What Pudding Actually Means in Different Countries

For those of you who enjoy searching pudding recipes from all around the world, perhaps it is no surprise for you to know that a pudding can actually mean so many different things. Yes, it turns out that the term “pudding” can indeed refer to a variety of foods with different shapes and textures in each country or continent. In fact, it can be so different to the point that some people actually call sausages a pudding! Isn’t it wild? Well, time to explore the actual meaning of the term pudding in different countries.

1. Great Britain (UK)

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Historically speaking, Britain was the originator of the term ‘pudding’. Pudding in Great Britain can refer to any kind of boiled or steamed dish which is often served as a dessert. That’s why pudding’s shape and flavor there can vary. While some look like steamed cakes, some puddings are more mushy like rice puddings. Several types of pudding in England even have a savory taste, such as red pudding or black pudding, which is technically a sausage! Meanwhile, the pudding that most Indonesians know in general is more often referred to as ‘custard’ in the UK.

2. Indonesia

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In Indonesia, the term pudding refers more to sweet dishes with a dense and chewy texture. Pudding in Indonesia is usually served with vla sauce or traditional sauce, such as with grated coconut or brown sugar sauce. The meaning of pudding in Indonesia, however, is often confused with the term agar. That’s why it is not uncommon for us to hear the term ‘pudding agar-agar’. To clear things up, pudding is actually made from agar that has been mixed with other ingredients, such as milk or eggs.

3. United States

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The most universal meaning of pudding perhaps comes from the United States. Overall, pudding in the United States means a dessert that has a sweet taste. However, did you know that there, the most popular type of pudding turns out to be more creamy with a very thick texture? This pudding, also known as ‘custard’, is usually made of milk, eggs, and gelatin. Besides the creamy ones, there is also one that’s called a milk pudding that is a little chewy and soft.

4. Japan

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In general, what pudding means in Japan is almost the same as in Indonesia. In Japan, when people hear the word pudding, most of them will refer to a special dish called purin. The texture of this pudding is much softer than the ordinary agar. This dish was introduced to Japanese people during the Meiji Restoration, and after the end of the world war, purin became one of the must-have desserts that were mass-produced in Japan.

5. Middle East

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In the Middle East, the term pudding also has a different meaning. The type of pudding there is closer to what Indonesians call rice pudding. Pudding in the Middle East is usually made from a mixture of rice or wheat with milk. The texture is not as dense as pudding that we generally know in Indonesia. Texture-wise, it is more like a porridge, but with a sweet taste and is usually served with a sprinkling of cinnamon or peanuts to add more flavor.

6. Africa

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In the southern African continent, especially in South Africa, the term pudding refers more to a lightly textured sponge cake. And,  you know what? This type of pudding is actually baked and served hot! This is in contrast to several countries in the central and western parts of the African continent. There, the term pudding refers more to sweet, mushy foods, such as what we call rice pudding. These dishes are usually made of fermented wheat and milk.

So, now you’ve already known the actual meaning of pudding in different countries. No need to confuse yourself if you want to try pudding recipes from certain countries. Just choose one or all! Any kind of pudding is easily made at home with Pondan Pudding Flan or Pondan Pudding Masak. Some, come try to make it yourself, and follow our complete recipe at @kreasipondanid and YouTube Emang Gampang!

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Sources:

Vox

Tokyo Creative

Mental Floss

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