Get to know typical Southeast Sulawesi snacks from Bagea to delicious Salak Juice which are perfect as souvenirs when visiting Kendari!
Southeast Sulawesi is not only famous for its stunning natural tourism, but also for its culinary riches that offer distinctive and unique flavors.
You can enjoy a variety of traditional snacks, either as a snack when relaxing or as a special souvenir. Here are eight typical Southeast Sulawesi snacks that you must try.
1. Bagea
Bagea is a typical snack made from sago flour, this dry cake is known for its slightly hard but soft texture when chewed. Bagea usually has a distinctive sweet taste and the aroma is even more delicious with the addition of walnuts or peanuts.
The process of making bagea is quite complicated because it requires quality sago flour that is processed until smooth.
This cake is often used as a souvenir because of its durability, making it suitable for those of you who want to bring home a little taste of Typical Southeast Sulawesi Food.
2. Epe Banana
Pisang Epe is a simple snack that is very popular, especially in the Southeast Sulawesi region. Banana kepok that is half-baked and then flattened is the characteristic of banana Epe.
Generally, banana Epe is served with a drizzle of liquid brown sugar which gives a sweet and legit taste to this snack.
Now, you can find variations of banana Epe with various toppings, such as chocolate and cheese, to add to the flavor. Epe bananas are suitable as an afternoon snack or delicious dessert.
3. Karasi
Karasi, also known as “hair cake” or roti jala, is a snack made from a mixture of rice flour, wheat flour, sugar, and vanilla. Its shape resembles a thin net or small weave, with a crunchy texture and a tempting sweet taste.
Karasi is perfect served with a cup of coffee or tea to accompany your relaxing time. With its unique shape and delicious taste, karasi is often used as a souvenir for tourists visiting Kendari.
4. The road
Jalangkote is often mistaken for pastel because of its similar shape, but this typical Southeast Sulawesi snack has a thinner skin and a distinctive filling.
Usually, jalangkote is filled with a mixture of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, vermicelli, and bean sprouts. This dish is even more delicious when enjoyed with chili sauce or hot sauce.
Jalangkote is popular during Ramadan as a dish to break the fast, but you can also enjoy it anytime as a filling snack.
5. Kambewe
Kambewe is a snack made from a mixture of young corn, grated coconut, and brown sugar, which is then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. This traditional cake has a natural sweet taste from corn and brown sugar, as well as a distinctive aroma.
Usually, Kambewe is served at family events or special celebrations, but now many tourists buy it as a souvenir. The simple but meaningful process of making Kambewe makes a delicious snack rich in tradition.
6. Chocolate Cashew
Southeast Sulawesi has land that is suitable for growing cashew nuts, so it is not surprising that cashew chocolate is one of the typical snacks of this region.
Cashew chocolate is made using high-quality local cashew seeds, combined with chocolate to create a delicious and nutritious snack.
This product is made without preservatives and is processed traditionally, resulting in chocolate that has a unique and distinctive taste. Cashew chocolate can be a suitable souvenir choice for family and friends.
7. Lapa-lapa
Lapa-lapa is a typical food of Southeast Sulawesi made from salted and dried fish. The process of making it involves cutting the fish into small pieces, then salting and drying it until dry and crispy.
After that, this fish can be processed again with various spices according to taste. Lapa-lapa has a savory taste and can be eaten directly or as a side dish.
With its distinctive taste, lapa-lapa is often taken home as a souvenir for tourists who want to taste the delicious culinary delights of Southeast Sulawesi.
8. Snake Fruit Juice
Salak juice is a refreshing drink typical of Southeast Sulawesi, especially during hot weather. The salak used is different from the usual salak type, because it comes from a local salak tree that grows seasonally.
Salak juice has a combination of sweet, sour, and slightly astringent flavors that create a unique taste. You can find salak juice at shops or beverage stalls around Southeast Sulawesi, and its refreshing taste makes it perfect as a thirst quencher after a day of activities.
Southeast Sulawesi does indeed have a wealth of culinary delights that are worth trying. From snacks like Bagea and Karasi to refreshing drinks like Salak Juice, these typical snacks bring a unique touch that represents the rich culture and distinctive taste of the region.
Don’t forget to try these snacks when visiting Kendari or bring them home as souvenirs for family and friends. Enjoy the delicious culinary delights of Typical West Sulawesi Food and savor the unique flavors of the region!