Experience the delight of Manado’s special cakes with authentic flavors that tantalize the taste buds—a culinary experience you must not miss.

Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, is not only famous for its tantalizing main dishes but also for a variety of traditional cakes that boast unique and captivating flavors.

From sweet to savory, here is a list of Manado’s special cakes that you must enjoy during your visit!

1. Panada: Fried Bread Filled with Skipjack Tuna

Panada is a traditional cake resembling a pastel, believed to be influenced by Spanish cuisine due to its similarity to empanadas. This cake features a distinctive fried bread dough made with coconut milk, giving it a softer texture and richer flavor.

The filling consists of shredded skipjack tuna cooked with pampis seasoning, a mix of shallots, kaffir lime leaves, basil, chili, and green onions. Each bite offers a savory sensation and a delightful aroma of spices.

While enjoying this culinary treat, don’t forget to explore the beauty of Manado Beaches for a complete experience of the region!

2. Klappertaart: Sweet Legacy of the Colonial Era

Klappertaart, a cake made from coconut, flour, milk, butter, and eggs, is one of the Dutch legacies in Manado. It can be served in two ways: baked, which gives it a dense texture, and unbaked, with a softer texture often served cold.

Nowadays, low-calorie variants are also available for those who want to enjoy it guilt-free.

3. Brudel: A Legendary Cake for Every Celebration

Brudel, or Bluder, is a cake that is almost always present at traditional events and celebrations in Manado. Made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs, this cake has a soft texture and a distinctive sweet flavor.

The Dutch influence is strong in this cake’s preparation, making it one of the classic cakes you must try.

4. Binyolos: Sweet Potato with a Brown Sugar Surprise

Binyolos is a Minahasa specialty snack made from mashed sweet potatoes, mixed with flour and butter, then filled with brown sugar.

It is round in shape with a crispy exterior and a sweet, gooey center. This snack is perfect to enjoy with tea or coffee in the morning or afternoon.

5. Koyabu: Glutinous Rice Cake with Pandan Aroma

Koyabu is made from white glutinous rice mixed with grated coconut and filled with brown sugar. This cake is wrapped in pandan leaves, which give it a fragrant aroma when taken out of the steamer.

With its triangular shape and soft texture, Koyabu offers a characteristic sweetness that melts in your mouth.

6. Kolombeng: Soft Square Cake

Kolombeng is a square-shaped cake that has been a favorite in Manado since the 1950s. Made from flour, eggs, and sugar, this cake has a soft texture and a sweet, rich flavor.

Without preservatives, kolombeng can last for 7-10 days, but it is recommended to be enjoyed within the first few days for the best taste.

7. Biapong Ba: Soft Bread with Various Fillings

Biapong Ba is soft bread with diverse fillings, influenced by Chinese cuisine. In addition to the pork variant, there is also a halal version filled with grated coconut (unti) and sweet mung beans.

This bread is perfect as a snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

8. Bobengka: Sweet Traditional Cake from Manado

Bobengka is a traditional cake made from flour, eggs, coconut milk, brown sugar, and grated coconut. This cake has a soft texture with a distinctive sweet and savory flavor. It may resemble brownies at a glance, but bobengka has a unique local taste.

9. Apang Coe: Steamed Cake with Classic Flavor

Apang Coe is made from flour and brown sugar, with a characteristic brown color and soft sweet flavor. Pandan aroma is often added to enhance the flavor. This cake is perfect to enjoy warm as a companion to afternoon tea.

10. Cucur: Sweet with a Cinnamon Touch

Cucur cake is widely known in various regions, but the Manado version has its own uniqueness with a stronger cinnamon touch.

Made from rice flour, wheat flour, and brown sugar, this cake offers a chewy texture in the center and crispiness on the edges. It is usually enjoyed with coffee or tea to savor the afternoon ambiance.

Each of these special cakes from Manado not only offers delightful flavors but also reflects the rich culture and deep culinary history.

So, don’t miss the chance to taste these exquisite cakes when you visit Manado, and bring some home as souvenirs for your loved ones.

While you’re at it, make sure to explore the stunning Makassar Beaches to add a touch of coastal beauty to your culinary adventure!