Enjoy traditional Manado cakes with authentic, delicious flavors that will leave you wanting more, perfect for indulging your taste buds.
Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, is famous for its diverse culinary heritage. Not only are the main dishes tantalizing, but Manado also has a variety of traditional cakes with unique flavors ready to delight you.
From sweet to savory, here is a lineup of must-try Manado cakes!
1. Panada: A Fried Bread with Cakalang Fish Filling
Panada is an iconic Manado cake that resembles a pastel with Spanish influence, similar to an empanada. Its distinctive feature is the fried bread dough made with coconut milk instead of water, making it softer and richer in flavor.
Panada is filled with shredded cakalang fish cooked with *pampis* seasoning, a blend of shallots, kaffir lime leaves, basil, chili, and green onions. Each bite brings a savory sensation with an aromatic touch of spices.
2. Klappertaart: A Sweet Heritage with a Touch of Coconut
Klappertaart is a sweet cake made from coconut, flour, milk, butter, and eggs, a legacy from the Dutch colonial period. This cake comes in two versions: baked and unbaked.
The baked version has a denser texture, while the unbaked version is softer and often served chilled. Classic klappertaart is known for being high in calories, but modern versions offer low-calorie options with low-fat milk and alternative sweeteners.
After indulging in this delightful treat, take some time to relax and unwind at the stunning Manado Beaches, which perfectly complement the city’s culinary experiences.
3. Brudel: A Legendary Cake You Must Try
Brudel, often called Bluder, is a sweet cake commonly present at traditional events and celebrations in Manado. Made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs, this cake has a soft texture with an enticing taste.
Influenced by Dutch cuisine, just like klappertaart, brudel is a favorite for special occasions.
4. Binyolos: Tempting Sweet Potato Snacks
Binyolos is a traditional Minahasa snack often enjoyed for breakfast or as a tea companion. It is made from mashed sweet potatoes mixed with flour and butter, filled with palm sugar.
This round cake has a crispy exterior and a melting sweet filling, making it the perfect way to start the day.
5. Koyabu: Glutinous Rice Cake with Pandan Aroma
Koyabu is a traditional snack made from a combination of white glutinous rice and grated coconut, filled with palm sugar for a distinctive sweet taste. The cake is wrapped in pandan leaves, giving off a fragrant aroma when taken out of the steamer.
Its triangular shape is iconic, and the first bite reveals a melting sweet palm sugar filling. Koyabu is best enjoyed warm as an afternoon snack.
6. Kolombeng: Soft Bread from Manado
Kolombeng is a traditional square-shaped cake that has been popular in Manado since the 1950s. Made from flour, eggs, sugar, and other ingredients, kolombeng has a soft texture and a sweet, rich taste.
Without preservatives, this cake can last for 7-10 days but is best enjoyed after 1-2 days of storage.
7. Biapong Ba: Filled Bread with Various Flavors
Biapong Ba is a soft bread with various fillings, popular among the Manado community. This cake has strong Chinese influences, especially in the pork filling variant.
However, for those who do not consume meat, there are alternative fillings such as *unti* (grated coconut with palm sugar) and mung bean. This bread pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
8. Bobengka: A Traditional Cake with a Sweet Taste
Bobengka is a cake made from flour, eggs, coconut milk, palm sugar, and coconut. Each slice of bobengka offers a distinct sweet and savory flavor.
While it resembles brownies, bobengka has a unique texture and taste, making it a traditional cake worth trying in Manado.
9. Apang Coe: Steamed Cake with a Pandan Flavor
Apang Coe is a brown cake made from flour and palm sugar. Its sweet taste blends perfectly with pandan slices often sprinkled on top for a distinctive aroma. This soft cake is perfect as an afternoon snack with warm tea.
10. Cucur: A Classic Cake with a Cinnamon Touch
Cucur might be well-known in other regions, but the Manado version has a distinct taste with a strong cinnamon touch. Made from a mixture of rice flour, wheat flour, and palm sugar, Manado cucur has a chewy center and crispy edges.
This cake is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. These traditional Manado cakes not only please the palate but also tell the rich stories of culture and tradition.
So, if you have the chance to visit Manado, don’t forget to taste these delightful cakes and bring them home as souvenirs for your family and friends.
While planning your trip, consider exploring the beautiful Makassar Beaches to add more memorable experiences to your journey. Enjoy tasting!