TIMES TANAH ABANG, JAKARTA – Blitar, a small city in East Java known for its long history and rich culture, also boasts another equally fascinating treasure: its unique cuisine. One of the most popular dishes, frequently sought after by both locals and tourists, is Blitar's signature lontong tahu  or tahu lontong (tofu with rice cakes).

Although lontong tahu is a dish that can be found in various other regions of Indonesia, the version from Blitar has its own uniqueness. It's particularly in its chili sauce and soy sauce, which give it a distinct flavor, setting it apart from the versions found in other places.

In general, it is a simple dish consisting of lontong or rice cake, which is rice cooked until solid and shaped like a ketupat, then cut into pieces. In addition to lontong, there is also diced fried tofu and crackers as a complement. In many areas, this meal is usually served with peanut sauce, similar to gado-gado or pecel.

However, in Blitar, tahu lontong does not use peanut sauce at all, instead, it uses chili sauce, which is the hallmark of this dish. This difference is not just about taste but also reflects the local traditions and richness of Blitar, making this simple dish truly special.

What most distinguishes lontong tahu from Blitar compared to the same dishes from other places is the chili sauce used. Here, the sauce is a mixture of cayenne pepper, garlic, shallots, petis, peanuts, and sweet soy sauce.

The petis flavor, derived from fermented shrimp, provides a strong savory touch, while the coarsely ground peanuts add texture to the sauce.

“When I first tasted this typical Blitar lontong tahu, I was immediately amazed. The soy sauce is extraordinary. The taste is truly unique and unlike anything I have ever tasted before, even compared to other areas such as Malang," Azizah, a local customer of Blitar said.

in addition, she also said the the chili adds an extraordinary spicy flavor to the soy sauce. You could adjust the spiciness to match your level.

One portion of Blitar's signature tahu lontong is usually served in a fairly generous amount. Priced very affordably at around IDR 10,000 per portion, it is a popular choice for many, whether for a light lunch, an afternoon snack, or even a late-night bite.

Most stalls selling are typically crowded with visitors, especially during meal times. One of the well-known lontong tahu stalls in Blitar is located at Jalan Wilis number 6, which is almost always filled with visitors eager to experience the deliciousness of this dish.

Tahu Lontong or Lontong Tahu with Blitar's signature chili sauce actually reflects how regional cuisine is able to maintain its uniqueness and characteristics amidst increasingly widespread globalization. When many regions choose to follow modern culinary trends, Blitar still maintains traditional recipes that have existed for a long time and continue to be the pride of the local community. (*)

Pewarta: Putri Rahmawati Nur Afifah (DJ)