MUST HAVE EID AL-FITR COOKIES AT YOUR HOME!
When you visit your neighbor’s or family’s house after Eid prayers, you can see various types of cookies on each of their living room tables. You must be wondering “what are these cookies?” These delightful treats hold a special place in the tradition of Eid celebrations, symbolizing sweetness, generosity, and community. So, here are the must-have cookies in your house and their little backstory!
1. Nastar
Nastar has a soft, crunchy texture and the sweet and savory flavors that come together which make this cookie one of the most popular cookies for Indonesians during Eid. Did you know that Nastar is actually from the Netherlands, not Indonesia?
According to the Indonesian Chef Association, The word nastar comes from the Dutch, ananas or pineapple and taartjes or tart. Then, both words are shortened to nastar. So, nastar is a tart with pineapple jam filling. In English, nastar is often called pineapple tarts or pineapple nastar rolls. It is said that during the colonial era, pie filling fruits were hard to find in Indonesia, so people replaced them with pineapples which are easily available in Indonesia, which is a tropical country and it turns out that behind the sweet and delicious taste of nastar, there is a philosophy. Ethnic Chinese refer to nastar as ong lai, meaning golden pear. This golden pear is believed to be a symbol of prosperity, luck, and fortune.
2. Kastengel
Kastengel, originally named kaasstengels, comes from the Dutch language, from the words kaas (cheese) and stengels (bars). So, kastengel means cheese bar cookies. Kaastengels can also be defined as cheese fingers, which comes from the words kaas (cheese) and tengels (fingers), but these cookies are more like spring rolls or pastries.
Kastengels used to be served in the homes of Dutch officials or employees who married natives or Dutch ladies who followed their husbands on duty in the Dutch East Indies. This was a source of acculturation of Dutch food traditions with the natives. The original kastengel was up to 30 cm long like a baguette eaten with soup or salad. However, when it was introduced in Indonesia, it was difficult to find a large oven. This made the kastengel shape only 3-4 cm long and 1 cm wide.
3. Kue Sagu (Sago Cookie)
Sago cookie is one of the traditional foods of Indonesia that has long been an important part of the culinary culture in various regions. This cake originated in Indonesia with sago as the main ingredient which grows abundantly in various regions, especially in Papua.
Sago cake has a soft taste, coupled with the special aroma of sago flour. The spices used also give a touch of distinctive flavor to this cake. Besides during eid, sago cake is also found in various other traditions such as at traditional events, weddings or other holidays. In addition, each region has a different shape of sago cookies. There are sago cookies that are round, triangular or oval, and each has a slightly different texture and taste.
Over time, sago cookies have experienced innovations in shape and taste. Some modern sago cookie sellers try to create new variations with additional flavors such as chocolate, cheese, or fruits. However, most people tend to choose cheese-flavored sago cookies as one of the cookies to buy.
Those are some of the must-have cookies to have at your house during Eid, along with their fascinating backstories. It’s remarkable how these desserts not only excite our taste buds but also carry with them a rich cultural heritage. As we celebrate Eid and share these delightful treats with our loved ones, let’s remember how food has the power to bring us together, fostering bonds of joy, unity, and shared tradition during Ramadan. Hope this helps!
REFERENCES:
Indonesian Chef Association. (n.d.). Asal Usul Nastar dan Kastengel. https://indonesianchefassociation.com/article/content/cari-tahu-asal-usul-kue-nastar-dan-kastengel-yuk#:~:text=Nastar%20bukan%20berasal%20dari%20Indonesia,nanas%20dan%20taartjes%20atau%20tart.&text=Ternyata%2C%20tak%20hanya%20saat%20lebaran%20saja%20kue%20ini%20disajikan
Esensi, A., & Esensi, A. (2023, October 12). Kue Sagu: manisnya warisan khas Indonesia. Esensi TV. https://esensi.tv/kue-sagu-manisnya-warisan-khas-indonesia