Take your snack spread to a whole new level with jajanan pasar (Indonesian charcuterie spread). A charcuterie board is more than assorted cheese and cured meat, and this one will be your new favorite! Get a crash course on homemade Indonesian snacks.
Are you ready for a cultural spin on the holiday season?
In celebration of the Holiday season, I have partnered with @mydominicankitchen and influencers worldwide for a #WorldCharcuterie challenge to share a flavorful modern spin on the charcuterie board.
Disclaimer: This is not your regular charcuterie board.
Let’s talk charcuterie
Charcuterie is not a new thing and it first rose to prominence in 15th century France. When people think of charcuterie, they immediately think of a display of cheese board and cured meats. However, there’s a difference between a cheese board and a charcuterie board.
A cheese board has a selection of cheeses and foods that pair well. A charcuterie board has a selection of meats and foods that pair well.
These days, charcuterie doesn’t just mean meat and there are lots of alternatives that aren’t exactly new. Those include hot cocoa and pumpkin platters, breakfast board, or even barkuterie boards to spoil your beloved pets.
What is jajanan pasar
Jajanan pasar or Indonesian charcuterie spread as I may call it is a collection of Indonesian traditional/modern snacks. Jajanan Pasar, or literally translates as market snacks (or snacks/food sold in the market), comes with a lot of options and it’s really hard to pick a favorite!
There are two types of jajanan pasar: kue basah and kue kering.
Kue basah are snacks that have a light texture and usually don’t last long. I’m talking within hours or 1-2 days because they are usually made out of rice flour, coconut milk, or glutinous rice. Examples for kue basah include kroket kentang, pukis, or bolu kukus.
Kue kering are similar to cookies so they last longer and are popular during the holiday season. Examples for kue kering include nastar, white rabbit candy cookies, or cherry blossom cookies that are easily available during the Lunar New Year.
Does charcuterie have to be on a board
In short, yes since it will add the wow factor and aesthetic contract. However, you can use anything around your house and be creative with it. For example, a butcher board.
Jajanan pasar is usually served on a winnowing tray called tampah. It is a traditional kitchen utensil made from bamboo reeds.
And for a to-go order, there’s besek which is a bamboo container specially made to protect foods or fruits on the go.
Charcuterie board – the variations
If you want to go beyond cheese and meats and are curious to see what other people are making, here are some ideas for your next parteeee:
- French fry board – add a large variety of fries and don’t forget the dips
- Not a fan of fries? Make a chips and dip board instead
- Fresh fruit board always wins. I mean you don’t need to add extra decor to wow your guests
- Asian-inspired charcuterie board – complete with salmon sashimi, dumplings, shrimp crackers and kimchi
Latest Recipes
Indonesian charcuterie board
I want to invite you to the virtual holiday table. For your chance to showcase your abuelas, nana’s, and aunties’ traditional recipes in a new charcuterie spread that will have your guests munching on this homemade jajanan pasar this holiday season. So grab the recipes for this Indonesian charcuterie spread! Here you will find:
Martabak manis (sweet pancakes). Martabak is one of the most famous street foods in Indonesia. It’s buttery, thick pillowy, decadent, and filled with grated cheese or chocolate sprinkles.
Lemper ayam. Steamed sticky rice cake flavored with coconut milk and filled with fragrant chicken floss.
Lemper bakar. Similar to lemper ayam; however, this version is grilled after they’re done cooking in the steamer.
Pisang goreng (fried banana). A popular Southeast-Asian snack. Bananas are deep-fried till golden brown; crispy on the outside, sweet and caramelize inside.
Kue talam ubi. Classic Indonesian steamed sweet potato cake.
Bolu kukus (steamed cupcakes). Bolu kukus or steamed cupcakes – a quick way to make cupcakes when you don’t have an oven. These cupcakes, also known as kue mangkok, are perfect for breakfast or tea time with a side of coffee or tea. Note: I use regular sugar; hence, the color stays that way.
Kue lapis surabaya (spiku). A classic Indonesian layered cake with a buttery texture.
Ham, egg, & cheese pockets. Completely homemade Ham, Egg, & Cheese Pockets that are so easy to make! It’s a classic breakfast biscuit but enclosed so you can enjoy these homemade breakfast hot pockets on the go — no melted cheese dripping from your hands or shirt.
As easy as it is impressive, this Indonesian charcuterie spread is made of all things delicious from sweet to savory! Want to join the fun? Create your own board, share it on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtag #WorldCharcuterie
Jajanan Pasar (Indonesian Charcuterie Spread)
Instructions
- Martabak manis (sweet pancakes). Martabak is one of the most famous street foods in Indonesia. It’s buttery, thick pillowy, decadent, and filled with grated cheese or chocolate sprinkles.
- Lemper ayam. Steamed sticky rice cake flavored with coconut milk and filled with fragrant chicken floss.
- Lemper bakar. Similar to lemper ayam; however, this version is grilled after they're done cooking in the steamer.
- Pisang goreng (fried banana). A popular Southeast-Asian snack. Bananas are deep-fried till golden brown; crispy on the outside, sweet and caramelize inside.
- Kue talam ubi. Classic Indonesian steamed sweet potato cake.
- Bolu kukus (steamed cupcakes). Bolu kukus or steamed cupcakes – a quick way to make cupcakes when you don’t have an oven. These cupcakes, also known as kue mangkok, are perfect for breakfast or tea time with a side of coffee or tea. Note: I use regular sugar; hence, the color stays that way.
- Kue lapis surabaya (spiku). A classic Indonesian layered cake with a buttery texture.
- Ham, egg, & cheese pockets. Completely homemade Ham, Egg, & Cheese Pockets that are so easy to make! It’s a classic breakfast biscuit but enclosed so you can enjoy these homemade breakfast hot pockets on the go — no melted cheese dripping from your hands or shirt.
Sherry Ronning says
Thank you for all of the charcuterie board ideas!!
Mandy Applegate says
Wow – I love this, what a great charcuterie spread!
Gloria says
What an interesting collection of food. This would be the talk of the party. Some different indeed.
Jennifer says
I love all the flavors in this and can’t wait to share it with guests!
Priya Maha says
This is truly a great idea! And I love your selection of treats for the board. Thank you for sharing this!
Linda says
This is so interesting and sounds amazing! Our local international market has so many stalls and already-made goods that I think we can totally put something like this together easily. The ideas are bubbling for the next lunar new year!
Lynn says
This is so impressive and so fun to make!
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says
This is AMAZING and so informative! Now to choose which of the ingredients to try to make first!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
Wow, your board looks really impressive!