Bangkerok Keeps Sundanese Culinary Tradition Alive

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In an era dominated by transient, social-media-driven food trends, Bangkerok, a traditional Sundanese sticky rice snack, continues to maintain a loyal following. Combining a savory-sweet peanut filling with a comforting, chewy exterior, this heritage dish is proving that nostalgic flavors still hold a secure place in the modern Indonesian market.

Crafted from glutinous rice that is meticulously cooked and steamed, Bangkerok features a rich center of crushed red peanuts blended with garlic, bird's eye chilies, and sugar.

“Bangkerok is a food made from glutinous rice, which is then cooked. Then it's steamed and filled in the middle with peanut seasoning, using red peanuts,” explained Anjel, a seasoned Bangkerok artisan, during an interview with Pro3 RRI on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Anjel has been preserving this culinary art form for four years, operating with a closely guarded family recipe inherited from her late mother. While best enjoyed warm, the dish boasts an impressive shelf life despite a strict absence of artificial additives.

“I don't use any preservatives at all, it's just steamed. But this food can last up to three days,” Anjel noted, adding that this natural durability makes it an incredibly popular snack for customers embarking on long-distance road trips.

Operating primarily online, Anjel’s home-based business caters directly to community gatherings, communal prayers (pengajian), and neighborhood social functions (arisan). On an average day, she processes around five kilograms of glutinous rice, translating to roughly 50 generous portions.

“Alhamdulillah, I cook every week, sometimes 20, sometimes up to 50 a day. Usually for prayer gatherings or thanksgiving events, because our prices are down-to-earth,” she said.

To keep the traditional snack accessible, Anjel prices small portions at an affordable IDR 12,000 (USD 0.68), while larger sharing sizes are available for IDR 25,000. It is this combination of a people's price and an uncompromised flavor profile that drives repeat orders from consumers seeking alternatives to overly processed modern pastries.

While the original savory peanut version remains the anchor of her menu, the versatile nature of glutinous rice has allowed for modern adaptations. Anjel frequently experiments with sweet variations, pairing the steamed sticky rice with ripe bananas and condensed chocolate milk to appeal to younger palates.

Through a mix of word-of-mouth marketing and targeted promotions on Facebook, the reach of this Sundanese delicacy has expanded far beyond its regional roots. Anjel has successfully shipped orders to tourist hubs like Bali and Mount Bromo and recently fulfilled a single order of 100 portions for an out-of-town event. (Naura Sofia/EN)