Dadar gulung

Dadar Gulung is a beloved traditional Indonesian sweet treat, often enjoyed as a snack, especially in Java. The name "Dadar Gulung" translates to "rolled pancake" in Indonesian, with "dadar" meaning "pancake" and "gulung" meaning "to roll." These delightful pancakes are typically green, thanks to the natural coloring from daun suji or pandan leaves. Made from rice flour, they are filled with a delicious mixture of grated coconut and palm sugar.

Dadar Gulung can be found not only in Indonesia but also in Malaysia and Brunei, where they are known by different names like kuih gulung, kuih ketayap, and kuih lenggang. In Sri Lanka, they are called surul appam, and in Singapore, they go by kuih dadar.

The batter for dadar gulung is a simple mix of flour, salt, eggs, and coconut milk, with the green hue deriving from suji or pandan paste. The filling is a fragrant combination of grated coconut, palm sugar, salt, cinnamon, and water, often enhanced with a tied pandan leaf for extra aroma.

To make dadar gulung, the green batter is cooked on a frying pan with a bit of margarine, much like making a thin pancake or omelette. Once the pancake is ready, a spoonful of the sweet coconut filling is placed in the center. The pancake is then folded on each side and rolled up to form a neat, elongated rectangle, somewhat like a tortilla.

Whether you're strolling through a traditional marketplace or visiting a warung in Java or Bali, you're likely to come across this delightful snack. Its rich flavors and unique preparation make dadar gulung a must-try for anyone exploring Indonesian cuisine.