As an Indonesian, you would agree that your own country's typical food has unique characteristics? Of course, because the spices used are varied, they have a strong taste. The Indonesian tongue itself likes food with strong spices, usually flavors like this are found in traditional food.
So it is not surprising that the traditional food business is one of the choices for novice business people. It could be said that traditional food business opportunities are still promising and relevant today. Interested in trying a traditional food business? Check out a review of opportunities, recommendations for traditional food ideas, and tips for getting started below.
Traditional Food Business Opportunities
Beginner business people are sometimes confused when they are entering the world of business for the first time. There is a diversity of types of business, making beginners confused about which one is most appropriate. In fact, there is one business whose market will always exist, namely the traditional food business.
The opportunities are very promising, of course, because traditional foods often have a strong appeal among consumers looking for authentic flavors and unique culinary experiences. This large demand makes traditional food suitable for sale anywhere, from urban to rural areas.
Moreover, not everyone is able to reach certain types of traditional food because the place is relatively far away. So opening this business could be the best choice if you want to do business for the first time. Here are several reasons why traditional food can be a promising business opportunity.
1. There is Consistent Demand
As an Indonesian, you definitely have a tongue that tends to be more familiar with your own country's cuisine. Moreover, they were raised first to know these foods. So it's not surprising that when they grow up they will still be suitable for traditional food because they have a distinctive taste compared to other types of food.
This could be an interesting opportunity for those of you who are interested in turning it into a business idea. There will still be local consumers looking for traditional food to connect them with their culture of origin. Next, no less important is culinary tourism which makes people interested in food from other regions.
2. Traditional Food Has Its Own Uniqueness
Every food definitely has its own uniqueness, one of which is traditional food. This type of food has recipes and cooking techniques that are different from others. This is an advantage that makes it a business opportunity. For example, rendang is cooked over low heat for 4-5 hours.
Not everyone has the time or is able to do this kind of cooking technique. So they prefer to just buy it rather than having to make it themselves. To add value to the product, you can add marketing with unique story telling about the background of the food.
3. Promising Range of Partnerships
Currently, many restaurants are interested in collaborating with traditional food business owners. This could be a tempting partnership opportunity, especially for large restaurants that already have many branches and loyal customers. Business will further develop with collaboration like this.
Apart from partnerships with restaurants, traditional food businesses can also participate in food events or cultural festivals. This is aimed at introducing the product to a wider market reach. By participating in an event like this, it opens up opportunities to collaborate with many parties too.
4. Business Models are Diverse
Nowadays business people don't need to worry about business models because there are various types to choose from. Especially for traditional food businesses, where the type of sales can be adjusted to the tastes and market of the owner. For example, by opening a restaurant, shop or online sales.
The existence of these diverse business models makes business actors more flexible in running them. Each business model has its own advantages. Let's take the example of online marketing, business people don't need to open a restaurant or shop because they can just market it online.
5. Can Innovate Their Products
Running a traditional food business doesn't mean it has to be done the old school way. Now there are many innovations related to this business. For example, developing innovations in the form of ready-to-eat food that consumers can stock at home.
Apart from that, business people can also provide traditional food for certain groups. For example, those who choose healthy foods for diets or other health programs.
Recommended Indonesian Traditional Food Business Ideas
If you want to try a traditional food business, there are many types of food you can try. The following are recommendations for examples of traditional foods that could become business ideas.
1. Pancakes
The first traditional food is serabi which is often found as a delicious snack. The shape of this food is similar to pancakes but has a softer and chewier texture. Serabi is made from a mixture of rice, coconut milk and yeast with various toppings or fillings that vary in each region.
The taste of the serabi itself is slightly sweet with a touch of savory taste from the coconut milk. This makes a satisfying snack or dessert. Especially when combined with the various flavors of toppings in it.
2. Pempek
Who doesn't know pempek? This is a typical food from Palembang, South Sumatra. This food is made from finely ground mackerel fish and mixed with sago flour. Pempek has various forms such as lenjer, submarine, pistel, and adaan.
How to serve pempek with cuko sauce, which is a spicy and sour sauce made from brown sugar, vinegar, chili and garlic. This is a traditional food business that has many consumers, of course because of the delicious taste of mackerel fish and refreshing sauce.
3. Cilok Bandung
Cilok is one of the snacks that is popular with Indonesian people. This typical Bandung food is made from aci flour, which is why it is called "cilok" which is an abbreviation for "aci dicolok". The aci dough will be formed into small balls, boiled, and served with various types of sauces and chili sauce.
Cilok Bandung is known for its chewy, soft texture and varied spices. Apart from that, some cilok are varied with fillings such as minced meat, mozzarella cheese, and eggs. Usually, cilok is sold on street vendors or night markets and is often used as a light snack or practical street food.
4. Madurese Satay
Indonesia has various processed meats, including satay and one of the most famous is Madura Sate. This food is famous for its distinctive peanut sauce and it also tastes delicious. The main ingredient of Madura Sate is pieces of chicken, beef or goat meat which are processed by grilling.
