Jakarta (ANTARA) –
Tofu gimbal and tofu tek are two favorite culinary delights typical of East Java which are often considered similar because the basic ingredients are both tofu and peanut sauce.
These two foods have also become the target of traditional culinary lovers. Even though at first glance they look similar because the basic ingredients are the same, gimbal tofu and tek tofu have their own uniqueness and characteristics.
Dreadlocked tofu, which is famous in Semarang, Central Java, is a food that has a savory sensation with the addition of flour-fried shrimp called dreadlocks.
Meanwhile, tofu tek from Surabaya, East Java is a dish made from a combination of tofu, potatoes and petis seasoning which tastes deliciously salty.
These differences make the taste of each food different and each component in the food has unique characteristics and enhances taste.
The history of knowing gimbals and knowing tech
These two food dishes both come from Java. Dreadlocked tofu comes from Semarang, Central Java and has a long history as a typical food that is popular among the people.
The word “gimbal” in the name of this dish comes from shrimp fried in a flour mixture, which at first glance is similar to shrimp bakwan.
The emergence of dreadlocked tofu is known to have started in the 19th century, when Semarang was controlled by the Dutch colonialists. Initially, dreadlocked tofu was a local food made by the people of Semarang for certain groups. However, the deliciousness of dreadlocked tofu makes everyone want to try it and it is starting to become popular throughout the city.
Meanwhile, tofu tek which originates from Surabaya, East Java, has a slightly different history from tofu gimbal.
The word “tek” in tofu tek refers to the distinctive sound “tek, tek, tek” produced by traders who use scissors or forks to cut tofu and lontong when processing them. Therefore, this typical food is called tofu tek.
Ingredients for serving gimbal tofu and tek tofu
The main difference between gimbal tofu and tek tofu is in the composition and complementary ingredients used in this food.
Tofu gimbal generally contains fried tofu, cabbage, lontong, eggs, and the most typical is gimbal, shrimp wrapped in flour dough that looks like bakwan.
The addition of gimbal is what gives gimbal tofu its unique and savory taste. Apart from that, dreadlocked tofu is usually served with sliced cucumber and bean sprouts or sprouts
Meanwhile, tofu tek has a slightly different composition. Tahu tek usually consists of fried tofu, potatoes, lontong, and eggs cooked in an omelette or ceplok.
Tahu tek is also equipped with sliced spring onions and sprouts, but does not use shrimp gimbal. Fried potatoes give tek tofu its own deliciousness, so it tastes different from gimbal tofu.
Regarding the taste of spices, these two tofu dishes give a savory impression with a sweet and spicy combination that can be measured according to taste. This is due to processed peanut sauce that uses petis.
Especially for dreadlocked tofu, generally the texture of the peanut sauce is made a bit thin, but still has a rich taste.
In terms of price, there are various prices offered, starting from IDR 11 thousand to IDR 30 thousand. The price can depend on the sales location and the unique taste of this tofu dish.
That is the difference between gimbal tofu and tek tofu, which are traditional Javanese foods. Over time, these two foods have often been found in various cities outside Java. However, there’s no harm in if you are in Semarang or Surabaya, you must try this favorite tofu culinary delight.
Reporter: Putri Atika Chairulia
Editor: Maria Rosari Dwi Putri
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