REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TEMANGGUNG – 'Fried balok' made from cassava or tapioca, is a favourite snack in Temanggung. Even in Indonesia, cassava is known as the food for the poor or villagers. The society in Plumbon, Selopampang, Temanggung, produces the cassava into fried balok. This snack even reaches the Netherlands.

Sri Umyung (45 years), one of the fried balok makers, said, her balok goreng is sold in the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Singapore. “My fried balok is brought by Indonesian labors to the Netherlands. They bring it as a souvenir from Indonesia for their employer. Apparently the employers like it,” Umyung said.

To fit the market, Umyung make fried balok tastier with balado seasoning. Even though it reaches the Netherlands, Umyung cannot maximize her production. She lacks of capital and basic ingredient supply. “Cassava is expensive. It is also limited. We cannot produce balok routinely,” she said.

Fried balok is made by cutting the cassava in the form of small block. Then, it is soaked in water for a night. After that, the seasoning such as garlic, salt, and flavor is added. The cassava is ready to be fried. Since fried balok is a crispy snack, it can last for three months.  

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