bika ambon from north sumatra, indonesia

Bika Ambon is a traditional Indonesian cake that is especially famous in Medan, North Sumatra. Despite its name containing "Ambon," the cake actually originates from Medan. Bika Ambon has a unique texture, chewy and porous, with a sweet taste and a distinctive fragrant aroma.

The main ingredients for making Bika Ambon include tapioca flour, coconut milk, sugar, eggs, yeast, and pandan leaves or kaffir lime leaves for the aroma. The preparation process takes quite a long time because the batter needs to be left to rise before baking. This is what gives the cake its characteristic porous texture.

Bika Ambon is often served as a snack or dessert, usually sold in small portions. The cake is very popular and highly sought after by tourists visiting Medan.