You are welcome to share your thoughts, but I’ll argue that there isn’t a better way to kickstart the day than with homemade dadar gulung.
When Komang handed me this green pancake wrapped in a banana leaf during their temple inauguration, framing it as a ‘snack for energy, she did so in such a serious and sophisticated manner, it almost felt like I was being given something illegal. Approaching it with skepticism, I tucked the pancake into my shirt pocket (how smart) to inspect it thoroughly later.
The vibrant green coat might be off-putting, and the uncertainty surrounding the coconut and palm sugar filling makes you think twice, but it took just one bite to declare this delicacy yet another Indonesian gift for my taste buds. I feel obliged to disclose that it’s the pandar leaf juice that converts the ordinary-looking pancake into a mouth-watering piece of art.
Energised by the luscious green snack I continued my exploration, embracing not only the culinary wonders but also the simple joys of connecting with locals. Riding away got me thinking that bike is such an underrated tool when travelling. It allows you to explore the surroundings at the pace you set, with as many stops as you need and without the hassle of parking or holding up traffic. Most importantly, you can write off the delicious dadar gulungs consumed as ‘fuel’.
Gazing at the village houses, gardens, shops and temples I passed by a primary school. Children were playing outside, enjoying the break, and I felt the need to invite myself for a quick visit.
I rushed to a nearby store to load my backpack with lollies and chocolate because no matter where you are, you don’t go visiting empty-handed.
Being a well-mannered tourist, I left my sandals at the entrance and walked into the classroom barefoot. My “hi”s and “hello”s were only getting echos from a bunch of kids timidly looking at me. I greeted their teacher, hoping she would speak at least some English, but it wasn’t my lucky day.
Though I tried to explain my intentions to say hi to the kids and give them some sweets, the message was received as “I am a lost hungry tourist, is there anything to eat in the classroom?” The teacher acted quickly taking me by hand and saying “Come, I give food”. My heart sank with gratitude in the moment of this beautiful gesture. “Suksma”(thank you in Balinese), I replied and swiftly unzipped my backpack to show all the goodies I brought to share with everyone. I will never forget the sound of excitement that filled the room when all the little ones went “wooooooooh”.
Realising that I hadn’t even introduced myself I slowly spelled my name, as if it helped, and then asked for theirs. It turned into a fun game when my attempts to repeat the names of these 5–6 year old Balinese kids generated joy and giggles. Who knew that getting each other’s names wrong would create an immediate bond? It’s easy to get carried away when you are having fun, and somehow my joke that they are all as sweet as dadar gulung and I could just eat them wasn’t met with the hysterical laughter I expected.
