TIMES NIAS, JAKARTA – Uwwi Ai Ndota, a traditional food of the Ende community in Flores, is now starting to disappear. This cuisine is being eroded by rapid developments in the modern culinary industry. The increasing variety of cassava dishes and culinary innovations have also contributed to the displacement and endangerment of this local delicacy.

"Fortunately, for those who still have the opportunity to taste this unique Uwwi Ai Ndota dish, as it is becoming increasingly rare," said Nurul Afni, a local food observer in the Flores region, on Sunday (30/4/2023).

According to Afni, there are three names commonly used by people to refer to the Ende Flores cassava dishes, namely Uwwi Ai Ndota, Wa'ai Ndota, and Uwwi Kaju Ndota. All three dishes are made from chopped cassava or yucca as the main ingredient.

"The name itself is already unique for the people of Ende. Although they have different names, in the local language, it refers to chopped cassava used as a traditional dish," she explained.

Afni explained that this dish is commonly found in the city of Ende and along the coastal areas, ranging from the Nangapanda region to the eastern part of Ende.

How to  Make Uwwi Ai Ndota from the Scratch

The process of making this dish is very simple. First, select fresh cassava, clean it from any attached soil, peel off the skin, and wash it thoroughly.

Then, according to Afni, the cassava is grated or chopped using a knife, squeezed to remove excess liquid, and strained to remove any residue. The resulting residue is then steamed and sprinkled with a little salt. Some people also add a pandan leaf for fragrance.

Afterward, it is steamed in a pot placed on a wood-fired stove for approximately 30 minutes.

"Now, the chopped cassava transforms into the traditional dish of the Ende people known as Uwwi Ai Ndota and is ready to be served," she explained.

Afni mentioned that Flores is one of the regions that produce cassava. It should utilize cassava as a staple food or local food source, especially when food security is a critical issue in almost every region, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

During the previous administration of the Ende Regency, there was a campaign to promote the consumption of local food, especially this particular food as a traditional dish.

"We hope that the current Ende Regency Government will once again initiate a movement to promote the consumption of local delight. One of them is the Uwwi Ai Ndota traditional dish, which is a highly nutritious and healthy staple food, so that this traditional dish does not disappear," Nurul Afni expressed her hope. (*)