Tempe is one of Indonesian traditional food which made from soybean. Originally it comes from Java Island, then spread all over Indonesia. Tempe produced by natural fermentation process and wrapped in plastic or wrapped in banana leaves. Its became one of a favourite menu in every breakfast, lunch and dinner for Indonesian people, while the other menu is tofu. Whether they eat chicken, meat or fish, they always looking for tempe and tofu to complete their eating time. It seem there’s something left if there’s no tempe in the menu. Therefore, no doubt, tempe has its own place in the heart of every Indonesian.
When heard the name of ‘tempe’, its sounds very Indonesian. If we look back to the origin of tempe, we will found that the history of tempe cannot separated from the history of Indonesia, itself. Tempe was founded during dutch colonialization in Indonesia. At that time, Dutch implemented Cultivation system or culturstelsel for the inlanders or locals. Dutch consume chicken, meat, and fish but on the other side inlanders or locals consume cheap food derived from cassava and soybean, of which tempe is made. Since that time until now, tempe became popular in Indonesia.
Eventhough tempe is a cheap food but doesn’t mean it has no nutritions. tempe also popular for its rich nutrition such as protein and vitamin B. Tempe is good for your health. There’s so many types of tempe such as tempe mendoan, tempe bacem, plain-fried tempe, sambel tempe, tempe crackers, tempe oncom, tempe gembus, sate tempe, tempe oncom and etc. You can find those easily with a low price in every Indonesian market.
Tempe not only popular in Indonesia but it is also popular in Japan, Europe and America. The good taste of tempe and its nutrition make this food more popular in other country. The bad news is Japan already registered the patent rights for tempe. The government should pay more attention to
protect Indonesian heritage, tradition and culture.
Tradition and culture is an identity of nation. Indonesia should be proud for having tempe. i like tempe. So, how about you ?
