Discover authentic flavours in a range of Malay cakes, from the soft kue bangkit to the savoury kue dangai, all reflecting a rich culinary tradition.
The richness of Malay cuisine lies not only in the main dishes, but also in the array of mouth-watering traditional cakes.
These cakes have unique flavors and are full of cultural meaning, reflecting local traditions passed down from generation to generation. From sweet to savory treats, here are 10 Malay cakes you should try.
1. Rising Cake
Kue bangkit is one of the icons of Malay cuisine, especially during Lebaran celebrations. This dry cake has a sweet taste with a crumbly texture that melts in the mouth.
Made from starch, sugar, and eggs, bangkit cake is baked until it produces a distinctive aroma. This cake is easily found in souvenir shops in Riau and is a popular choice as a light snack or souvenir.
2. Sagon Cake
Sagon cake is a traditional snack made from sago flour, grated coconut, and sugar. This mixture is compacted, then burned to produce a tempting caramel aroma.
Sagon cake has a hard texture on the outside but melts inside. This snack is best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Nowadays, sagon cake is also often found at traditional culinary exhibitions.
3. Malay Onion Cake
Malay onion cake is a savory snack that is often present during Eid. Made from a mixture of wheat flour, fried onions, coconut milk, and celery, this cake has a distinctive aroma and crunchy texture.
One of the most famous onion cakes comes from Rengat, which is often made into a typical souvenir. The savory taste makes this cake popular with everyone and a delightful introduction to Typical Malay Food.
4. Kembang Goyang Cake
Kembang goyang cake is shaped like beautiful flower petals. Made from sticky rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and sesame, this cake is fried using a special mold to produce a very crispy texture.
This snack is often served at traditional events or big days, with a sweet and savory taste that is perfect to accompany a cup of warm tea.
5. Semprong Cake
Semprong cake is a traditional cake with various names in different regions, such as seupet in Aceh and curuti in Gorontalo. Made from rice flour, sugar, eggs, coconut milk, and butter, this cake has a distinctive crunchy texture.
They come in a variety of shapes, from long cylinders to triangles, and are perfect as an everyday snack or a treat for special occasions.
6. Rasidah Cake
Rasidah cake presents a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. Made from wheat flour, sugar, shallots, and oil, this cake is topped with crispy fried onions.
This cake is often served at traditional events and is made into a typical souvenir. Its various shapes, such as roses or hearts, add to its visual appeal.
7. Dangai Cake
Kue dangai, also known as kue dange, has a savory flavor from grated coconut and white glutinous rice flour. Some variants add brown sugar filling for a delicious sweet taste.
This cake is cooked using a special mold on a stove, creating a tempting aroma. Unfortunately, dangai cakes are starting to become rare on the market, although they can still be made at home with simple ingredients.
8. Raden Galo Cake
Raden Galo cake, also known as sticky rice cake or serimuka cake, is made from sticky rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Its sweet taste and soft texture make it popular as a morning snack or tea time companion.
This cake is often present during Ramadan or family events, making it an important part of Malay culinary tradition.
9. Flower Pan Cake
Kue kembang tinta, similar to kue kembang goyang, has an attractive flower-like shape. Made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, this cake is fried until perfectly crispy.
This cake is often served during traditional events or as a light snack every day. Its sweet and savory taste makes it a favorite among many people.
10. Dangai Cake
Dangai cake presents a distinctive deliciousness from simple ingredients such as grated coconut, white sticky rice flour, and sugar. The cooking process using a mold on a stove creates an authentic taste and tempting aroma.
This cake is best enjoyed warm, especially when served as a treat at traditional events or big days.
Malay cakes are not only delicious but also rich in stories and traditions. From the crumbly kue bangkit to the savory kue dangai, every bite brings a unique and authentic taste experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste or try making these cakes at home, and experience the uniqueness of Malay cuisine that is full of meaning, along with exploring the rich flavors of Typical Batak Food.
