Find a variety of authentic and mouth-watering Batak souvenirs, from traditional cakes to snacks full of stories and traditions.
The uniqueness of Batak culture is not only reflected in its customs, but also in the richness of its culinary specialties.
Each traditional Batak food has an authentic taste and a story behind it, making it a perfect choice for souvenirs when visiting North Sumatra. The following is a complete review of 10 typical Batak souvenirs that you must bring home to your family and friends.
1. Poul-Poul Duck
Itak Poul-Poul is a traditional cake typical of the Mandailing Batak people which has a unique shape resembling a fist. The name “itak” refers to flour, while “poul” means fist.
Made from rice flour mixed with grated coconut and fine brown sugar, this cake has a sweet taste with a soft texture.
This cake is often served at traditional events such as weddings, births, or as a treat for guests. You can find itak poul-poul in various traditional markets or Batak souvenir shops in North Sumatra.
2. Lampet
Lampet, also known as lapet, is a typical Batak cake in the shape of a triangle wrapped in banana leaves. This cake is made from a mixture of rice flour, grated coconut, and liquid brown sugar as a filling.
The distinctive aroma of banana leaves adds to the delicious taste of the sweet and legit lampet. Lampet, a Typical Batak Food, is a popular treat at various Batak traditional events, such as weddings and thanksgivings.
Apart from its delicious taste, its simple shape makes it practical to take home as a souvenir.
3. Ombus-Ombus
Ombus-ombus, which means “blow-blow” in Batak, is a traditional cake that is usually served warm. This cake is made from a mixture of rice flour and grated coconut, with brown sugar filling in the middle.
Unlike lampet, ombus-ombus does not have a flour dough that completely covers the contents. Its sweet taste and soft texture make it a favorite snack among the Batak people. You can find ombus-ombus in various stalls or traditional markets.
4. Sasagun
Sasagun is a typical Batak snack made from grated coconut and rice flour roasted without oil. Added with brown sugar, this snack has a rough texture and a distinctive sweet taste.
Sasagun is often used as a souvenir because it is practical and durable. Usually sold in simple packaging, this snack is suitable as a travel companion or a souvenir for family at home.
5. Gadong Cake
Kue Gadong is a crispy version of lampet. Made from the same ingredients such as rice flour, grated coconut, and brown sugar, this cake is fried until it has a crispy texture on the outside but remains soft on the inside.
With a shape similar to perkedel and a brownish color, gadong cake is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or warm tea. You can find it in various traditional markets in North Sumatra.
6. Fan Cake
Kue Kipas is a typical snack that often appears during Christmas celebrations in the Batak community. This name was given because of its fan-like shape. This cake is made from a simple dough that is fried until crispy.
In addition to the fan shape, another variation of this snack is semprong, which is rolled. Its sweet taste and crunchy texture make fan cakes a favorite among children and adults.
7. Typical Batak Dodol
Bataknese dodol is made in a unique way, namely together in a spirit of mutual cooperation. This process not only produces delicious dodol, but also strengthens the relationship between residents.
Batak dodol has a chewy texture and a sweet taste that comes from palm sugar. Compared to dodol from other regions, Batak dodol has a distinctive taste that sets it apart. This is the perfect souvenir to remind you of your hometown.
8. Labar
Labar is a traditional dish from Simalungun Regency made from a mixture of grated cassava, chicken, and spices such as lemongrass, Batak onions, and candlenuts. The process involves mixing the ingredients until evenly distributed and baking them in coconut leaves.
Labar’s savory taste and rich spices make it a special dish that is often served at traditional events. Now, Labar has also become a unique souvenir that you can enjoy at home.
9. Nitak
Nitak is a traditional cake from Simalungun that has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Made from rice mixed with coconut, brown sugar, and various spices such as ginger and galangal, nitak has a sticky texture with a sweet and rich spice taste.
Nitak is usually served in traditional ceremonies such as weddings or thanksgiving events. These cakes are not only delicious but also full of cultural meaning, making them a great souvenir choice.
10. Tojin Beans
Kacang Tojin, or Kacang Tojen, is a favorite snack often served during New Year’s parties in the Batak community. These nuts are fried until crispy and seasoned with onions that give a fragrant aroma and savory taste.
The delicious taste and crunchy texture make tojin nuts a snack that is always missed. You can easily find it in souvenir shops in North Sumatra. Each typical Batak souvenir not only presents a delicious taste but also a story and deep cultural meaning.
From the itak poul-poul, which is full of traditional meaning, to the always-awaited kacang tojin, each of these special foods, along with Typical Malay Food, is a reflection of the traditions and togetherness of the Batak people.
If you visit North Sumatra, don’t forget to bring home one of these 10 souvenirs. In addition to being a sweet memory, these souvenirs also allow you to share the Batak cultural experience with those closest to you.