Madura satay can be found in many places in Indonesia, both at street stalls, restaurants and at family events. Its distinctive taste and appetizing peanut sauce make it a dish that many people like.
5. Gado-gado
If the ancient Romans had salad, then Indonesia also had gado-gado. Just like salad, the main ingredient for gado-gado is made from fresh vegetables but is also varied with peanut sauce and other complements. Complementary ingredients for gado-gado include boiled eggs, crackers and fried onions.
Gado-gado is a popular and much-loved typical Indonesian dish. The name "gado-gado" means "mix-mix" in Indonesian, reflecting the way it is served which consists of various types of vegetables and other ingredients mixed together.
6. Seblak
Apart from cilok, Bandung also has another typical food, namely seblak. There is no need to doubt the existence of seblak, especially for women who are crazy about this spicy food. Seblak could be a promising traditional food business opportunity. Now many home businesses make seblak one of their menus.
Seblak is a dish that uses crackers as a basic ingredient, and is then cooked with strong and varied spices. This food is also flexible because the flavors and seasonings can be adjusted to suit tastes. Its spicy and savory taste makes seblak a favorite dish in cold weather.
7. Typical Manadonese Food
Apart from being famous for its beautiful tourism, namely the Bunaken Marine Park, Manado also has various traditional foods. Typical Manadonese food is famous for its spicy taste and rich spices. Like typical Indonesian food, the taste is also rich in spices which makes it even more delicious.
Some traditional Manado foods such as tinutuan (Manado porridge), cakalang fufu, Manado grilled fish, dabu-dabu chili sauce, and rante vegetables. Each of these foods has unique spices that make it a favorite of Indonesians.
8. Madiun Pecel
Pecel Madiun is a fresh, healthy and delicious dish. Its distinctive taste and rich peanut sauce make it a popular eating choice for many people. In fact, this food is a typical breakfast dish which is even more delicious if eaten with warm tempeh and other fried foods.
One of the things that makes Madiun pecel delicious is the peanut sauce. The spice has a distinctive taste and is different from pecel spices in other regions. The ingredients are made from finely ground peanuts and mixed with fried peanuts, brown sugar, sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, chilies and tamarind. It tastes sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, and often has a slightly grainy texture.
9. Bakpia
Indonesia has a traditional cake whose popularity cannot be doubted, this cake is bakpia which comes from Yogyakarta. Bakpia consists of a sweet filling inside and a soft outer skin. This cake is usually round or oval in shape and has a variety of flavors.
Bakpia is often enjoyed as a snack or as a souvenir. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature. The soft and sweet taste of bakpia makes it a favorite among Indonesians, where its presence as a dessert makes it even more delicious.
10. Padang Restaurant
Padang Restaurant is a restaurant that specializes in serving typical dishes from West Sumatra. This restaurant is known for its unique food serving concept, namely offering a variety of side dishes in buffet form. Padang cuisine is a favorite because it tastes spicy and rich in spices.
Some Padang dishes that are many people's favorites are rendang, Padang satay, curry, pop chicken, dendeng balado, and Padang rice. In one portion of Padang cuisine, there are several side dishes which are then doused with a special sauce.
Tips for Starting and Running a Traditional Food Business
Traditional food can be a promising business option, here are some tips for starting it.
1. Conduct Market Research
The first step in starting a business is to conduct market research, this is aimed at learning and identifying who will buy our products. These consumers can come from local people, immigrants, or tourists. Apart from that, conducting research is also a form of getting to know competitors who have the same type of business.
2. Plan the Menu
As a food business person, choosing an appropriate menu is mandatory. You can focus on several types of traditional food that are your mainstay, make sure you also maintain the quality to provide consumer satisfaction.
3. Find Strategic Marketing Locations
After identifying the target market and menu to be sold, the next step is to determine a strategic selling location. Adapt to the type of food, where sales can be made by opening a restaurant, food truck, or just selling from home. Make sure the location is easily accessible to future buyers.
4. Plan a Marketing Strategy
In this digital era, marketing is not only limited to certain media. Business people can advertise through online marketing which has a wider reach than offline. Create unique branding to attract the interest of potential customers.
5. Adapt and Innovate
Competition in the business world is getting tougher, therefore as new entrants you need to adapt and be innovative. Where innovation can take the form of menu variations to attractive offers in the form of promos. Adjust it to the interests of your target market.
This is a review of the traditional food business consisting of opportunities, recommendations and tips for running it. As a business actor, make sure to always provide the best to customers. Don't hesitate to innovate to continue to exist amidst existing business competition.
If you need additional funds for business capital, you can apply for collateral financing through BFI Finance. BFI Finance provides financing with vehicle BPKB guarantees and house certificates. Enjoy disbursement of up to 85% of the vehicle value and a fast application process. BFI Finance is official and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and has served more than 2 million customers from all over Indonesia. #SelaluAdaJalan with BFI Finance.
.jpg)
