Explore Papua’s culinary and handicraft specialties with unique souvenirs such as shredded abon rolls, lontar cakes, and exotic batik motifs that are perfect to take home.
Papua is not only a natural tourist paradise, but also a center for unique souvenirs that offers a wealth of culinary and typical crafts that are not found anywhere else.
From traditional food to batik with exotic motifs, Papua has a variety of souvenirs that are perfect to take home. Here is a list of typical Papuan souvenirs that must be on your shopping list when visiting this beautiful island in eastern Indonesia.
1. Abon Roll
Abon gulung is a bread filled with shredded beef with a touch of mayonnaise which adds a savory taste. Made by Hawai Bakery, Papuan rolled abon is famous for its soft texture and rich shredded taste.
Its unique taste makes this abon roll often a favorite souvenir. You can find abon roll in various cities in Papua, such as Jayapura, Timika, Biak, and Nabire, even available at local airports.
2. Lontar Cake
Kue lontar, similar to Balinese milk pie, is a sweet treat made from eggs, sugar, flour, and milk that creates a soft texture and a rich taste.
The cake is served in a lontar leaf mold, which gives it a distinctive aroma and texture. Lontar cake is perfect to enjoy while relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee and is a special choice of souvenir from Papua.
3. Taro Chips
Made from thinly sliced taro tubers, taro chips are a crunchy snack with a savory, sweet, and spicy flavor. These chips are processed with garlic, salt, and chili seasonings that add a delicious sensation.
The authentic taste of taro chips makes it one of the most popular choices of Papuan souvenirs, perfect to enjoy on the go or as a snack at home. Be sure to also try other Typical Papua Food for a complete experience of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
4. Ant Nest
The ant nest plant is known as a herbal plant that is beneficial for health. The labyrinths inside this plant house ant colonies, hence the name “ant nest.” Ant nests are believed to have benefits such as helping to treat cancer, rheumatism, and heart problems.
Various products made from ant nests are available in capsule or extract form, making them easy to carry as health souvenirs.
5. Papuan Batik
Apart from areas in Java, Papua also has batik with unique characteristics. Papuan batik motifs reflect the richness of local culture, such as the Asmat, Cendrawasih, and Tifa motifs, which are symbols of Papua’s natural wealth and traditions.
Papuan batik is a special souvenir for fashion and craft lovers. Suitable as a gift or personal collection that reflects the beauty of Papuan culture.
6. Bagea Cake
Bagea cake is made from sago flour and walnuts with a fairly hard texture but sweet and legit. Wrapped in banana leaves, this cake is often enjoyed by dipping it in tea or coffee to make the texture softer.
Bagea is popular in eastern Indonesia, including Papua, Maluku, and North Sulawesi. Its distinctive taste makes bagea cake a popular souvenir.
7. Papuan Sago Flour
Papua is famous for its sago palm, which is the main source of sago flour in the region. Sago flour from Papua has a smooth texture and is low in sugar, making it safe for consumption by diabetics.
In addition, sago is known to be useful for preventing stomach problems and providing a long-lasting feeling of fullness. From sago flour, you can make dishes such as papeda, sago lempeng, or grilled sago, all of which have a distinctive Papuan taste.
8. Papua Coffee
Papua is also famous for its high-quality coffee, especially the Arabica variety that grows in the highlands with a fertile climate.
Papuan coffee has a complex and aromatic taste, with a little sweetness and just the right amount of acidity. This coffee is ideal as a souvenir for coffee lovers. Several local brands serve typical Papuan organic coffee in practical packaging that you can take home.
9. Sago Martabak
Martabak sago is a typical Papuan sweet snack made from sago as the main ingredient. Its tempting sweet taste makes it one of the favorite foods in Papua.
This martabak is usually topped with toppings such as chocolate, cheese, nuts, or bananas, which add to its deliciousness. The unique texture of sago martabak is perfect to enjoy as an afternoon snack or breakfast.
10. Sago Plate
Sago lempeng is a typical Papuan white bread made from sago and has a hard texture with a bland taste. This food is similar to crackers and is usually dipped in water, tea, coffee, or fish sauce to soften it.
The process of making it uses a traditional Papuan tool called forna, which is made of clay. Sago lempeng has a flat or rectangular shape and is a simple souvenir choice but rich in local flavor.
Visiting Papua without bringing souvenirs feels incomplete. Various typical Papuan souvenirs not only present unique tastes and textures, but also reflect the culture and traditions of the region.
From culinary delights such as shredded abon gulung, lontar cake, to taro chips, to Papuan batik crafts with exotic motifs, Papua has a variety of souvenirs ready to accompany your journey home.
Make sure to taste or buy these typical souvenirs as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones, because bringing home a piece of Papua is the best way to remember the beauty of its nature and culture.
Don’t forget to try Typical West Papua Food for an authentic culinary experience that captures the essence of the region.
