Find various Betawi specialties, from Biji Ketapang to Dodol Betawi, which are suitable as souvenirs for your family at home.
Betawi, which is the indigenous tribe of Jakarta, has a unique and diverse culinary wealth. Although some Betawi specialties are becoming rare, many of them still exist and are popular today, making them suitable as souvenirs when going home for Eid.
If you are looking for references for Betawi specialties as souvenirs for family or friends, here are 10 recommendations that you must try.
1. Ketapang Seeds
Ketapang seeds are one of Betawi’s favorite snacks that are often present during Eid celebrations. This small, oval-shaped cake has a crunchy texture with a savory taste, because it is made from a mixture of flour, grated coconut, and cheese.
It is called ketapang seeds because its shape resembles ketapang fruit seeds. Even though it looks simple, this cake is very suitable as a souvenir because of its delicious taste and long shelf life.
2. Crocodile Bread
Crocodile bread is known as a symbol of marriage in Betawi customs, but now this bread can also be used as a typical souvenir.
Although large crocodile bread is often used for traditional ceremonies, you don’t need to worry because many shops provide smaller crocodile bread as souvenirs.
This bread tends to have a bland taste, but its texture is soft and can last quite a long time, making it suitable as one of the Typical Jakarta Souvenirs. Its durability and unique cultural significance make it a memorable gift to bring home.
3. Dancing Flowers
Kembang goyang is a traditional Betawi snack that is shaped like a flower. Made from a mixture of rice flour, sago, and coconut milk, kembang goyang is fried until crispy and savory.
Now, there are various variants of kembang goyang flavors that are more modern, such as sweet, cheese, and pandan, which make it increasingly popular with the younger generation.
Kembang goyang is the right choice for souvenirs because it tastes crispy and can be enjoyed for a long time.
4. Pletok Beer
Although it is called beer, Bir Pletok is actually a traditional non-alcoholic drink typical of Betawi made from various spices, such as ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, and pandan leaves.
This drink is not only refreshing, but also has many health benefits, such as relieving migraines, maintaining digestion, and increasing endurance. As a souvenir, Bir Pletok is often sold in practical bottles that can be taken anywhere.
5. Betawi Dodol
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Dodol Betawi is one of the foods that is inseparable from big day celebrations in Jakarta, especially during Lebaran. Unlike dodol from other regions, Dodol Betawi uses Javanese sugar and coconut milk as its main ingredients.
This dodol has several flavor variants, such as black sticky rice, white sticky rice, and durian. Its distinctive sweet taste and chewy texture make Betawi dodol one of the favorite souvenir choices from Jakarta.
6. Geplak
Geplak is a traditional Betawi food made from rice flour with a dominant white and brown color. Its sweet taste and soft texture make geplak popular with many people.
This cake can last up to 3-7 days, even longer if stored in the refrigerator. Due to its durability, geplak is the right choice as a souvenir for the family at home.
7. Semprong
Semprong cake is a typical Betawi snack with a crunchy texture and a tempting sweet taste. Its various shapes, ranging from triangles, rectangles, to cylinders, make semprong look attractive.
Some variations of semprong are also filled with chocolate or green tea to attract more people. This cake is very suitable as a souvenir because besides its delicious taste, it also looks attractive.
8. Ape Cake
Kue Ape is a typical Betawi snack that is still widely sold on the roadside or in front of schools. This cake is thin with a slightly thick and soft center, and is green in color because it uses natural coloring from pandan.
Kue Ape usually has crispy edges, with a sweet taste that makes it popular with all ages. Now, there are many variants of contemporary Ape cake flavors, such as cheese, chocolate, and meises.
9. Mayang Shawl
Selendang Mayang is a refreshing drink typical of Betawi that is starting to be hard to find on the streets. This drink consists of a pink cake made from rice flour, served with coconut milk, syrup, and ice cubes.
Its sweet and refreshing taste is perfect to enjoy during hot weather. Es Selendang Mayang is also quite filling, making it the right choice as a dessert or snack when breaking the fast.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something to bring home, consider exploring various Typical Jogja Souvenirs for unique gifts.
10. Leker Cake
Kue Leker is a Betawi snack inspired by Dutch crepes. The name “Leker” itself is taken from Dutch which means “delicious”. Now, Kue Leker comes in various flavors, such as chocolate, cheese, strawberry, and green tea.
The texture is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, making this cake a favorite for everyone, and is very suitable as a souvenir because of its timeless deliciousness.
Betawi has a wealth of culinary delights that are not only delicious, but also have deep cultural meaning. By bringing these Betawi souvenirs, you are not only bringing home delicious food, but also a part of a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
So, when you go home or visit Jakarta, make sure you bring home these authentic and memorable Betawi souvenirs!
