Kerak Telor, the Rare Traditional Food Heritage from Betawi
Betawi is one of the tribes in Indonesia which is indigenous to Batavia (now Jakarta). Like the other tribes in Indonesia, Betawi has its own unique traditional culture likewise traditional food. Kerak Telor (can be translated freely as “Egg Crust”) is a unique traditional snack typical from Betawi which is currently rather rarely found. Nowadays its position as traditional food is gradually shifted by the other modern snacks and fast foods. On the contrary, in the past kerak telor was an elite typical food of Betawi which was popular for its delicious taste. At the Dutch colonialism period, this food was served at the elite’s parties and big celebrations. Thus currently kerak telor is a traditional food heritage which has to be preserved.
Kerak telor comprises some ingredients: white sticky rice, egg (chicken or duck egg), dried shrimps, and fried onion; added by some refined spices viz. grated coconut (fried without oil), red pepper, galingale, ginger, peppercorn, salt, and refined sugar. Its cooking recipe is somewhat unique. The whole cooking process is not using edible oil. Firstly the white sticky rice which is already soaked is parboiled in a hot wok. Then the stirred egg is poured into the wok and added with fried onion, dried shrimps, and the spices. The egg is flattened on the wok surface. The wok is inverted until touched by the flame lick; and the upper surface of kerak telor is giving the roasted aroma. Thus the curst surface is actually dry. Then kerak telor is served with fried onion and serundeng (relish of grated coconut and spices). Combination of the fried egg aroma with coconut and fried onion mixture can be sniffed. The aroma is really appetizing. How about the taste? It’s yummy, especially when served while it’s still warm. Wanna try?
