Name : Epifania Alexia

Nim : AAA 117 001

Tumpi Cake

Enjoying the evening by sitting on the edge of the terrace and seeing the sun go down
while eating the traditional cake that has its own peculiarities in the flavors at the tip of my
tongue is indeed a perfect thing. This traditional cake has a very remarkable taste which makes
anyone who eats it addicted and for me, it will unwittingly make me feel homesick. The
incredible taste will cause people who consume it to enjoy and then forget that it turns out that
this cake actually has gone. The effect of this cake causes me into homesickness and drifts of
childhood memories where I used to make it with my mother who with a shady smile and her
delicate fingers stirring the mixture. I also remembered that I put my little hand into the cake
mixture, and we were both enjoyed that activities very much. While making the cake my mother
also did not forget to tell some stories with a little jokes. However, that story has been a part of
childhood memories. For anyone who wonders what is the name of the fantastic cake that I
mentioned before, its name is Tumpi which is the same with the title of the traditional song in
Central Kalimantan, Tumpi wayu.
This traditional cake is made from special glutinous flour which is usually stored by the
cake maker in the earthenware so that it makes the taste of Tumpi totally different compared
with others cake. To make Tumpi, we need to prepare some materials which are glutinous flour,
wheat flour, salt, sugar, and water. Then, when all the materials has been prepared, the first step
that need to be done is mix the glutinous flour into one with wheat flour and the mixture of salt,
sugar, and water in a bowl. Next, stir the dough using your hands so that the dough will be
spread evenly. Then, press the mixture using hands until the dough feels solid. When the dough
has been solid, let it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes are finished, start forming the dough into
an oval shape. Then, the next step to do is to prepare a pan filled with oil on a gas stove with a
medium flame. After that, add the dough one by one. When all the white dough has put into the
pan, turn over the dough until it turns brown. After the color of it has already changed, it means
that the process of making Tumpi has almost done. Finnaly, to make it totally done, put tumpi
into the plate to enjoy it.
When you to lazy to make it by yourself, this cake can easily be found among traditional
market cake with an appealing scent that spreads making everyone willing to stand in line
waiting for this cake; even though, the cake is still be fried on a hot fire. When I came there, I
could see the seller with his tenacity, frying Tumpi and serving a lot of buyers who were come
only to buy the delicious cake. The enthusiasm of the people for traditional cakes is starting to
fade in modern snack now, however, there are a few people who are starting to miss this
traditional cake, Tumpi. Besides being found in traditional markets, tumpi can also be found in
people's homes in special villages of Maanyanese because there are still many people who make
it every day as a daily snack. Thus, people who want to taste it can also come to visit the villages
and then ask the people there to make it. They will be happy if someone asks them to make
Tumpi, since they also want this traditional cake be widely known by other people from different
regions.
What is not widely known by people is that this traditional cake is usually used by people
in the East Barito which is the the origin place of Tumpi as an offering to the ancestors or in the
maanyanese language caled Miwit Alah. Tumpi is considered as one of the cakes that must be
present when giving offerings, even before this cake is placed in a tray there must be some rituals
that can only be done by traditional elders. This classic cake has also never been absent from
traditional events in the East Barito both traditional events and family events such as family
worship, commemorating events of 40 days of the dead or traditional marriage events. Usually,
when Tumpi is served, it is also accompanied by several other traditional cakes such as baayak,
wadai dite which is sprinkled with grated coconut and many others cake. The villagers usually
make Tumpi together with dissimilar task given for each people. Some people are tasked for
buying materials, whereas others are tasked for looking of firewood, carrying cooking utensils,
or making and frying the Tumpi. The habits of the people of East Barito are eating Tumpi with
salted fish and also kalumpe. Even elderly people sometimes enjoy dipping it in black coffee. In
its place of origin, Tumpi is served in a unique way and varies depending on habits from one
generation to the next generation.
When talking about Tumpi, I also remember my previous memorable holiday. It was a
New Year's holiday, and my parents and I went to my grandmother's house in the village.
Coincidentally, in that year all of my uncles, aunties, and my cousins gathered at grandma's
house to celebrate the new year together. Suddenly, when we were gathering and talking, my
aunt conveyed her idea to make a Tumpi cake because she really missed the cake. Then, without
a second thought everyone agreed to the idea.
