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EveryParampara

Tumpeng

A cone of yellow rice ringed with side dishes, served at Indonesian celebrations.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Tumpeng.

Also: nasi tumpeng

Tumpeng is a cone of rice, usually coloured yellow with turmeric, set on a banana-leaf tray and surrounded by side dishes of chicken, egg, vegetables and fried tempeh. The shape recalls a mountain, a sacred place in Javanese belief, and the tip is cut by the guest of honour and given to the person most respected. It appears at birthdays, inaugurations and the selamatan, and is a sign of gratitude. Each ingredient has a meaning, from the long beans for long life to the egg for completeness. Indonesia has named it a national dish.

Region: Southeast Asia

See also

SelamatanBatik

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