Facts About Krupuk
Krupuk, also known as kerupuk or kroepoek, is a cherished Indonesian deep-fried cracker made from starch and various seasonings. This crispy treat is a popular snack throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. When we talk about "krupuk" we're referring to larger crackers, while "kripik" or "keripik" are the smaller, bite-sized varieties. Interestingly, the word "krupuk" derives from the crunching sound it makes when you bite into it.
In Indonesia, krupuk is typically prepared from a mix of starch and other ingredients, whereas kripik is made from thinly sliced, sun-dried, and fried items without additional starch. Krupuk can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or used as a crunchy topping for dishes such as gado-gado, karedok, or asinan. There are many types of krupuk in Indonesia, including krupuk amplang, krupuk ikan (fish), krupuk udang (shrimp), and krupuk kulit (skin).
In Malaysia, these crackers are called keropok, with varieties like keropok lekor, keropok kering, and amplang. In the Philippines, they are known as "kropek" or "kropeck." These crackers are often enjoyed as appetizers or snacks, frequently accompanied by dipping sauces.