Explore the uniqueness of Maluku’s typical snacks such as rujak natsepa, grilled sago talam, and sambal colo-colo which present an unforgettable taste from the land of Maluku.
A trip to Maluku is not complete without tasting the unique and flavorful snacks. These snacks illustrate the richness of local cuisine and offer a taste experience that is different from other regions in Indonesia. Here is a list of Maluku snacks that you must try when visiting.
1. Natsepa Fruit Salad
Rujak Natsepa is one of the iconic dishes from Natsepa Beach. This fruit salad offers a unique combination of fruits such as kedondong, cucumber, papaya, pineapple, and not forgetting the nutmeg typical of Maluku.
The rujak sauce made from brown sugar and fried peanuts adds a sweet-savory touch that blends perfectly with the freshness of the fruit. Enjoying this rujak on the edge of Natsepa Beach with a gentle breeze is an unforgettable experience that is a must try.
2. Fried Bananas
Pisang Asar is a typical Maluku grilled banana that uses plantain as its main ingredient. After being grilled, this banana has a soft texture and a distinctive natural sweet taste.
Pisang Asar is usually served warm and is perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. The simple pleasure of slow-roasted bananas creates a special relaxing experience.
3. Grilled Sago Talam
Talam Sagu Bakar is a traditional cake from Ambon made from sago. Its sweet taste comes from a mixture of walnuts and brenebon nuts typical of Maluku.
This cake has a soft texture and rich taste, combining sweet and savory pleasures that are very alluring. Talam Sagu Bakar is the right choice for those of you who want to enjoy traditional sweet snacks from Typical Maluku Food.
4. Colo-Colo Chili Sauce
Sambal Colo-Colo is a fresh sambal typical of Maluku that is perfect for those of you who like spicy flavors. This sambal is made from sliced shallots, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, and celery leaves, then given lime juice to add acidity.
The spicy and fresh sensation makes this chili sauce suitable as a complement to various seafood dishes or as a dip that makes eating even more delicious.
5. Asida Cake
Asida Cake is a sweet cake that is usually served during Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Maluku. Its shape is similar to dodol, but its main ingredients are wheat flour, sugar, and butter which give it a chewy texture and a distinctive sweet taste.
This cake has a fragrant aroma and is suitable to be enjoyed as a snack on various occasions, making it a unique and delicious choice of Maluku snacks.
6. Bagea Cake
Bagea cake is a traditional cake made from sago which has a crunchy texture and savory taste. This cake is usually enjoyed by dipping it in tea or coffee to make it softer.
Bagea cake has an authentic and slightly sweet taste, very suitable to be enjoyed as a friend to drink coffee or tea in the morning and afternoon.
7. Canary Leaf
Halua Kenari is a typical Maluku snack made from walnuts coated with palm sugar. This snack has a crunchy and sweet texture that is perfect to be enjoyed anytime.
Because it is durable and does not go stale easily, Halua Kenari is often used as a souvenir to be brought home by tourists who want to bring home the typical taste of Maluku.
8. Sago Plate
Sago Lempeng is a white bread made from sago and has a slightly hard texture. Usually, this bread is dipped in water, tea, or fish sauce before being enjoyed to make it softer.
Although also popular in Papua, sago lempeng is one of the staple foods of the Maluku people and can be found in various traditional markets there. Its simple yet rich traditional taste makes sago lempeng unique and worth a try.
9. Sago Sugar
Sago Gula is a sweet snack typical of Maluku made from sago mixed with grated coconut and palm sugar, then cooked on a stove.
The sweet taste of palm sugar and the savory taste of coconut blend perfectly in this simple snack. Sago Gula is a perfect snack to enjoy while walking around Ambon or as a relaxing companion in the afternoon.
10. Husband
In Maluku, you will find a unique snack called Suami. Made from grated sweet potato, Suami cake has a distinctive sweet taste and a fairly chewy texture.
Although the name is unique, the taste of this cake is very special and is suitable to be enjoyed as an everyday snack. Husband is usually served with the addition of grated coconut which enriches the sweet taste.
Visiting Maluku without tasting its typical snacks feels incomplete. Each of these typical snacks offers unique flavors and textures that are not easily found in other regions.
Starting from the sweet and savory sensation of grilled sago talam to the spiciness of sambal colo-colo, Maluku snacks provide deep culinary memories.
Typical North Maluku Food, including souvenirs from Maluku such as halua kenari or asida cake, are also suitable to be given to family and friends.
Not only does it offer a delicious taste, this typical Maluku snack also reflects the rich history and traditions of the Maluku people. So, make sure to try these local snacks when you visit Maluku, so you can take home a piece of the taste memories of the enchanting land of Maluku.