Since it was my first time visiting Indonesia, I did a quick search for must-buy pasalubong to bring home. Based on my research, some popular choices in Batam included Kue Lapis, Luti Gendang, Otak-Otak Batam, Bingka Bakar, kerupuk (crackers), local chips, packaged snacks, and Batam-themed souvenirs.
However, Batam was not our last destination, and we still had a five-day Disney Adventure Cruise ahead of us. Because we had limited luggage space and wanted to pack light, we decided to buy only a few pasalubong that we could bring home and enjoy during our trip.
Pasalubong Shopping at Rumah Kue Wiweka
During our Private Batam Tour, we stopped by Rumah Kue Wiweka, where we bought some pasalubong, including lapis, banana puff, chips, and magnets.
One of the things I bought was lapis, a popular Indonesian layered cake. I got a few pieces, one as a thank-you gift for the hotel staff who kindly gave us a room upgrade, and the rest for us to enjoy as snacks during our hotel stay.
I really liked the taste of the lapis we bought. It was different from the Indonesian pasalubong my husband had brought home before. If Indonesia had been our last destination, I would have bought more to share with our family and friends.
Indonesian Grocery Items and Snacks to Buy
Aside from traditional cakes and souvenirs, Indonesia also has plenty of packaged snacks, chocolates, instant noodles, coffee, and local grocery products worth checking out.
Here are some items on my must-buy list based on my research:
· Instant noodles: Indomie
· Wafers and biscuits: Tango wafers and Roma Kelapa biscuits
· Chocolates: SilverQueen, Beng-Beng chocolate bars, and other local chocolate treats
· Chili seasoning: BonCabe chili seasoning
· Cooking essentials: Indonesian cooking spices, ABC sauces, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
· Chips and crackers: Qtela, kerupuk, and other local chips
· Snacks: Garuda peanuts and Indonesian candies
· Coffee and tea: Kapal Api coffee and Tehbotol Sosro
Of course, these were just some of the products I found during my research. I didn't get to buy everything on the list because we had to consider our luggage space and upcoming cruise.
Trying Indonesian Instant Noodles and Coffee
During our visit, I bought instant coffee and Indomie instant noodles even though I knew these products were already available in the Philippines.
I was curious to find out if they tasted any different from the ones we usually buy at home. Hehehe! Sometimes, even familiar grocery items become part of the fun of shopping in another country.
We also had to consider our breakfast budget because our Singapore hotel did not include breakfast. Having instant noodles and coffee on hand was a convenient option during our stay.
The Snacks and Chocolates We Bought
Aside from the lapis, banana puff, and chips we bought at Rumah Kue Wiweka, I also picked up some Indonesian snacks and chocolates to enjoy during our trip.
Our purchases included peanut rolls, SilverQueen chocolates, Oatmaltinez nougat with almonds and peanuts, TESME fruit chips in jackfruit, mango, and salacca flavors, and Beng-Beng chocolate bars.
I always enjoy checking out the snacks available in local supermarkets whenever we travel. It's a fun way to discover local products and try something different from the usual snacks we buy back home. Of course, I couldn't resist bringing home a few treats to enjoy during our trip and share with family.
A Batik Skirt as a Souvenir
Aside from food and snacks, we also came across a clothing store called Batik Sinten.
My husband convinced me to buy a batik skirt when he saw the store. Since batik is closely associated with Indonesian textile traditions, I thought it would be a nice souvenir to remember our trip to Batam.
It was also a good change from our usual pasalubong shopping, which mostly involved food.
Final Thoughts on Buying Pasalubong in Batam
Our pasalubong shopping in Batam was simple because we had to save space for our next adventure. We didn't get to buy everything on my original must-buy list, but we still brought home a few Indonesian treats and souvenirs to remember our visit.
If Batam had been our last stop, I would have bought more lapis, local snacks, chocolates, and other Indonesian grocery items for our family and friends.
For first-time visitors, I recommend doing a little research before your trip so you can make a list of the local specialties and souvenirs you want to try. Just remember to leave enough room in your luggage, especially if you still have another destination or cruise ahead!
For us, the best part was discovering new treats, trying familiar products from another country, and bringing home a few souvenirs from our first visit to Indonesia.
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