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upcakes have taken Jakarta by storm in recent years. Once an exclusive sweet treat, they have become a popular snack among city dwellers, with a new cupcake store seemingly opening every day.

Lia Melinda says she has been a loyal fan of cupcakes for several years, beginning at a friend’s father’s birthday party where the small cakes replaced the usual birthday cake.

“It was such a unique and cute idea! Later I found out that the cupcakes I like don’t contain preservatives,” said the communications specialist.

Among her favorite flavors is green tea, simply because “it does not taste bitter and the cake is soft and relatively moist”. Her favorite spot so far is Tea Party at Plaza Pondok Indah in South Jakarta.

A wife and mother, she admits to having influenced her husband and children. “Every time we go to malls, we taste cupcakes at new outlets,” Lia said.

Another cupcake connoisseur, Ruth, began to enjoy the taste of cupcakes when she taught toddlers at a playgroup in 2009.

“When the little ones had a birthday party, their parents regularly brought cupcakes, and I had a taste,” said the university student.

“Strawberry cupcakes or those having touches of pink or pink frosting, I love them instantly!”

She frequents JakartaCupcakes at its various branches to have customized cupcakes with messages and images.

“I get my cupcakes customized here twice. First for my sister’s anniversary and the second for my boyfriend, celebrating our anniversary,” she said.

Cupcakes are being made into a fine art. Among those mentioned by cupcake lovers in the know is Café Sweets at Pacific Place Mall in South Jakarta, which offers a variety of decorated cupcakes with ingredients imported from France. Each costs Rp 20,000 (US$2.2), and the flavors include vanilla, chocolate, mocha and green tea. (www.cafe-sweets.net)

Tea Party at Plaza Pondok Indah has it signature cupcake, the red velvet, comprising a red colored chocolate cake topped with vanilla frosting and deep pink flower fondant. Set in a homey shop decorated in shades of pastels, it offers daily and monthly flavors. (www.teaparty.co.id)

Parish Cake is another prize location for customers to try the red velvet in all its variations, as well as other cakes and tarts. The shop is situated at Menteng Huis in Central Jakarta and at Dessert Café across from Pertamina
Central Hospital (RSPP) in South Jakarta. (www.iloveparish.com)

Baker Street, situated at Laser Game Building on Jl. Kemang Raya 16A in South Jakarta, specializes in British cupcakes – generally called fairy cakes – whose sizes are smaller than regular cupcakes. + Frederica Ermita Indriani