Independence Day Food – Indonesia is celebrating its independence day on 17th August. The festivities happen not only in the capital city, but also everywhere across the archipelago with the typical knick-knacks that are starting to visible such as the flag, the decorations, and even the food people traditionally eat.
Although the celebration of 17th August this year is a little different because it coincides with the pandemic, we can still celebrate it in a simple yet joyful way. Prepare some dishes at home with your family, because apparently, there are special foods in several regions that usually be served to commemorate Indonesian Independence Day with a history behind it.
So, why don’t you try to recook the menu and enjoy it? Not only can you celebrate independence day, you can also improve your cooking skills by making traditional Indonesian dishes!
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7 Typical Indonesian Independence Day Food
Several special independence foods may be familiar to you, t-mates. However, we believe you’ve never heard about the history behind it. Before making it at home, here we’ve curated you a list of typical independence day food and a little bit of story of them all!
1. Nasi Goreng Tiwul (Tiwul Fried Rice) – Kediri
In the colonial era, Indonesians were forced to hand over their food products to the colonizers. With this system, the people of Indonesia, especially on the island of Java experienced food shortages.
Meanwhile, the only food product that the colonialists were not interested in was cassava. By the Javanese people, this cassava material is processed into delicious food, namely tiwul.
Tiwul fried rice or nasi goreng tiwul is one of the processed foods in the form of rice mixed with tiwul and some simple spices to complement the taste. Until now, food menus that are reminiscent of the colonial period have become foods that are much-loved by society.
2. Nasi Jagung (Corn Rice) – Madura
Corn rice is a processed food made from rice and corn. Corn is easy to find in Indonesia and often being used as snacks.
While rice is more difficult to find, thus the people of Madura make corn as a foodstuff mixed with rice. Foods that contain this source of protein-energy became the food of the fighters in the land of Madura in the past.
3. Tumpeng Merah Putih (Red and White Rice) – Java
The red and white yellow rice in a cone shape is often being served as one of the traditional foods to celebrate independence day. Generally, tumpeng rice is yellow in color, but people make it red and white to symbolize the Indonesian flag during the national day.
Aside from independence day, tumpeng is also often served on a round bamboo platter called a tampah that is covered with banana leaf. The side dishes are ranging from chicken, eggs, tempe, tofu, and many more. You can also serve it during a birthday or other events.
4. Perkedel Jagung (Corn Fritters) – North Sulawesi
If you’re an Indonesian food lover, then you must be familiar with this menu. Corn fritters or perkedel jagung is made of food ingredients that are easily obtained and the price was cheap in the colonial era.
This menu was originally come from North Sulawesi and often served as snacks for the local people in the colonial era. Up to today, you can easily find the menu everywhere in Indonesia at a cheap price yet super tasty!
5. Soto Tangkar (Beef Ribs Soup) – Betawi
One more typical independence day food menu which is still very popular in society nowadays is Soto Tangkar. This beef ribs soup is an authentic Betawi food menu that you can easily find in Jakarta.
This soto tangkar menu was even favored by the invaders at that time. So, have you tried this independence day food dish before or made it at home?
6. Bubur Merah Putih (Red White Porridge) – Java
The red and white porridge consists of several basic ingredients, including rice, palm sugar, and coconut. The brown sugar makes the red part, while the coconut fills the white color.
This menu that has existed for hundreds of years has a philosophy that is quite interesting to observe. With a name that resembles the symbol of the Indonesian flag, the red color means courage while white means holy.
What’s even more interesting is that this red and white porridge is not only served when celebrating independence day. This food also often adorns the celebration of the birth of a child, to welcoming the Islamic new year.
7. Telok Pindang – Palembang
Last but not least, a special independence day menu from Palembang, Telok Pindang or hard-boiled eggs cooked in pindang process — the process when eggs are boiled slowly in water mixed with salt, soy sauce, shallot skins, teak leaf, and other spices.
One of the things that makes this food unique is that telok pindang can usually only be found only in August. Initially, this food was served to commemorate the birthday of Dutch Queen Wilhelmina in the colonial period. Today, it has become one of the iconic dishes to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day.
Celebrate the Independence Day with a Feast!
Even though there’ll be no public festivities during Indonesian Independence Day this year due to the pandemic, don’t let it stop us from celebrating this day full of history with full devotion and joy, in a safe way.
You can bring the festive ambiance of this independence day at home, by decorating the room with red and white colors and also serving the food menu mentioned above!
Happy 76th Independence Day, Indonesia!
