The Delight of Sumping Bali: A Traditional Treat Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Sumping Bali is a traditional delicacy that holds a special place in the culture and traditions of the Balinese people. This snack is not only found in traditional markets but also frequently appears in religious ceremonies as offerings to the gods. Wrapped neatly in banana leaves with a soft texture, sumping reflects the simplicity and authenticity of Balinese life. Its presence in various family celebrations, such as weddings or birth ceremonies, shows that sumping is more than just food. This treat carries a deep symbolic meaning, representing respect and gratitude, while offering an authentic flavor loved by many. 

Steps to Make Sumping

Although the process of making sumping seems simple, careful attention to detail in measurements is essential to achieve the best texture and flavor. The main ingredients is making sumping include rice flour, tapioca flour, sugar, coconut milk, and filling for the sumping. Here are the steps to make sumping.

1. Mix the Batter

Combine 500 gram of rice flour, 50 gram of tapioca flour, 2 packets of 65 ml coconut milk, and sugar to taste. Mix the better well until fully blended, then gradually add water to achieve the desired thickness. Set aside a fer spoonfuls of batter to make varieties like jackfruit sumping, pumpkin sumping, and peanut sumping.

Process of Making Sumping Dough (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

 2. Add Filling and Wrap with Banana Leaves

Once the better is ready, prepare the banana leaves by steaming them to make them more flexible and easier to shape. Place a small amount of batter onto the banana leaf, then add the filling of your choice, such as banana slices, taro, or sweet potato. Cover with a bit more batter, then fold the banana leaf tightly. This process gives the sumping its unique aroma and flavor when steamed.

Filling the Sumping Filling (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

3. Steam Until Cooked

Afterr all the batter is neatly wrapped, place the sumping in a steamer pot. Steam for approximately 30 minutes untill fully cooked. Once done, remove and let cool briefly before serving.

Variations of Sumping

In general, sumping has the same batter, which is a mixture of rice flour, tapioca flour, sugar, and coconut milk, with only the filling differing. Here are the variations of sumping found in Bali.

1. Sumping Biu

Sumping Biu is a sumping filled with biu (banana in Indonesian). The type of banana usually used is pisang raja, which has a soft texture. The banana is placed in the center of the batter, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The natural sweetness of the  banana blends with the savory batter, creating a distinctive and smooth taste. 

Sumping Biu (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

2. Sumping Sele

Sumping sele is a type of sumping filled with sele (sweet potato in Indonesian). Sumping sele has become rare because it doesn't have many fans, unlike other types of sumping, which are still popular.

Sumping Sele (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

3. Sumping Kladi

Sumping kladi uses kladi (taro) as its filling. The taro is thinly sliced, then placed in the center of the batter, wrapped neatly in banana leaves, and stemaed until cooked. 

Sumping Kladi (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

4. Sumping Nangka 

Sumping nangka is made by mixing the batter with pieces of jackfruit. After that, it is neatly wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. This sumping has a unique taste and aroma due to the addition of jackfruit in the batter.

Sumping Nangka (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

5. Sumping Kacang

This sumping is made with a mixture of batter and previously boiled red beans. The savory taste of the red beans provides a distinctive flavor and a bit of crunch amidst the soft texture of the batter.

Sumping Kacang (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

6. Sumping Waluh

Sumping waluh is made with a mixture of mashed pumpkin. The pumpkin is mixed into the batter, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. The soft texture and natural sweetness of the pumpkin make sumping waluh rich in flavor.

Sumping Waluh (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Sumping Bali is not only popular among locals but has also become a favorite for tourists wanting to experience authentic Balinese cuisine. The variety of sumping types, made with natural ingredients and uniquely presented in banana leaves, makes this treat both distinctive preparation process. Those visiting Bali often bring sumping as a souvenir or savor it as part of their culinary experience on the Island of the Gods. 

With its diverse flavors and simple yet distinctive presentation, Sumping Bali remains one of the unique market snack. Its timeless deliciousness has made it a symbol of traditional cuisine that enriches Balinese culture. Furthermore, the presence of sumping in every celebration and ceremony also highlights how important this treat is in the lives of the Balinese people.