Lupis

**Lupis** is a traditional Javanese snack originating from Indonesia, particularly associated with regions like Kecamatan Jetis. It consists of compressed glutinous rice cakes that are boiled until tender, then served with freshly grated coconut and a generous drizzle of warm liquid *gula jawa* (palm sugar syrup). The dish is a staple of *jajanan pasar* (market snacks) and is often enjoyed as a simple, sweet breakfast or afternoon treat.

What distinguishes a great version of Lupis is the texture of the rice cake—it should be soft and slightly chewy, not mushy or overly firm. The palm sugar syrup must be rich and aromatic, often infused with a hint of pandan leaf or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. The freshly grated coconut, typically lightly salted, provides a contrasting savory note and a moist, fluffy texture that binds the components together.

Regional variations exist across Java. In some areas, the glutinous rice is wrapped in banana leaves before boiling, which imparts a subtle fragrance. Others may add a splash of coconut milk to the syrup for extra creaminess. At **Lupis Stall** in Kecamatan Jetis, as highlighted by creator **Luke Martin**, the dish is prepared in the classic style, emphasizing the purity of the rice and the depth of the palm sugar. While Lupis shares similarities with other sticky rice desserts like *lemper* or *wajik*, its defining characteristic is the distinct separation of the three core elements: the neutral rice cake, the sweet syrup, and the savory coconut.