Lupis (food)

Lupis is a traditional Indonesian steamed glutinous rice cake, often eaten as part of a breakfast or snack. It is characterized by its cylindrical or triangular shape and its sticky, chewy texture.

Description:

Lupis is made primarily from glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice). The rice is soaked, shaped into cylinders or triangles using banana leaves (for wrapping), and then steamed until cooked through. The banana leaves impart a subtle aroma to the rice cake.

Serving and Accompaniments:

Lupis is typically served drizzled with a thick, dark palm sugar syrup (gula jawa) and sprinkled with freshly grated coconut. The sweetness of the palm sugar and the savory flavor of the coconut provide a contrasting and complementary taste to the mild, slightly sweet glutinous rice.

Regional Variations:

While the basic recipe remains consistent, slight variations can exist across different regions of Indonesia. These variations may involve differences in the type of glutinous rice used, the sweetness of the palm sugar syrup, or the fineness of the grated coconut.

Cultural Significance:

Lupis is a popular and readily available snack in many parts of Indonesia. It is often sold by street vendors and found in traditional markets. Its accessibility and relatively simple ingredients have contributed to its enduring popularity as a traditional Indonesian food.