10 Souvenirs from Singkawang You Must Bring Home After Vacation
Delicious and unique souvenirs from Singkawang are the perfect choice to bring home after your vacation, offering sweet memories from the city of a thousand temples.
Visiting Singkawang, a city in West Kalimantan rich in culture and tradition, would not be complete without bringing home its signature souvenirs.
Known for its ethnic diversity, especially the dominant Chinese community, Singkawang is also famous for its vibrant Cap Go Meh Festival.
But it’s not just the culture that’s captivating; the city’s culinary and traditional crafts are also must-have souvenirs. Here are the best souvenirs from Singkawang that you can take home.
1. Choi Pan Tjhia Cake
Choi Pan Tjhia cake is one of Singkawang’s signature snacks that should not be missed. This cake has a thin, soft skin filled with a mixture of jicama and fried garlic, creating a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Every bite offers an unforgettable taste sensation. The preparation is simple; the skin dough is made from rice flour mixed with water and salt, then filled and steamed until cooked.
This dish is a great example of Typical Singkawang Food and is best enjoyed with chili sauce or soy sauce as a complement.
2. Limun Sarsi
A legendary drink in Singkawang known since old times is Limun Sarsi. This carbonated drink comes in various flavors, including sarsaparilla, orange, and cream soda. One of the most famous brands is Limun Sarsi Cap Elang.
The drink is usually packaged in 300 ml glass bottles and sold in boxes of 12 or 24 bottles. Priced at around Rp 14,000 per bottle, it makes a perfect souvenir for lovers of classic drinks with an authentic taste.
3. Singkawang Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum Tea from Singkawang has been an icon of the city since 1977. Made from Chinese chrysanthemum flowers and complemented with grass jelly from West Kalimantan, this tea has a distinctive soothing aroma.
Chrysanthemum Tea is not only known for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits, such as relieving internal heat, combating influenza, and soothing sore throats. It is available in tea bags and canned forms, making it convenient to enjoy anytime.
4. Singkawang Coffee
Singkawang ground coffee is well-known for its rich taste and enticing aroma. The process of making this coffee is carefully monitored, from selecting high-quality coffee beans to processing them into fine powder.
Singkawang coffee makes an excellent gift for coffee lovers, as it offers a unique experience hard to find elsewhere. Each sip tells a story and brings the experience of your trip to Singkawang.
5. Candied Kranji Fruit
Candied kranji is a sweet snack made from kranji fruit soaked in sugar syrup. Its distinctive texture and sweetness make it a favorite.
Besides candied kranji, there are other variations such as candied kelimbau and cerme. These sweets are ideal as souvenirs because they have a long shelf life and can be enjoyed anytime.
6. Singkawang Ceramics
Singkawang ceramics are art products known even internationally. Ceramic-making in this city is a tradition passed down through generations within the Chinese ethnic community.
Various ceramic items such as jars, cups, and vases of different sizes can be found. The beauty and uniqueness of Singkawang ceramics make them high-value artistic souvenirs that can decorate your home.
7. Tidayu Batik
Tidayu Batik is a distinctive batik from Singkawang that combines cultural elements of the Chinese, Dayak, and Malay communities, as reflected in its name, an acronym of the three ethnic groups.
Popular Tidayu Batik motifs include Lembayung, Lantern, Beuntai, Forest, Harmony, and Crane. Each motif carries its own philosophy and uniqueness, setting it apart from batik in other regions.
8. Resam Accessories
Resam accessories are handmade crafts made from resam, a type of fern plant. Resam is woven into products like bags, hats, and other jewelry with attractive ethnic motifs.
The price of resam accessories varies from Rp 100,000 to Rp 300,000 depending on the type and size of the product. These products serve as distinctive and unforgettable souvenirs.
9. Bark Crafts
Bark crafts from Singkawang offer artistic souvenir options. Made from the bark of the Tarap tree, which grows abundantly in tropical areas, these crafts are transformed into various items such as bags, wallets, and hats.
Their distinctive and beautiful designs make these bark crafts highly appealing to take home as mementos.
10. Wooden Mortars and Diamond Wood Seeds
Other unique souvenirs include wooden mortars and diamond wood seeds. Singkawang’s traditional mortars are made from ironwood or “ulin,” known for its durability and toughness.
These mortars are perfect kitchen tools, especially for grinding spices and making chili paste. The strength of ironwood makes it a popular choice that can last for a long time even with frequent use.
Singkawang offers a wide variety of souvenirs rich in culture and distinctive flavors. From culinary delights to crafts, each souvenir carries a unique story and identity that reflects the beauty and diversity of the city.
So, don’t hesitate to make Singkawang your next vacation destination and bring home special memories, including delicious Typical North Kalimantan Food, for your family and friends.