Ale-ale is a typical dish from the hamlet Tangah Sawah, village Silungkang Duo - municipalities Sawahlunto, in West Sumatra province, and also in the Muaro Sijunjung and Solok areas. It looks like a famous pancake that comes from a Java island (called SERABI), but it does not use coconut milk so it has a different flavor and is tasty and soft.

This pancake has existed since the epoch of our ancestors. It's unknown why it's called ALE-ALE. It is usually made from rice flour, coconut milk, palm sugar and grated pandan water. These cakes can be found during the morning (sold by a vendor from dawn/Subuh until 6 o'clock in the morning), and is always used as a breakfast food by local communities --- besides Bubu samba.

With delicacy and its distinctive aroma, this food has become much loved by the consumers. This snack can be eaten by anyone, from children to adults. Ale-ale was even requested for any events outside Silungkang, such as Jakarta and other areas.

During the EXHIBITION and FASHION SHOW SONGKET SILUNGKANG at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Cikini - Central Jakarta on 30-31 October 2012, ale-ale was served to fill the Los Lambung (food stand) at the event --- alongside Coki, Lupi (lupis), Soup and Soto.

TIPS : To speed up the fermentation process, placed the bowl of dough over a bowl of warm water. But always keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get too many bubbles in the dough because it will make the dough sour (excessive fermentation).

Here is the recipe "ALE-ALE Serabi ala Sawahlunto" which I tried to make ...