Practical Steps to Start a Bika Ambon Business From Scratch!

Bika ambon is a traditional snack often mistaken to originate from Maluku. Actually, bika ambon is a traditional cake native to Medan, North Sumatra. Bika Ambon is even known as a must-buy souvenir when visiting Medan.

History of Bika Ambon

There are many stories circulating about the origin of bika ambon. Some say, this cake is named bika ambon because the first place where this cake was sold and became popular was at the intersection of Ambon Sei Kera Medan Street.

However, there is another version stating that in the past, there was a region called Amplas which was divided into two areas, west and east of the river. On the west side of the river, there was a latex processing factory, while on the east side, there were workers’ settlements and tobacco and cocoa plantations.

Then, there was a Javanese oyanggrant worker who made the cake and sold it in Medan. Apparently, the cake was very well-liked by the Dutch. This opportunity was then seized by Chinese merchants to market the cake.

Eventually, the cake business flourished and was then named bika ambon, derived from the name Bika “Amplas-Kebon”.

Starting a Bika Ambon Business

Bika ambon is characterized by its yellow color, porous texture, and lemongrass aroma. Nowadays, bika ambon comes in various flavors, such as pandan, durian, cheese, and chocolate. This enhances the business potential of bika ambon. The wet cake business never dies and continues to grow due to various innovations.

Picture 1.1 Gusto Bika Ambon 10kg

Recipe to Make Bika Ambon

Ingredients:

• 1Kg      Gusto Bika Ambon
• 450g     Whole eggs
• 115g     Egg yolks
• 750g    Thick coconut milk
• 63g      Melted margarine
• 30g      Yeast
• 125g    Lemongrass and lime leaves boiled water

How to make lemongrass and lime leaves boiled water:

1. Cook 2 cups of water with 60 lime leaves and 10 stalks of lemongrass.
2. Cook until boiling, then turn off the heat and let it sit for a while.

How to make bika ambon:

1. Mix 30g of yeast into 125g of water boiled with lemongrass and lime leaves, stir and let it sit for a while
2. Whisk the eggs until fluffy for 7 minutes
3. Add 1Kg of Gusto Honeycomb/Bika Ambon and the dissolved yeast (from point 1) into the beaten eggs
4. Stir until well combined
5. Add 750g of coconut milk, stir until evenly mixed, then let it sit for 1.5 hours until it rises
6. Grease the baking pan with margarine, then preheat the oven to 160°C
7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35 minutes

So, there’s no need to hesitate to start a bika ambon cake business. Gusto will simplify your business.