Where Did Indonesia’s Cakes Come From? This is the Complete History

There are many types of cakes that you can find in Indonesia. There are cookies, cakes, sponge cakes, and many more. But do you know, the habit of eating and making real cakes is not entirely the original tradition of this country? Then how can the history of delicious cakes and various kinds get to Indonesia?

History of Cakes in Indonesia

The history of cakes in Indonesia began since this country became the main traffic lane for world trade centuries ago. The arrival of migrants on Indonesian earth has not only presented a variety of elegance to the traditions and culture of this nation, but also in terms of its cuisine. Sugar commodity, which became excellent at that time was thought to be the beginning of how cakes from various parts of the world then entered Indonesia.

Kue Sengkulun, salah satu kue tradisional Indonesia yang mendapat pengaruh dari Tiongkok - [ via freepik.com ] — Kue Sengkulun, salah satu kue tradisional Indonesia yang mendapat pengaruh dari Tiongkok – [ via freepik.com ]

Cakes which until now are present in Indonesia actually have a lot of influence from outside. Traditional cakes, for example, are said to have received a lot of influence from Chinese culture. This can be seen from the ingredients that the average uses rice flour. In fact, the word cake itself comes from the absorption word Hokkien 粿 (read: koé).

Kue Semprong, diadaptasi dari resep Belanda - [ via freepik.com ] — Kue Semprong, diadaptasi dari resep Belanda – [ via freepik.com ]

As for cakes made from wheat flour, this custom begins with how to cook European style. Wheat as the main ingredient in making flour is not a plant that can grow in Indonesia, as well as the habit of processing and cooking it, which is not native to Indonesia. The era of trade and European colonialism was the forerunner to the customary process of wheat and its derivatives in Indonesia, including baking.

Variety of Cakes in Indonesia

The history of cakes in Indonesia, which began centuries ago, has left a large influence on the diversity of cakes that are present in Indonesia today. Cake in Indonesia generally refers to a type of snacks or snack that usually has a sweet or savory taste. As for the types vary greatly, ranging from the traditional to the current trendy.

Gethuk Lindri, kue tradisional Indonesia yang terbuat dari singkong, gula, dan kelapa parut - [ via freepik.com ] — Gethuk Lindri, kue tradisional Indonesia yang terbuat dari singkong, gula, dan kelapa parut – [ via freepik.com ]

Indonesian traditional cakes are generally made from ingredients such as rice flour, sticky rice flour, sago, or tubers. Indonesian traditional cakes have their own characteristics in each region, and also often have philosophical meaning. As the meaning in the use of sticky rice for example, sticky sticky nature symbolizes the culture of gathering and attachment between siblings. As for examples of various traditional Indonesian cakes include Bingka Cakes, Mangkok Cakes, Gethuk, Klepon, Bugis Cakes, Talam Cakes, etc.

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In addition to traditional cakes there are also other types of cakes such as sponge cakes, pastries and various pastries. These cookies made from flour are arguably more modern because they have only just entered Indonesia in the last few centuries. Although starting from the outside, as the times evolved, many of the cakes are then transformed into a typical cake with regional identity. Examples such as Lapis Legit Cake, Surabaya Lapis Cake, Bandung Bolen, Malang Strudel Pai, Klappertaart, Lekker Cake, Panada, etc.

Kue Lapis Legit yang mendapat pengaruh dari Belanda - [ via freepik.com ] — Kue Lapis Legit yang mendapat pengaruh dari Belanda – [ via freepik.com ]

The long journey of the history of cakes in Indonesia is always interesting to watch. Well for mom & sis who also want to taste the delights of Indonesian specialties at home, Pondan also has special offerings for you. By using premix flour ready-made cakes from Pondan, you can be creative in making your favorite cakes easily. Practical and without complicated. Get a variety of Pondan products of your choice on the Pondan website or by visiting your favorite e-commerce. Let’s be creative with Pondan!