The tradition of making rice cones in Indonesia

Every country has its own unique characteristics. From language, culture, traditions, food, customs etc. What is certain is that every tradition has a meaning and it has been around for a long time. And the younger generation needs to maintain every tradition or culture that exists in their respective countries so that they don't become extinct.

One of the traditions in Indonesia that is still being maintained is making cone-shaped rice. Rice is a staple food for Asian countries such as Indonesia, India, Malaysia etc. Almost all Asian countries make rice the main food in dishes.

So when there is a big day celebration, rice cannot be left behind. So to attract the events that are being held, cone-shaped rice is created from small to large sizes with their own names according to each region in Indonesia.

Indonesia has 37 provinces plus this new province. And has hundreds of provinces with different regional languages ​​or provincial languages. And each region has its own uniqueness and privileges for each region.

Making rice cones

I don't know the reason why it has to be conical. Based on the philosophy of ancient people in Indonesia, the cone shape generally symbolizes hope, health, and prosperity. It's just an interpretation. Companion of various various side dishes of rice cones are served according to the customs and habits of each region. Nasi cones are usually made when celebrating special days or celebrations such as making rice cones.

With the development of today's era, it is easy to form rice cones because some have created special cone-shaped molds from small sizes and some are large ones. The rice used varies according to taste and tradition.

Big cone rice or tumpeng

Nasi tumpeng is generally yellow in color so we Indonesian people call it yellow rice. The yellow from the rice comes from the natural color, namely turmeric, so it is yellow. Cooked rice is printed in a special mold. Placed in a tray or bamboo plank. With various types of side dishes such as eggs, fried chicken, chicken curry, chili sauce and various other side dishes. And the fried rice is decorated as beautifully as possible. Tumpeng rice is usually made during certain celebrations such as women's birthdays, so birthdays are not synonymous with cakes and blowing out candles. The Nasi Tumpeng is also wonderful for celebrations.

For tumpeng rice, there are various models, there are cones, there are also round ones, but generally they are cone-shaped.

Rice cone wrapped in banana leaf

Another rice cone shape is in small size and wrapped in banana leaf. When wrapping it also uses good techniques so that the shape is neat and attractive. We call this cone rice Nasi Kulah. Kulah rice typical of my area is specially made during big day celebrations, weddings, parties etc. Below is a video on how to make nasi kulah or rice cones wrapped in banana leaves. Can anyone make it?

How to make it also using professional molds without any molds also being able to make this rice cone with a certain technique so that it can be shaped as desired.

This is part of art, custom and culture that we need to preserve. Every country must have such creations :

• Onigiri (おにぎり from japan

• jumeokbap from korea

• samgak gimbap from korea

• biryani rice from india,

• Fan Tuan from China/taiwan

  etc.

All of that must be preserved because it is the culture and characteristics of each country. I hope this information is helpful.