Christmas in Indonesia is not only a religious moment, but also a time to celebrate togetherness in cultural and culinary diversity. Indonesians celebrate Christmas with a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the uniqueness and diversity of each region. Here are some appetizing Christmas specialties in Indonesia:
- Klapertart
Klapertart is a tart from Manado that is also a Dutch heritage, and is often served at Christmas. It is made from grated coconut, condensed milk, and various other ingredients that give it a sweet and savory taste. Its soft and melt-in-the-mouth texture makes klapertart a favorite dish of many. In addition to flavor and texture, klapertart also has a fragrant aroma because the top is sprinkled with ground cinnamon and raisins.
- Bagea
Bagea is a traditional cake from Maluku that is usually served during Christmas celebrations. Bagea cake is made from sago flour mixed with brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon and has a sweet taste and a slightly hard texture when bitten. In addition, bagea cake is also often mixed with various nuts such as cashews, walnuts and peanuts. One way to enjoy this Bagea cake is by dipping it into warm drinks such as coffee and tea.
- Lampu-lampu Cake
Besides Klapertart, Manado also has another Christmas specialty, kue lampu-lampu, which is made from rice flour, coconut cream, and suji leaves. After mixing, the dough is then molded in a container made of pandan leaves. After that, brown sugar that has been mashed on top of the dough is given.
- Lapet Cake
The typical Christmas cake this time comes from the Batak tribe in North Sumatra, called lapet cake. Lapet cake is made from simple ingredients such as boiled white sticky rice then compacted with grated coconut filling, which is then baked until cooked and wrapped using banana leaves. Apart from being served at Christmas, lapet cake is also often served during certain events in Batak culture, including traditional parties and weddings. Overall, lapet cake has symbolic value and deep social meaning in Batak culture.
Christmas in Indonesia is not only a time of togetherness and religious celebration, but also a celebration of the culinary richness that exists in each region. Every Christmas dish in Indonesia reflects the diversity and cultural richness that makes it special. Enjoy and celebrate Christmas with the warmth and deliciousness of every Indonesian dish!
