Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, is known for its rich culinary traditions. While many people recognize famous dishes like Coto Makassar or Konro, the region also has many traditional snacks that are less widely known.
One of these unique snacks is Bikandoang, a traditional Makassar cake that stands out because of its unusual ingredients and cooking method.
What Is Bikandoang?
Bikandoang is a traditional snack from Makassar, with shrimp as its main topping. The name itself is believed to refer to a shrimp cake, highlighting its key ingredient.
Unlike many other Indonesian traditional cakes, which are sweet, bikandoang has a savory taste thanks to its shrimp topping.
This combination of simple batter and seafood flavor makes bikandoang a distinctive snack in South Sulawesi cuisine.
Cooked Using a Ladle as a Mold
One of the most interesting aspects of bikandoang is how it is cooked. Instead of using a typical cake mold, the batter is placed in a ladle or soup spoon, which acts as the cooking mold.
The batter is poured into the ladle, topped with shrimp, and then cooked until it forms a small savory cake. This traditional method gives bikandoang its distinctive shape and character.
Because of this unique cooking technique, bikandoang is often considered one of the more unusual traditional snacks from Makassar.
A Popular Snack During Ramadan
Bikandoang is commonly enjoyed as an afternoon snack, especially with tea or coffee.
During Ramadan, this traditional cake becomes even more popular. Many people look for bikandoang as part of their iftar snacks, as its savory taste pairs well with other sweet traditional treats.
Another traditional snack from South Sulawesi is Putu Pesse, a traditional Bugis cake known for its unique thumb-shaped preparation.
Although it is not as widely known as some other Makassar dishes, bikandoang remains a beloved snack among locals.
Preserving Makassar’s Culinary Heritage
Traditional foods like bikandoang represent the creativity and culinary heritage of Makassar. From its shrimp topping to its ladle-based cooking method, this small snack carries a story of local traditions.
By sharing and documenting these unique recipes, traditional snacks like bikandoang can continue to be appreciated by future generations.
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