There are many things that can take you back to your childhood, and one of them is food. This sense of nostalgia usually doesn’t come from expensive snacks or aesthetically presented treats, but rather from simple foods that were once easy to find at school, small neighborhood shops, or street vendors.
From traditional Indonesian delicacies to legendary snacks that were popular in the past, these treats can be a great way to relive fond memories.
So, if you’re looking to reminisce or are curious about the favorite foods enjoyed across generations, check out these classic old-school snacks that were once all the rage!
Legendary Old-School Snacks
Every generation has its own favorite snacks. Some are known for their sweet taste, while others are remembered for their refreshing coolness or unique shape. Here are some classic snacks from the past that people still seek out today:
1. Ice Pops (Es Potong)
Es potong is a legendary frozen treat that was once commonly sold by roaming pushcarts. It was made in long blocks, then cut into portions and served on a wooden stick.
It came in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, mung bean, strawberry, and durian. Some vendors also dipped it in melted chocolate and coated it with chocolate sprinkles for an extra sweet and appealing touch.
2. Umbrella Chocolate (Cokelat Payung)
Cokelat payung is instantly recognizable for its cute and distinctive shape. This small chocolate candy is wrapped in colorful foil and features a handle that resembles a miniature umbrella. Back in the day, it was a favorite among children because it looked so different from ordinary chocolates.
Although the chocolate itself tasted similar to other candies, the most enjoyable part for many kids was unwrapping the colorful layers. Even today, umbrella chocolates can still be found in stores that specialize in nostalgic snacks.
3. Mi Lidi
Mi lidi is a classic old-school snack with a savory taste and a crunchy texture. It is thin and long, shaped like a stick, and coated with powdered seasoning in various flavors such as spicy, salty, balado (spicy-sweet chili), and barbecue.
The most interesting part of this snack is how it is eaten. You can enjoy it little by little while chatting or watching something. Especially with the spicy variants, eating mi lidi can make it hard to stop snacking.
4. Cotton Candy (Gulali)
Gulali is one of those traditional snacks that is fascinating because of how it is made. Vendors usually shape the sugar into various forms, such as flowers, animals, or other creative designs.
For children, watching the candy-making process is very entertaining. With its soft texture, bright colors, and distinctive sweet sugar taste, gulali has always been a popular treat.
5. Wawan Ice (Es Wawan)
This snack may already sound familiar to some people, as it used to be a favorite during hot weather. Es wawan is a frozen treat sold in long plastic tubes and is commonly found in small neighborhood shops.
It comes in various flavors, including chocolate, milk, mung bean, and fruit flavors. It is also very easy to eat, just bite off the tip of the plastic and enjoy it slowly.
Read also: 9 Traditional & Popular Javanese Foods You Must Try
6. Coin Chocolate (Cokelat Koin)
Although small in size, coin chocolate leaves a strong impression because of its easily recognizable appearance. This snack is usually bought in several pieces at once and eaten one by one.
Besides its sweet taste, its coin-like shape makes it especially appealing to children. In fact, many kids used to collect the wrappers just to play with them.
7. Leker
Leker is a classic old-school snack made from a thin batter that is cooked until crispy. It is filled with chocolate sprinkles, banana, cheese, condensed milk, or a mix of several flavors.
The aroma of leker being cooked is usually enough to attract passersby, as it smells very fragrant and appetizing.
Its signature feature is the combination of a crispy crust with a sweet filling inside. When bitten, it is crunchy at first, then the crunch blends with the sweetness of the filling.
8. Ice Gabus (Es Gabus)
When talking about iconic old-school snacks with a distinctive look, es gabus is one of the most easily recognizable.
It has layered, eye-catching colors. Its texture is soft and slightly chewy, making it different from regular ice pops.
9. Arum Manis
Arum manis, often called “grandma’s hair,” is usually found at night markets, community fairs, or bazaars that attract families.
It has a soft, fluffy texture like cotton and melts instantly when eaten. Besides its beautiful colors, the process of spinning sugar into fine strands is what makes it fascinating to watch.
Even today, arum manis remains popular among many people, from children to adults.
10. Glasses Candy (Permen Kacamata)
More than just a snack, permen kacamata has an interesting shape and colorful appearance. Before eating it, children would often wear it like a pair of glasses.
And that’s a look at some classic old-school snacks that always find a way to bring back simple, joyful memories.
For those who miss the atmosphere of childhood, the snacks above can still be found in traditional snack shops and purchased either offline or online through marketplaces.
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