 My cousin and I immediately got the task of buying the materials of making Tumpi at the
traditional market there. After all the ingredients had been bought, we went home, and when we
got home, the tools to make Tumpi had already ready. So, we only have to mix the ingredients
that have been prepared. We shared the task, some people got the task of carrying the tools and
materials outside and putting them on the wooden tile floor. In my grandmother's village, people
rarely use gas stoves. They always prefer to use traditional stoves with firewood. Thus, in order
to make this traditional cake, we used firewood.
Returning to the process of making the Tumpi, my father was given the task of starting
the fire because when we use firewood, the fire must first be turned on so that the fire will be
evenly distributed. While my mother and my aunts had the task of making dough. Me and my
cousins only sat watching them because we are not experts in making Tumpi. After finishing
making the dough, Tumpi is ready to be fried by putting it in hot oil, then my cousins and I
alternately fried Tumpi while talking about everything. The whole process of making Tumpi was
fun because we did it together.
The Tumpi which had already done was drained so that it would be ready to be eaten.
Nonetheless, eating Tumpi was not complete without a hot tea. So, my mother decided to make
a hot tea which looked very hot from the steam and after that we enjoyed Tumpi that we made
together.
Without any notice, the dusk had to began to replace the moon who wanted to rise. At
that time, we all cleaned up the materials that had been used for making Tumpi before. After
cleaning all the things, each people chose to do their own activities, some of they were watching
television, while the others did embroidering with our grandma, taking a bath, or did other
activities.
  Promptly at 23:00 WIB, it meant that the time of the new year was getting closer, so we
have started preparing food that are intentionally to be eaten after new year to celebrate it. Then,
suddenly, the clock had pointed to 12:00 a.m. which was the peak of the new year. After that, we
welcomed the new year with happiness and jo, and we started to pray together. After finishing,
we shook hands with each other, and ate together with the Tumpi that we made earlier. New year
celebrations were very pleasant. We could meet each other and cook the Tumpi cake together to
welcome the new year. A special night with a gentle breeze blowing , and we all closed this last
day with fireworks that emit its beautiful glow. The ending of this year was really special
because we can feel the feeling of gathering with the big family after a long time without seeing
each other. At first, our fathers just sat sweetly and were not involved in the cooking business.
However, in the end, they wanted to help to make Tumpi; although, the Tumpi cake they make
differ greatly from the original form. The warmth of the family was really felt and painted a
beautiful memories in my mind.
Though Tumpi cake is looked quite similar to the traditional South Kalimantan cake
which is gagatas, they are actually different. The difference is that gagatas cake is coated with
brown sugar while Maanyanese traditional cake only uses salt in the mixture. Another different
thing that can be seen is that the shapes are not the same. In terms of taste, gegatas cake has a
sweet taste because of the strength of the brown sugar, however, Tumpi has its own alluring
sensation come from salt which makes a savory taste of Tumpi.
 Nowadays, Tumpi has begun to dim its existence because many people prefer to eat
western foods such as burgers, pizza, donuts that have variants of attractive taste. People also
choose foods that have high selling points. Therefore, Tumpi can only be found in traditional
markets and usually only those who are old enough who still have a high interest in this
traditional cake, Tumpi. Actually, Tumpi is special food and has its own local characteristics.
The more people sell the Tumpi cake, the more people will get to know it. One thing that you
have to do is to taste this Tumpi cake, a special cake that is guaranteed when it touches your
tongue, it will make you astonished by the taste that is not inferior to other cakes. Besides its
distinctive taste, the shape of the cake is also unique.
 Now for those of you who want to taste Tumpi cake, you can come to East Barito, or to
be exact in the Tamiang Layang. There, you can find a traditional market that is open every
Monday, and you will get a variety of traditional cakes including a very spectacular Tumpi. You
only need to spend Rp. 1,000 and you can taste a delicious Tumpi. Moreover, a warm Tumpi
that is eaten together while gathering with family or friends casually enjoying the skin-piercing
breeze coupled with warm tea or a cup of coffee, will make it more perfect. Tumpi is also able to
become a gift to other people, you can buy a Tumpi that hasn't been fried and give it to your
friends.
  That is all about this writing about Tumpi, hopefully, it can be useful and can be read
especially to attract readers to try Tumpi cake by visiting the East Barito or trying to make by
yourself at home to be eaten with your family. Tumpi cake has a distinctive taste but cannot be
lied to the pleasure that very fits to eat with everyone you love.