Kerupuk is an Indonesian cracker. Almost every household stocks Kerupuk in their pantry. And each region in Indonesia has its version of it. The city has it. It’s deep-fried crackers made from starch and other ingredients that serve as a flavouring. They are a popular snack in parts of Southeast Asia.
For The Love of Kerupuk
Kerupuk used to be a treat for my cousins and me. We used to buy one each at the nearby pop mom shop. It cost IDR100 back thirty years ago. It was also sold in front of my school. My Amma always said that it made me dumber thanks to its high MSG.
These days, I don’t eat Kerupuk as much as before. I don’t even stock it in my home, but I always order it whenever I eat in an Indonesian restaurant.
When in Indonesia, order Kerupuk as a side dish for your main meal; you are supposed to eat it together as a side dish to your rice.
It’s an easily acquired taste. It’s like a bag of chips but only better. It’s not healthy as it’s fried with oil, but delicious.
I think Indonesian universally loves Kerupuk. So much, so that like how people sell detox tea online, my Indonesian friends are selling Kerupuk online. Yes, it’s that good. I am a loyal customer.
Kerupuk in Other Cultures
In Indonesia itself, there are way too many versions of Kerupuk. From the base flavours to the toppings, and I love them all. Some cities have different ones. I usually ask (bribe/threaten) my cousins to bring me to some of the other towns in Indonesia whenever they travel.
Outside of Indonesia, for me, Kerupuk is equivalent to Indian papadam.
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