Martabak

Martabak is a popular street food in various countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It is also found in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and United Arab Emirates. The dish has two main variations: sweet and savory, both of which are made with different ingredients and techniques.

Etymology

The term "Martabak" is thought to have been derived from the Arabic word "Mutabbaq", which means "folded". This is in reference to the method of preparation of the dish, where the dough is folded around the filling.

Variations

Sweet Martabak

Sweet Martabak, also known as "Martabak Manis" or "Terang Bulan" in Indonesia, is a type of pancake that is typically filled with ingredients such as chocolate, cheese, peanuts, and condensed milk. The batter is made from flour, eggs, yeast, and water, and is cooked in a special pan with deep depressions.

Savory Martabak

Savory Martabak, also known as "Martabak Telur", is a type of stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread that is filled with a mixture of eggs, meat (usually beef or mutton), onions, leeks, and various spices. The dough is made from flour, water, and salt, and is rolled out very thin before being filled and folded.

Preparation

The preparation of Martabak involves several steps. For the sweet version, the batter is first mixed and allowed to rest to activate the yeast. It is then poured into the pan and cooked until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still soft and fluffy on the inside. The fillings are then added and the pancake is folded in half.

For the savory version, the dough is first rolled out very thin. The filling is then placed in the center and the dough is folded over it to form a square. The Martabak is then fried until it is crispy and golden brown.

Cultural Significance

Martabak is often sold by street vendors in the evening, and is a popular choice for iftar during the Ramadan period. It is also commonly served at celebrations and special occasions.

See Also

• Roti Canai
• Murtabak
• Pancake
• Street food