Metro Banana Chip Center

Historical Roots and Cultural Significance

The Metro Banana Chip Center, concentrated in the Iringmulyo area and its surroundings, has a history rooted in the local wisdom of transmigrant communities and indigenous residents in utilizing abundant agricultural produce. Since the 1980s, processing bananas into chips began as a small-scale home industry. The desire to preserve the abundant harvest of Kepok bananas prompted housewives to experiment with simple frying techniques.

Culturally, banana chips in Metro are more than just a snack. They are a symbol of Lampung's hospitality. At every traditional celebration or guest visit, banana chips are a mandatory offering. The existence of this center makes it the "ground zero" for tourists who want to taste the culinary identity of Metro City, known for being clean, organized, and full of educational value.

Raw Material Excellence: The Secret of Manurun Kepok Bananas

What sets the Metro Banana Chip Center apart from other regions is the strict selection of raw materials. The artisans here exclusively use Pisang Kepok Manurun or Pisang Kepok Kuning (Manurun Kepok Banana or Yellow Kepok Banana). Unlike ordinary kepok bananas, this variety has a denser flesh, high starch content, and low water content when raw but mature on the tree.

The selection of ripeness is key. Bananas must be harvested at the condition of "perfectly mature" but not yet ripe (the skin is still green). If too young, the chips will taste astringent; if too ripe, the chips will be soft and easily burnt due to excessive sugar content. The sharp intuition of Metro artisans in selecting the best banana bunches is the foundation of their legendary quality.

Traditional Processing Techniques: The Art of Double Frying

At the Metro Banana Chip Center, modern machinery has begun to be adopted, but traditional methods are still maintained to preserve the distinctive crunchy texture. The process begins with manual peeling using a small steel knife to ensure the banana skin fibers are perfectly clean.

One of the unique techniques passed down through generations is Double Frying.

1. First Stage: Thin banana slices are fried in hot oil at high temperatures to lock their shape and instantly remove water content.

2. Second Stage: The bananas are transferred to a pan with lower heat to evenly cook the inside until it reaches a pale golden-yellow color, yet remains crispy.

The oil used is also not just any oil. Legendary artisans in Metro often add a small mixture of pure coconut oil (VCO) or specific vegetable fats to provide a fragrant aroma that doesn't turn rancid even when stored for a long time.

Flavor Innovation: From Classic to Experimental

The Metro Banana Chip Center is a pioneer in flavor diversification. If previously only original (salty) and sweet flavors were known, now there are dozens of variants that are the main attraction:

• Chocolate Banana Chips (The Signature): This is the prima donna. Unlike other regions that only sprinkle chocolate powder, artisans in Metro use a "thickening" technique. The cooked chips are mixed in a pile of premium chocolate powder mixed with powdered sugar and a secret blend of creamer, resulting in a thick chocolate layer that melts in the mouth yet remains crispy inside.
• Lampung Coffee Flavor: Combining two of Lampung's main commodities, these chips offer a strong aromatic bitter-sweet sensation, reflecting the region's geographical identity.
• Milk and Cheese Flavors: Using high-quality cheese powder that provides an elegant savory taste, not just a salty flavor enhancer.

Artisans and Dynasties

The sustainability of this center is supported by artisan families who have been in this business for over 30 years. Names like family chip businesses on Jalan Bangka or Jalan Lampung in Metro have become references. They maintain secret recipes for the composition of sprinkled seasonings and the soaking duration in slaked lime water (used to provide a natural crispy texture).

These artisans act not only as entrepreneurs but also as quality curators. They have a symbiotic relationship with banana farmers in the surrounding areas of Central and East Lampung, ensuring a sustainable supply chain and consistent fruit quality.

Cultural Context and Eating Traditions

In Metro, there is a unique tradition of enjoying banana chips. Local communities often enjoy original banana chips as a companion to coffee in the afternoon or even as an additional "side dish" when eating fried noodles. There is also a custom of consuming banana chips with Seruit (a typical Lampung chili paste) in a unique modern culinary modification.

As Eid al-Fitr or other religious holidays approach, the Metro Banana Chip Center transforms into a very busy traditional market. Buying chips directly from the still-warm fryer is a culinary experience sought after by travelers. The fragrant aroma of fried bananas and chocolate wafting along the center's streets creates unforgettable sensory memories.

Sustainability and Culinary Heritage

The Metro Banana Chip Center continues to adapt to the times without abandoning its traditional roots. The use of aluminum foil standing pouch packaging is now beginning to replace ordinary transparent plastic to maintain crispness for up to 6 months without chemical preservatives. This proves that traditional products can compete in the global market.

For Metro City, this center is the lifeline of the creative economy. It's not just about selling food, but about maintaining the dignity of a city through a slice of banana. Every bite of a chip from Metro carries a narrative of patience in peeling, meticulousness in frying, and courage in innovating.

Enjoying culinary delights at the Metro Banana Chip Center is a journey of appreciating the process. Here, bananas are not just fruit, but a canvas for Lampung's culinary artists to paint flavors that will always be missed by anyone who has set foot in the Land of Sai Wawai. The authenticity of the taste, the manual frying techniques, and the friendliness of the sellers make this location a legendary culinary destination that must be visited, ensuring that this crispy heritage will continue to be heard for generations to come.