Do you know that Bali hosts a wealth of culinary wonder that extends beyond some of the better-known names? Menu such as Sate Lilit, Ayam Betutu, Babi Guling, or Nasi Pedes are world-renowned, but there’s more to Bali culinary than those savory dishes that are better fitted for a proper meal.

Bali also has its own unique local sweet treat known as Jaje aka a platter of traditional delicacies. Usually consists of 6 to 7 items of local treats, Jaje is often sold in Balinese wet market every morning as breakfast or morning snacks. You can also spot some of these delicious food in roadside warung. As the locals go about their business, Jaje is something that is easy, simple, yet satisfying at the same time.

Jaje is also often used in ceremonies, as a gratitude symbol towards the Sang Hyang Widhi. Jaje is made and presented in various shapes and colors, stacked beautifully they are also a feast for the eyes.

Most of the time, Jaje treats are sweet with coconut milk and palm sugar as its main attractions. There are other varieties of kue basah or wet treat that are steamed or cooked in different styles such as Pisang Rai and Sumping - made from banana. There is klepon, pandan glutinous cake that have a sweet bursting brown sugar syrup inside when you take a bite of it. Then there are giling-giling, shaped like pink worms, bubur injin (black sesame porridge), Laklak, Kaliadrem, Lukis, Bedil, and many more. The taste may vary from sweet to savory, particularly for fried delicacies.

Whatever your Jaje pick is, the banana-leaves snack platter is far from expensive with an item ranging from less than IDR 1.000 or nothing more than IDR 10.000 when sold as a whole. If there’s anything that is yummy, affordable, filling and wonderfully Bali that you must not miss when you’re holidaying, Jaje is definitely our answer!