Orem-Orem, A Traditional Taste Amidst the Surge of Modern Cuisine

TIMESINDONESIA, MALANG – The aroma of thick coconut milk and fried tempeh wafts from small stalls in the corners of Malang City. Hot steam from large pots dances in the air, as if inviting anyone to stop for a moment and enjoy a bowl of warm orem-orem.

Amidst the proliferation of fast food and modern cuisine, this traditional dish remains a symbol of the taste and memories of the people of Malang.

Orem-orem is a typical Malang dish consisting of slices of fried tempeh, shredded chicken, and pieces of ketupat (rice cake) topped with thick, yellowish coconut milk sauce. Its savory and slightly spicy taste blends perfectly with the addition of bean sprouts and chili sauce on top.

At first glance, orem-orem resembles sayur lodeh, but it has a thicker sauce texture and a more pungent aroma of spices. According to Wikipedia, Orem-orem is a typical Malang dish made from tempeh and chicken served with coconut milk sauce and ketupat.

In the past, orem-orem was only served as afestive food at big events such as weddings or celebrations. This dish symbolizes gratitude and togetherness in East Javanese society.

However, over time, around the 1980s, orem-orem began to be widely sold in traditional food stalls. Now, this dish can be easily found throughout Malang, from traditional markets to local restaurants.

The uniqueness of orem-orem lies not only in its ingredients but also in its cultural value. The cooking process requires patience, from frying the tempeh to mixing the coconut milk so it doesn’t curdle.

In its traditional form, some vendors still use charcoal as fuel to preserve the authentic aroma of the spices. Each step reflects the local wisdom passed down through generations.

Amidst the onslaught of fast and instant modern cuisine, orem-orem still has a special place in people's hearts. It is not just food, but also a story about the past that is still preserved today.

“I grew up eating orem-orem every weekend. No matter how many new restaurants open, nothing beats the comforting taste of this dish,” said Rani, a 27-year-old Malang resident, while enjoying a bowl at a small roadside stall.

A bowl of orem-orem is not just about taste, but also about meaning. It unites flavor, history, and regional identity that continues to live on in every spoonful. In Malang City, orem-orem is proof that authenticity and simplicity will always find a way to survive, even in the midst of rapid change. (*)