Lemper

"Lemper" is a delectable Indonesian snack made from glutinous rice filled with flavorful shredded chicken, fish, or abon (beef meat floss). When filled with seasoned chicken, it is specifically called Lemper Ayam. Think of it as a savory rice roll, reminiscent of an egg roll, but wrapped in a banana leaf, parchment paper, plastic, or even tinfoil for serving. If banana leaves are unavailable, corn husks are a suitable alternative.

Often enjoyed as a snack, Lemper can also serve as an excellent appetizer. Its cylindrical shape is similar to lontong, another Indonesian rice dish.

To prepare Lemper, the glutinous rice is cooked with coconut milk and a pinch of salt. The filling consists of shredded chicken breast mixed with chicken broth, garlic, candle nut, spices, brown sugar, coconut milk, and various seasonings. Alternatively, shredded fish or abon can be used for the filling. Once the ingredients are ready, the rice and filling are rolled together in a banana leaf and secured with either coconut leaf or bamboo "pins." The wrapped packages are then steamed or grilled, releasing a delightful aroma of toasted banana leaf during the cooking process.

A similar snack called "semar mendem" also features glutinous rice and seasoned shredded chicken. However, instead of a banana leaf, it is wrapped in a delicate omelette, making the entire package edible. Lemper is often compared to arem-arem and bakcang (Chinese zongzi), and it even bears a resemblance to Japanese onigiri.