Tauco Cianjur: The Symbols of Sundanese and Chinese Ethnic Harmony in Cianjur

Abstract

Tauco Cianjur is well known as one of the traditional dishes typical of Cianjur Regency, West Java, which has become a culinary icon from Tatar Priangan’s homeland. In addition to Cianjur, Tauco is also known as a spice in various other regions in Indonesia with different characteristic flavors. Tauco was first introduced as a supplementary spice of authentic Chinese food and extends to several regions and even other countries in Asia. Tauco is a seasoning or complementary dish made from raw soybean seeds (Glycine max) which is fermented with other ingredients. There is something interesting about the Tauco phenomenon in Cianjur. Tauco is the result of an acculturation of Chinese culinary culture with Sundanese Cianjur ethnic. However, for the Cianjur community, tauco has become part of their identity. This raises the question, how did the Tauco Cianjur process become part of the Sundanese Cianjur community? To answer these questions we use qualitative research methods, in the form of historical and ethnographic research. The research instrument in this study uses in-depth interviews with informants with snowball sampling techniques. This research records the inheritance of knowledge about the origin, changes in tastes and raw materials, and the process of receiving Tauco as part of the Sundanese Cianjur identity. That knowledge hints that Tauco is a bridge connecting two different communities. In this case, Tauco as a food product has a value that is more than just food, namely as a symbol of acceptance and strong trust. Tauco developed into a symbol of social loyalty and harmony in diversity in Cianjur society today. Of course, this wisdom should be preserved and extended its impact through various positive activities such as the development of creative industries, culinary tourism and others.