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Cutting or scooping? The right way to enjoy ‘tumpeng’
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Iconic: The first person to be offered rice from the 'tumpeng' does not necessarily have to be the oldest or the most respected guest. (A. Kurniawan Ulung/-)
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ut it or scoop it? Despite its popularity, many people are still unaware of the right way to enjoy the cone-shaped rice dish tumpeng, or the philosophical meanings behind the dish and its side-dishes.
Served mostly as a symbol of thanksgiving, people often cut the cone-shaped top of the tumpeng similar to the way a newlywed couple slices a wedding cake – not realizing that this is a mistake.
Indonesia Gastronomy Association (IGA) advisor Murdijati Gardjito said the right way to enjoy tumpeng is by scooping out the rice and its varied side dishes from the bottom by using a rice ladle – not even a spoon or a knife.
The food expert, who has written more than 60 books on Indonesian culinary culture, said that for Javanese people, tumpeng was not just a symbol of celebration.
Tumpeng for them is a medium for communicating with the creator of nature. The cone-shaped top of the dish symbolizes the one and only God, and is always covered with a banana leaf to prevent the rice from falling, while the myriad rice on the bottom represents humanity.
“If we cut the top of the dish, it means we cut the relationship or communication between humans and the Almighty,” the 77-year-old Gadjah Mada University professor said during an event to celebrate the association’s third anniversary in Jakarta.
Murdijati said God always had a special place in the hearts of Javanese people because they believe they will reunite with their creator when they die.
