Authentic Arem-Arem from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

A cylindrical rice cake filled with savory spiced vegetables and sometimes meat, wrapped in banana leaf. Similar to lemper but using regular rice instead of glutinous rice.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
NE
Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g rice, washed
  • Filling: 200 g diced potatoes, 100 g diced carrots, 100 g tempeh, 5 shallots, 3 garlic cloves, 5 red chilies
  • Banana leaves

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook rice until half done.
  2. Sauté shallots, garlic, and chilies. Add potatoes, carrots, and tempehh. Cook until done.
  3. Lay out banana leaf.
  4. Spread rice, add filling, roll tightly.
  5. Steam for 20-30 minutes.
  6. Serve warm or at room tempehrature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll?

A cylindrical rice cake filled with savory spiced vegetables and sometimes meat, wrapped in banana leaf. Similar to lemper but using regular rice instead of glutinous rice.

Where does Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll come from?

Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll difficult to make?

Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll?

Store leftover Arem-Arem: Rice Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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