10 Popular Souvenirs from Minahasa Offering Unique Local Flavors and Cultural Heritage
Souvenirs from Minahasa showcase the region’s distinctive flavors and cultural uniqueness, making them perfect mementos to bring home.
Minahasa, an exotic region in North Sulawesi, is renowned not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its diverse culinary delights and traditional products that captivate tourists.
A trip to this area wouldn’t be complete without bringing back some of its unique souvenirs. Here are 10 must-have souvenirs from Minahasa to take home.
1. Klappertaart: Sweet and Soft
Klappertaart is a legendary Minahasan dessert made from a mix of flour, coconut water, milk, and sugar. Introduced by the Dutch, it has become an iconic Minahasan treat.
With its soft texture and sweet taste, klappertaart is a favorite among tourists. Available in various sizes, it can be enjoyed fresh or frozen.
2. Kacang Goyang: A Delightful Traditional Snack
Named “kacang goyang” (shaken peanuts) due to the shaking process during roasting, this snack is savory with vibrant colors. Made from roasted peanuts coated in sugar or flour, kacang goyang is a light and enjoyable gift for family and friends.
3. Halua Kenari: Sweet and Long-Lasting
Halua kenari is a sweet treat made from candied walnut kernels coated in palm sugar. Its rich sweetness is a crowd-pleaser, just like other Minahasa Specialties. Despite being preservative-free, halua kenari has a long shelf life, making it a perfect travel gift.
4. Kue Lampu-Lampu: Traditional Sweet Delight
Kue lampu-lampu is a traditional Minahasan cake made from wheat flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. With its soft texture and sweet flavor, it’s a favorite treat for visitors. While popular during Ramadan, it can also be found year-round in Minahasa’s souvenir shops.
5. Sambal Ikan Roa: Spicy and Flavorful
Sambal ikan roa (roa fish chili sauce) is a well-loved souvenir, popular not only in Minahasa but also across the country. Made from smoked roa fish blended with chilies and local spices, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or Manado porridge.
6. Kacang Kawangkoan: Crunchy and Savory
Originating from Kawangkoan, this peanut snack is a Minahasan specialty. Roasted and sun-dried, it boasts a crunchy texture and savory taste. Available in various packaging sizes, it’s an ideal snack for your journey back home.
7. Pala Manis: A Unique Candied Treat
As one of Indonesia’s top nutmeg producers, Minahasa offers sweet and slightly spicy candied nutmeg. Made from fresh nutmeg fruit, this treat is a delicious souvenir that represents North Sulawesi’s rich spice heritage.
8. Bagea Kenari: Crispy Cookies
Bagea kenari is a crunchy cookie made from sago flour and walnut kernels. With its distinct sweet flavor and crispy texture, bagea kenari is a practical and long-lasting souvenir neatly packaged for easy transport.
9. Batik Minahasa: Cultural Beauty in Fabric
Batik Minahasa is not just a cultural symbol but also one of the most fascinating souvenirs. Its patterns and motifs, inspired by Minahasan heritage such as Waruga (traditional stone tombs) and local flora and fauna, make it uniquely attractive. Minahasan batik is perfect as a gift or personal collection.
10. Cakalang Fufu: Minahasa’s Signature Smoked Fish
Cakalang fufu, or smoked skipjack tuna, is a Minahasan seafood delicacy highly sought after by tourists. Typically smoked until cooked, it’s often paired with sambal roa or used in various traditional dishes. Priced around IDR 55,000 per kilogram, cakalang fufu is a must-try souvenir for food lovers.
Minahasa is a paradise for culinary and cultural enthusiasts. From traditional treats like klappertaart and sambal roa to crafts such as Minahasan batik, each souvenir has its own charm.
Don’t forget to bring home one of these 10 must-have souvenirs from Minahasa and Toraja Specialties as a memento of your journey to North Sulawesi. Happy souvenir hunting!
