selendang Mayang is a Betawi iced drink made from rice flour processed into a pink chewy cake. This ice is served with a mixture of coconut milk, syrup, and ice cubes, creating a fresh and sweet taste that is perfect to enjoy during hot weather.
Es Selendang Mayang is quite filling, so it can be used as a snack or dessert after lunch. Even though it is now starting to be difficult to find, this drink remains a favorite and is suitable as a unique souvenir.
10. Leker Cake
Kue Leker is a local version of crepes originating from the Netherlands. This cake has a crunchy texture on the outside but soft on the inside, with a delicious taste and various variants, such as chocolate, cheese, and green tea.
The name “Leker” itself comes from Dutch which means “delicious” or “tasty”. Therefore, leker cake is not only delicious but also has historical value that makes it even more interesting to be used as a souvenir.
Betawi holds many culinary heritages that are delicious and full of cultural meaning. In addition to Betawi specialties, you can also explore Typical Jogja Souvenirs to bring home unique and traditional gifts.
Bringing home Betawi souvenirs not only brings sweet memories, but also introduces traditional culinary heritage to those closest to you. Make sure you try these various Betawi specialties to complete your homecoming experience!
