8 Indonesian Nostalgia Evoking Sweets

KOMPAS.com -  Indonesia's traditional candies are hidden gems in the country's storied culinary heritage. Often handmade in small shops and homes, they evoke a slower, more idyllic time that was lost due to traffic, smartphones and other aspects of development.  

Unfortunately, these old-school treats are falling victim to modernization, as they start to give way to mass produced candies and snacks.

But whether you fancy a trip down memory lane or need to get a sugar fix on these distinctive treats before they are gone, below are listed some of Indonesia’s favorite classic candies.

1. Water buffalo milk candy

As the name implies, the main ingredient for this candy is water buffalo milk, which is milked directly by local breeders.

Originating from West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara province, the candy is known for its distinctively savory, sweet flavor, and chewy texture. These traits  locals prefer buffalo milk candy to their better known cow's milk counterpart. 

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2. Sour candy

Often sold in stalls, this classic candy is made with round tamarind pulp that is then coated with sugar. This tends to be one of the more divisive treats out there. Some people find it sickeningly sour; others are unrepentant defenders of the bite-sized delights.

Over time, finding authentic sour candies have become increasingly rare, as they were gradually replaced by their mass-produced counterparts. 

3. Ting-ting peanuts

Among the candies on this list, the ting-ting peanuts crossed the front from candies to peanuts. They consist of nuts covered in caramelized Javanese sugar, then cut into pieces. Some producers even add sesame seeds to add flavor and aroma to the candy.

This snack can still be found in convenience stores or supermarkets, with a more hygienic packaging, particularly in other cities outside Jakarta.

4. Grandma’s hair

Dok. Shutterstock/Maharani afifah Grandma's hair candy.

The so-called 'grandma's hair' candy is similar to cotton candy in that they are made of melted sugar that is then given corn flour before it is spun. But while cotton candy got its name from their fluffy texture, grandma's hair is stringy and sandwiched in a thin wafer.