What is Tumpeng Cake?
If you thought a birthday cake had to be sweet, think again! One reader recently shared their experience of receiving a 7” Tumpeng Cake as part of an Indonesian food delivery for a birthday celebration. Instead of the usual frosting and sprinkles, this cake was filled with savory Indonesian flavors—a true culinary surprise served by Dapoer Peg
For this celebration, “try the 7” Tumpeng Cake with Bergedil (S$99), which serves around 6-7 people. It was the perfect family-friendly dish as the entire cake was filled with non-spicy ingredients—making it great for everyone, even the little ones! The portions were incredibly generous, enough to go around with some leftovers. What I loved most was how everything was separated by a banana leaf, and the cake was wrapped with plastic to keep it intact during delivery. It was packed in a transparent box, just like a traditional birthday cake, which added to the fun!”, foodlesstravelled
Unpacking the Tumpeng Cake: What’s Inside
“The cake itself wasn’t a traditional dessert cake, but rather a savory dish that looked exactly like a birthday cake—complete with a banana leaf base and a transparent box, just like a regular birthday cake! Inside, we found a generous serving of Bergedil, crispy potato cutlets that were creamy inside and perfectly seasoned, not too greasy or sweet. These were one of the standout components.”
“In addition to the Tumpeng Cake, we also received some spicy side dishes—packed separately to avoid mixing flavors. The Terong Balado (S$11.90) was a wonderful surprise; tender eggplant drenched in a mildly spicy balado sauce. I especially loved the chili oil in the sauce, which gave it a great kick. If you enjoy a bit of heat, this dish is for you!”
Kerupuk Udang (Shrimp Crackers): Share your thoughts on how addicting and delicious these crackers were.
Sambal Goreng with Prawn (S$14.90): Describe the combination of ingredients like tempeh, prawns, tofu, and long beans. What did you think of the flavor balance? Was it too spicy or just right?
Tumpeng Cake, A Savory Surprise!
This Indonesian-inspired Tumpeng Cake is an ideal option for those looking to try something new for their next gathering or celebration. The entire meal was a delightful mix of flavors that balanced savory, mildly spicy, and fresh ingredients in an unexpected way —it became a conversation piece!
With generous portions of both the main cake and the side dishes, this meal offered something for everyone—whether you prefer a non-spicy option or enjoy a bit of heat with your food. The Tumpeng Cake itself was a great conversation starter and a fun twist on the traditional birthday cake. For those who enjoy exploring unique culinary experiences, this Indonesian birthday cake is definitely worth a try.
Would you be open to trying a savory birthday cake for your next celebration? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
