Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has a wealth of diverse and unique culinary delights, one of which is culinary tofu covered in processed peanut sauce, namely tofu tek and kupat tofu.
Even though at first glance they look similar, they both have differences, such as tofu tek which is popular in Surabaya and surrounding cities, while kupat tofu is known in various regions such as Tasikmalaya, Magelang, Solo and Grabag.
To get to know these two tofu, here are the differences between tek tofu and kupat tofu, starting from the history, serving ingredients, to the mouth-watering taste.
The origins and history of kupat tofu and tek tofu
Tahu tek is a typical Surabaya food that has been around for a long time and is famous among the people of East Java. The name “tek” comes from the sound of scissors and forks that traders use to cut tofu and other ingredients, then the sound “tek, tek, tek” is heard, so it is called Tahu Tek.
Meanwhile, kupat tofu is known in many regions in Indonesia with different variations. Kupat tofu is known to have existed since the days of the Majapahit Kingdom as a dish from nobles to ordinary people. Therefore, kupat tofu is often found around Java.
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Ingredients and presentation of kupat tofu and tek tofu
Tahu tek and kupat tofu both use the basic ingredients of tofu, lontong or ketupat, as well as vegetables, but there are differences in the serving ingredients.
Tahu tek generally consists of fried tofu, lontong, fried potatoes, bean sprouts, omelette and cucumber sprinkled with petis spices.
This petis seasoning is the key to the deliciousness of tofu tek which differentiates it from other tofu foods. Petis is a thick, black shrimp paste which gives a savory taste with a distinctive aroma.
On the other hand, kupat tofu is usually served with ketupat, tofu, bean sprouts, cabbage and pieces of long beans. Kupat tofu is usually covered in peanut sauce which has a sweeter taste because it uses brown sugar.
The taste and texture of kupat tofu and tek tofu
In PengoThis tofu food production area is available The main spices are different, so tek tofu and kupat tofu have different flavors.
Tahu tek offers a combination of savory and slightly salty flavors because it uses petis paste mixed with peanuts, chilies and garlic. The taste is very suitable for those who like food with a delicious petis aroma.
Meanwhile, kupat tofu has a sweeter and savory taste. The taste of peanut sauce is appetizing, very suitable to be enjoyed with pieces of ketupat and yellow tofu.
Then, the texture of kupat tofu peanut sauce is also ground more coarsely than tek tofu and does not contain paste.
Is kupat tofu better or tek tofu better?
Choosing between tofu tek and kupat tofu really depends on taste. If you prefer the savory taste and strong aroma of petis, tofu tek could be the right choice.
However, if you prefer food with a sweet and savory taste, kupat tofu is more suitable. Both have their own flavors that are equally appetizing.
That’s the difference between kupat tofu and tek tofu that you need to know so you don’t get confused again. Indonesia is a country rich in culture, including culinary.
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Reporter: Putri Atika Chairulia
Editor: Maria Rosari Dwi Putri
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