Discover a variety of unique and mouth-watering traditional Bengkulu foods, from cakes to snacks that are a must-try when visiting Bengkulu.
Bengkulu, which is known for its natural beauty and charming tourist attractions, also has a wealth of traditional culinary delights that are worth trying.
Bengkulu’s traditional food is famous for its unique taste and alluring deliciousness. Various traditional cakes and snacks are a special attraction for tourists who want to experience a different culinary sensation.
The following are some of the most famous traditional foods from Bengkulu that you must try when visiting.
1. Koja Cake
Bolu Koja is one of Bengkulu’s most popular cakes. This cake has a soft texture similar to brownies, with a green color that comes from pandan leaves and suji leaves.
What distinguishes Koja cake from other cakes is the use of white agar-agar which gives a savory sensation to every bite.
Typical Bengkulu Food, Koja cake is usually served without topping, but some cake makers add a touch of innovation by adding toppings to enrich the taste. The softness of the Koja cake can really be felt on the tongue, making this cake a favorite of many people when visiting Bengkulu.
2. Punai’s Stomach
Perut punai is a traditional cake from Bengkulu that resembles the stomach of a punai bird, hence its name. This cake has two flavor variations, namely original and sweet.
The crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside makes this cake very popular, especially as a typical Bengkulu souvenir.
For those visiting Bengkulu, punai stomach cake can be found in various souvenir shops. The price is also quite affordable, so this cake is often used as a souvenir for family and friends.
3. Lepek Binti
Lepek binti is a traditional Bengkulu snack made from sticky rice flour with a filling of spiced ground meat. This cake has a chewy texture and a savory taste. The lepek binti dough is wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed until cooked.
Lepek binti is often found in various traditional markets, especially during the month of Ramadan. If you want to taste the authentic deliciousness of lepek binti, one of the famous places to buy it is at Nenek Sita’s house in Lempuing Village, Bengkulu.
4. Dancing Flowers
Kembang goyang is a traditional snack from Bengkulu that you may have heard of. This cake is shaped like a flower and is called “kembang goyang” because the cake dough is shaken when fried. This cake is available in two flavors, sweet and plain, so you can choose according to your taste.
Kembang goyang is a snack that is usually served during celebrations or holidays. Its crunchy texture and mild taste make it a favorite of many.
5. Tat Cake
In the past, tat cake was only served to kings and nobles. However, now tat cake has become a cake that is easy to find in various shops in Bengkulu, especially during Eid al-Fitr. This cake has a soft texture with a tempting sweet and savory taste.
Tat cake is also available in a small size known as “kue anak tat”, which can be enjoyed as a light snack. With a delicious taste and soft texture, this cake is a must-try for lovers of traditional cuisine.
6. The pea
Bungkul is a sweet cake typical of Bengkulu which is often served as takjil during the month of Ramadan. This cake is made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed. Bungkul has a balanced sweet and savory taste, with a tempting pandan aroma.
At first glance, bungkul is similar to sumsum porridge, but what makes it different is its unique way of serving. Bungkul is perfect to eat in the afternoon, especially with a cup of warm tea.
7. Cucur Cake
Kue cucur may not be a foreign food for many people, but in Bengkulu, this cake is one of the traditional cakes that is often served at various events. Made from wheat flour and brown sugar, kue cucur has a soft texture and a sweet taste that is just right.
Cucur cake is usually served in the bridal proposal procession as a symbol of harmony. In addition, this cake is also easy to find in traditional markets at a very affordable price.
8. One Cake
Kue Satu is one of the dishes that must not be absent during Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha in Bengkulu. This cake is made from mashed green beans, then mixed with powdered sugar and other ingredients before being molded and baked.
One cake has a crunchy texture and a sweet taste, making it perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. This food is often a choice of souvenirs because it is easy to carry and lasts a long time.
9. Snail Cake
Snail cake gets its name because of its shape which resembles a snail. Made from wheat flour with a peanut filling, this cake is rolled into a snail shape before being baked until crispy. The taste varies, some are salty and some are sweet with brown sugar.
Snail cake is usually present at Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Bengkulu. If you want to taste it, this cake is widely sold in souvenir shops or food stalls in Bengkulu.
Bengkulu’s traditional cuisine offers many unique and delicious food choices that are worth trying. From soft koja sponge cake to crunchy snacks like snail cake, each food has a unique taste that is not easily forgotten.
Additionally, you can explore Typical Jambi Food, which offers its own culinary delights for a rich regional experience. If you visit Bengkulu, be sure to try these foods and bring them home as souvenirs for your loved ones!
