Laksa Benteng: The Secrets of Rich Broth, a Legacy of Acculturation in Tangerang

 

Tangerang, 25 October 2025 - Have you ever tasted the deliciousness of a bowl of thick yellow broth full of flavor, with the aroma of spices blending harmoniously with coconut milk and roasted coconut? Amidst the bustle of Tangerang city, there is an enduring culinary tradition: Laksa Tangerang. This is not just any noodle soup, but a reflection of the fusion of Chinese and Betawi cultures that has satisfied palates for centuries. Would you like to recreate the flavors of this “Kota Benteng” in your own kitchen? Follow the complete instructions below!

Laksa Tangerang, also known as Laksa Benteng, reflects the wisdom of the local community. Unlike Laksa Betawi or Singaporean Laksa, the distinctive characteristics of Laksa Tangerang lie in three main elements:

1. Special Rice Noodles: Using thicker white noodles made from rice flour, the texture tends to be rougher and less flexible than regular vermicelli, providing a different chewing experience.

2. Thick, Spicy Broth: The thickness of the broth comes not only from coconut milk, but also from a mixture of boiled green beans and roasted, ground coconut. This is the key to its deep and delicious flavor.

3. Traditional Side Dishes: Typically, the filling consists of pieces of grilled free-range chicken, diced potatoes, eggs, and a sprinkling of chives, creating a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor combination.

"Laksa in Tangerang City has been around for hundreds of years. However, it was only in the 1970s that laksa noodles began to be widely sold by street vendors traveling from village to village in Tangerang City," according to the website Indonesia.go.id, owned by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) of the Republic of Indonesia. The recipe for Laksa Benteng is a tradition that has been passed down by the Peranakan Chinese community. This Laksa dish is always served at major celebrations, symbolizing togetherness and unity. Each bite evokes memories of the past, serving up a combination of history in a bowl.

Making authentic Laksa Tangerang does require patience, but the results are worth it. Here is a step-by-step guide you can try:

Ingredients:

1. 1 free-range chicken, cut into six pieces 

2. Water as needed

3. 1250 ml coconut milk 

4. 3 bay leaves  

5. 2 stalks of spring onion, cut diagonally

6. 200 grams rice vermicelli

7. 200 grams potatoes, cut into 1 cm cubes

8. 50 grams green beans, boiled, set aside 

9. 3 tablespoons oil for sautéing

10. 100 grams roasted coconut 

Spices:

1. 8 red onin

2. 6 garlic, finely sliced 

3. 6 cm turmeric, roasted 

4. 6 cm ginger, peeled and lightly roasted 

5. 5 cm galangal, finely sliced 

6. 2 tsp ground coriander 

7. 1 tsp ground pepper  

8. 1 tsp sugar

9. 3 red chilies  

10. Salt to taste

How to Make Laksa Tangerang

1. Take 1/3 of the seasoning and mix it with the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken changes color. Pour in about 500 ml of water and bay leaves, cook the chicken until done and drain. Grill until browned, set aside.

2. Heat the oil, sauté the remaining seasoning until fragrant. Add the potato pieces, sliced scallions, toasted coconut, and coconut milk. Cook while stirring until done.

3. Arrange the rice noodles and grilled chicken in a bowl, then pour the laksa sauce over them. Serve with chili sauce and fried onions. 

Laksa Tangerang is not just a recipe guide, but a culinary journey that brings traditional values to your dining table. Featuring distinctive rice noodles and a rich, thick broth enhanced with green beans and toasted coconut, this dish is a tangible testament to how culture can blend together to create timeless flavors. So get ready, because once you taste this recipe, you won't just be enjoying a meal you'll be preserving a piece of Tangerang's history. Happy cooking!

Beware of the Changing Season! 5 Practical Steps to Stay Fit Despite Changing Weather

For the past few days, I've felt like the sun has been scorching hot, but as night approaches, the sky suddenly darkens and heavy rain pours down relentlessly. It's these wild weather changes that often leave us feeling exhausted, and before long, the flu and headaches come knocking, like familiar “uninvited guests.” These extreme temperature fluctuations force our immune system to work much harder than usual. So, how can we build a truly resilient immune system? It’s not about miracle cures, but about smart adaptation. Here are five practical steps we can take:

1. Pay attention to fluid balance with a smart trick: never wait for the excruciating thirst to set in! On a hot day, we lose fluids without realizing it, and when it's cold, we forget to drink. Get into the habit of drinking warm water early in the morning a simple step that keeps your core body temperature stable.

2. Protect yourself with vitamins C and D. Cloudy weather often limits your natural intake of vitamin D, even though both vitamins are vital for strengthening immune cells against viruses. Combine your intake from fruits such as oranges or guavas with exposure to morning sunlight or supplements.

3. Master bathing techniques and temperature changes. Drastic temperature changes can cause mild shock; avoid taking a cold shower immediately after exposure to heat or rain. Give your body 15-30 minutes to adjust, then switch to lukewarm water.

4. Prioritize rest time. It's not about how long you stay in bed, but how well you sleep. When we truly sleep, our bodies repair tired immune cells. Lack of sleep only invites the stress hormone (cortisol), which weakens our defenses.

5. Manage Stress. Psychological stress is the physical body's invisible enemy. Take a 10-minute break, do some deep breathing, or listen to your favorite music. Mental balance is the strongest foundation for your physical health.

Maintaining good health amid unpredictable weather feels like running a marathon. However, by diligently following these five simple steps, you are giving your immune system the best support possible. We can't control the weather, but we can completely control how we take care of ourselves. Starting today, let's turn the challenges of the weather into opportunities to be healthier and be ready to face both heat and storms with equal enthusiasm.