Jaje Tujak: A Typical Sasak Snack, What is it?

Picture by NNC Netralnews

Dubbed as a paradise of spicy cuisine, this typical dish from the island that is part of the province of West Nusa Tenggara does have a variety of typical dishes with a tempting spicy taste. Not only that, Lombok also has a typical snack that is no less delicious. Not spicy food, this snack actually has a sweet taste.

It will feel bland if you don’t eat snacks during Eid. This time, you should also know that Lombok also has a unique and meaningful snack, Jaje Tujak. One of the snacks that must be present during Eid and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.

What is Jaje Tujak?

Poteng jaje tujak, a type of tape processed into a snack. This food is usually served when Lebaran ketupat arrives. Although the name sounds foreign to people outside Lombok, the taste of this snack is guaranteed to be addictive. The name poteng jaje tujak itself means pounded tape snack.

Poteng jaje tujak consists of two dishes, namely poteng or tapai made from white sticky rice, and jaje tujak or tetel which is processed from a mixture of white sticky rice, black sticky rice, and coconut that is pounded until smooth. At first glance, the appearance of the green color of poteng is similar to Magelang’s typical sticky rice tape. However, Lombok’s typical jaje tujak is served in square pieces.

Making poteng takes quite a lot of time, because it must go through a fermentation process first for approximately three days. As for jaje tujak itself, it is steamed twice, before and after being mixed with grated coconut. Making jaje tujak also usually waits for the poteng to cook first.

Unique Things about Jaje Tujak

In addition, it turns out that there is a unique tradition behind the making of this typical Lombok snack. There is a belief that in making poteng, it cannot be done carelessly, and the maker must be in a state of purity or not menstruating (for women) so as not to damage the final result of the poteng. In addition, sprinkling sticky rice powder is also done after finishing prayers so that it is still in a state of purity because it has just been ablution.

The taste of the fresh poteng and the savory jaje tujak and its legit texture certainly make it very delicious to eat as a special dish when Eid arrives. In addition, this snack can also be found at various other special events such as weddings or parties.

Poteng jaje tujak is a menu that is always on the dining table when Eid arrives, not only on Eid but also at traditional events and events in the Sasak tribe of Lombok. The unique taste, a mixture of sweet and sour flavors, makes this snack have many connoisseurs. However, many also don’t like this snack. The taste of this snack is also a matter of compatibility.

You can make Jaje Tujak one of the souvenirs that you can bring if you go to Lombok. The unique taste will certainly make this snack one of the exciting souvenirs if you bring it to your relatives. So, don’t forget to bring jaje tujak souvenirs when you go to Lombok.