History of Rice Crackers

Rengginang was first created when the ancients wanted to make glutinous rice tapai. However, their yeast material is empty. Because there was none, finally the steamed glutinous rice was formed into small rounds, then dried and fried.

The background of the emergence of this rengginang is closely related to the life of the Indonesian people, especially on the island of Java. Rengginang initially developed as a form of utilization of leftover glutinous rice that did not have time to be processed or cooked into rice. Rural communities have found a way to process this glutinous rice to make it more durable and can be enjoyed in the form of long-lasting crispy snacks.

Here are some of the background factors behind the emergence of rengginang:

1. Local Wisdom in Food Processing

In the past, Indonesian people had a habit of maximizing the use of food so that it is not wasted. Leftover or excess glutinous rice is often dried to be used as rengginang. This food preservation technique through drying and frying makes rengginang able to last for a long time, even without preservatives, so it is suitable as a snack that can be stored and enjoyed at any time.

2. Kebutuhan Camilan Tahan Lama untuk Acara-Adat

Dalam berbagai upacara adat dan acara keluarga, terutama di Jawa, diperlukan makanan yang praktis, awet, dan dapat disimpan lama. Rengginang sering kali disajikan saat acara pernikahan, syukuran, dan upacara adat lainnya. Penyajiannya juga melambangkan rasa syukur dan kebersamaan. Hal ini membuat rengginang semakin dikenal sebagai salah satu camilan khas yang memiliki makna simbolis.

3. The Diversity of Traditional Snacks in Javanese Culture

In Java, food is not only a matter of taste but also has philosophical value. Many foods made from glutinous rice are considered a symbol of togetherness, attachment, and closeness in the family, in line with the sticky nature of glutinous rice itself. Rengginang also carries this meaning, so that it becomes more than just a snack.

4. Ease of Materials and Processing Techniques

Glutinous rice is easy to find and relatively affordable, especially in areas where the majority of the population is farmers. The process of making rengginang is also simple, starting from cooking sticky rice, shaping, drying, to frying. This makes rengginang an economical yet delicious snack and popular among the community.

Against this background, rengginang has survived as a traditional snack to this day and has undergone a variety of flavors and shapes to suit the tastes of modern society.