Special Iftar with Indonesia Local Food
Iftar is the time to enjoy food. It is likely what exists in every Muslim mind who does fasting. A long time ago when I was a kid, a time before maghrib it means to "hunt" iftar foods.
The regular menu in my family is Cucumis melo that is mixed with syrup. Besides, ther would be bakwan, and dates. Without all of them, fasting seems not festive.
Preparing iftar would be from 3.00 PM (iftar time in my hometown around 6 PM). My mother was cooking at that time and I assist her in mashing the seasonings. Half an hour before maghrib, I would get an order from my mother to buy Cucumis melo and syrup. It happens when the stock ran out.
However, many of my friends didn't buy syrup but "orson". The beverage is made of fruit extract, which is commonly orange and strawberry flavor. My mother banned me to drink it because it is not good for my health. Instead, we prefer syrup, although the orson price was lower.
I have been spending Ramadhan fasting outside my home for several years. It initiated from my activity in college until now in a job. Whereas, it is the second time for me in enjoying iftar foods that take place in my workspace.
1. Es campur
It rarely served over here during spending my iftar for the last 14 days. The main food here is dates. Regardless, I am joyful to consume the ice. It contains pieces of tomato, Cucumis melo, and jelly. It tastes sweet and savory. my throat didn't feel nauseous to consume this ice.
2. Nasi daun jati (Teak leaf rice)
Here is the special one! I consume rice with teak leaf as the wrapper. I never eat like this before. The teak leaf is used for the package of rice and dishes. It is such a great experience. It has a special aroma that is smelled when I open up that wrapper. The aroma increases my appetite. It is adopted from tradition of Middle Javanese.
I am more familiar with banana leaf. It is designed to be a wrapper of rice, cake: bugis and papais as well as in cooking pepes.
I am joyful for this iftar because of the teak leaf. This local food packaging is obviously boosting my eating mood.
