Bika Ambon: The Delicious Indonesian Cake That’s Not from Ambon

SEAToday.com, Medan - Bika Ambon is one of Indonesia’s signature delicacies, and its name often sparks curiosity. Recently, this traditional cake has been trending on social media, capturing the interest of many.

Beyond its delicious taste, there are plenty of interesting facts about this treat, SEATizens! Despite having "Ambon" in its name, Bika Ambon actually originates from Medan, North Sumatra—not from Ambon, Maluku. So, how did it get its unique name?

There are several versions of the story behind its name, including:

The Portuguese Version: It is believed that the Portuguese, who once settled in Ambon, introduced the bika cake. Later, Ambonese traders brought it to Medan.
The Jalan Ambon Version: In the past, a bika cake seller operated on Jalan Ambon (Ambon Street) in Medan. Due to its popularity, the cake became known as Bika Ambon.
The Malay Medan Language Version: In the Malay dialect spoken in Medan, "ambon" means soft. Since this cake has a soft texture, it was named Bika Ambon.

Today, Bika Ambon is no longer exclusive to Medan. Many bakeries across Indonesia offer different flavors of this cake, including pandan, cheese, and chocolate. Made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and tapioca flour, it can also be homemade.

Regardless of its origins, one thing is certain—Bika Ambon remains a beloved Indonesian delicacy to this day!