Don’t go home from Papua without bringing home typical souvenirs such as shredded shredded meat, lontar cake, and delicious, aromatic Papuan coffee.
Papua, known for its stunning natural panorama, also has a wealth of culinary delights and unique handicrafts that are suitable as souvenirs.
From mouth-watering traditional food to unique handicrafts, Papua offers a wide range of specialties. Here are some recommendations for typical Papuan souvenirs that you can take home as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.
1. Abon Roll
Abon gulung is a delicious combination of soft bread filled with shredded meat with mayonnaise spread, creating a distinctive savory taste.
Made with a special recipe by Hawai Bakery, this abon gulung is a favorite in Papua and is easily found in various cities such as Jayapura, Timika, and Biak. Many tourists choose abon gulung as a souvenir because of its unique and delicious taste.
2. Lontar Cake
Similar to the popular milk pie in Bali, Papuan lontar cake is made from eggs, sugar, and milk, resulting in a soft texture and a rich taste. This cake is formed using lontar leaves as a mold, which makes it look even more attractive.
Served with tea or coffee, lontar cake is the perfect sweet snack to enjoy during leisure time. Be sure to also try other Typical Papua Food for an authentic taste of the region’s culinary delights.
3. Taro Chips
Taro chips are a typical Papuan snack made from thinly sliced taro, then fried until crispy. Added with garlic, salt, and chili seasoning, these chips offer a combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
This snack is perfect to accompany your relaxing time or as a typical souvenir that is delicious and easy to enjoy anytime.
4. Ant Nest
Ant nest is a Papuan herbal plant known for its various health benefits, from helping to treat cancer to increasing stamina. This plant has natural labyrinths that serve as homes for ant colonies.
Nowadays, ant nests are widely sold in capsule or extract form, making them practical souvenirs for those of you who want to try the benefits of authentic Papuan herbs.
5. Papuan Batik
Papua also has unique batik crafts, different from batik from Java. Papuan batik motifs, such as the Asmat and Cendrawasih motifs, reflect the richness of Papuan culture and natural beauty.
Each motif tells a local cultural story and is perfect as a souvenir or gift for lovers of traditional Indonesian fabrics who want to add to their collection.
6. Bagea Cake
Bagea cake is a snack made from sago wrapped in banana leaves and has a hard but crunchy texture. Usually, this cake is enjoyed by dipping it in tea or coffee to make it softer.
With its distinctive sweet taste, bagea cake is popular not only in Papua but also in Maluku and North Sulawesi. This souvenir is perfect for snack lovers who want to try the typical taste of Eastern Indonesia.
7. Papuan Sago Flour
Sago is one of the staple foods in Papua and is the basic ingredient of various culinary specialties. Papua sago flour has a smooth texture and low sugar content, making it safe for diabetics.
This sago can be processed into various specialties such as papeda, sago lempeng, and grilled sago. Sago flour can be a unique souvenir that brings the distinctive taste of Papua to your kitchen.
8. Papua Coffee
Papuan coffee, especially the Arabica variety, grows in the fertile highlands of Papua. This coffee has a complex taste with a distinctive aroma, a slight sweetness, and balanced acidity.
The practical packaging of Papuan organic coffee makes it a favorite souvenir for coffee lovers who want to experience the aroma and taste of authentic coffee from Papua.
9. Sago Martabak
Martabak sago is a unique variation of martabak typical of Papua made from sago. Its sweet taste and chewy texture make this martabak a favorite snack in Papua.
Martabak sago is usually served with toppings such as chocolate, cheese, nuts, or bananas, adding to its taste and deliciousness. This snack is perfect to eat as breakfast or an afternoon snack.
10. Sago Plate
Sago lempeng is a traditional Papuan white bread with a hard texture and bland taste. Usually, this bread is dipped in water, tea, coffee, or fish sauce before being enjoyed.
The process of making it uses a traditional Papuan tool called forna, which is made of clay. Sago lempeng has various shapes, from flat to rectangular, and is a simple souvenir rich in authentic Papuan flavor.
Traveling to Papua doesn’t feel complete without bringing home a typical souvenir. Each souvenir from Papua not only offers a unique taste and texture, but also carries the story of Papuan culture and tradition.
From savory shredded abon, sweet lontar cake, to batik with exotic local motifs, Papuan souvenirs have their own charm.
Don’t forget to include some of these choices in your shopping list and bring home a piece of Papua’s natural beauty and culture, along with Typical West Papua Food for a truly authentic experience.