Lontong Cap Go Meh is also considered a symbol of diversity and togetherness
Jakarta (Antara) – Lontong Cap Go Meh is not just an ordinary dish.
Behind its deliciousness is stored a long history that reflects the acculturation of Chinese and Nusantara culture.
This food is a symbol of diversity, prayers, and hopes that are always present in the celebration of Cap Go Meh, the 15th day as well as closing the series of Chinese New Year.
Origin
Lontong Cap Go Meh is believed to originate from the tradition of peranakan Chinese community in Java, especially in the Semarang and Surabaya areas.
That said, during the colonial period, many Chinese descendants who lived in Indonesia began to adapt local culture and culinary.
One of them is white porridge which is usually eaten during Cap Go Meh in China.
However, because porridge is considered less suitable in Javanese culture because it is often associated with the food of sick people, they replace it with rice cake, food made from rice that is more accepted in the culinary tradition of the archipelago.
From here, the typical dish that we know as Lontong Cap Go Meh.
Symbolic meaning
Lontong Cap Go Meh is not only delicious, but also loaded with the meaning of philosophy:
Lontong symbolizes the hope of a long and prosperous life. Its oval shape resembles a roll of paper which means knowledge and wisdom.
Chicken opor symbolizes welfare and luck, because chickens in Chinese culture are considered as a symbol of prosperity.
Pindang eggs reflect the perfection and new start, in harmony with the spirit of Chinese New Year.
Ati fried sauce symbolizes sincerity and sincerity in living life.
Siamese pumpkin vegetables are believed to bring balance and harmony in life.
With a variety of various side dishes, Lontong Cap Go Meh is also considered a symbol of diversity and togetherness, reflecting the harmonious relationship between Chinese and Indonesian culture.
Initially, Lontong Cap Go was only made in Peranakan Chinese family homes as part of the tradition of Cap Go Meh.
However, over time, this dish began to be popular and became a typical dish that can be found in many restaurants and food stalls, especially in the regions of Central Java, East Java and Jakarta.
Now, every Cap Go Meh celebration, many people, including those who are not Chinese descent, also enjoy this dish.
Lontong Lontong Cap Go has become a part of the typical culinary of the archipelago, proves that food is not only about taste, but also about history, identity, and cultural unity.
So, when eating a plate of Lontong Cap Go, people not only enjoy the delicacy of spices and savory opor sauce, but also celebrate cultural heritage that has survived for centuries. A dish that unites, warm up, and brings new hope at the beginning of each year.
Ketupat Cap Go Meh Legendary
In the corner of the new market atom, hidden legendary culinary that is always awaited every celebration of Cap Go Meh or Chinese New Year celebration, namely Ketupat Cap Go Meh Gloria Ny Kartika Tjandra.
Since 1965, this typical dish has been part of the tradition that connects Chinese and Nusantara culture, uniting the meaning of togetherness in every bribe.
In the past, this stall was standing in the Gloria area, Pancoran, hidden in a small alley next to the shops.
From generation to generation, the seasoning concoctions and recipes are maintained without significant changes.
“There is nothing special, but if you try, it will like it,” said the child, Liana, who is now the second generation.
However, for loyal customers, snacks are not just ordinary food.
There is something typical in every portion, something that carries memories of tradition, family warmth, and meaningful celebration.
In contrast to ordinary vegetable diamonds that only consist of diamonds and gravy, the rhombus of Cap Go Meh comes with a variety of appetizing side dishes.
Complete portions usually contain diamonds, native chicken with curry spices or opor, tofu, duck eggs, tempeh, potatoes, pumpkin vegetables, fried sambal petai, gizzard liver and vein.
The combination creates harmony in the taste that is rich in savory, sweet, spicy, and full of spices.
One of the most popular side dishes of customers is Petai fried sambal, with its distinctive aroma and strong taste adding to the deliciousness of every bite.
In addition to its special taste, the quality of ingredients is a top priority in that place, of course, using premium ingredients, such as native chicken, duck eggs, to the best quality chili.
Each material is chosen carefully to ensure the taste is maintained from year to year.
Ketupat Gloria Ny Kartika Tjandra in Metro Atom, Pasar Baru. (Antara/ Putri Hanifa)
Ahead of the Chinese New Year and Cap Go celebration MehKitchen Ketupat Cap Go Meh Gloria Starting busy early on. From five o’clock in the morning, the workers started cooking, making sure all the ingredients were ready before the customer arrived.
This moment becomes a crowded time once a year when people flocked to look for typical dishes that have become part of their family traditions.
For many people, enjoy a portion of the rhombus of Lontong Cap Go Meh at the end of the series of Chinese New Year celebrations not only about eating delicious food, but also about celebrating togetherness and maintaining cultural heritage.
Over time, the stall that sells the rhombus of Cap Go Meh remains loyal to the distinctive taste, is a silent witness to the changing times, and continues to be part of the Chinese New Year celebration in Jakarta.
Editor: Sapto Heru Purnomojoyo
Copyright © between 2025
