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Batam Layer Cake : Which is the Best Kek Lapis?

Published on October 7, 2025

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When travelers from Singapore or Malaysia visit Batam, one souvenir always makes it into their bags—Batam’s famous layer cake (kue lapis Batam). Soft, buttery, and beautifully layered with fragrant spices, this cake has become a signature gift to bring home. But here’s the interesting part: ask any Batam local or frequent traveler which shop makes the best layer cake, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a friendly debate.

The Debate: Which Layer Cake Is the Best?

Unlike other food specialties that might have one “clear winner,” Batam’s layer cake is a matter of personal preference.

  • Some people love the moist, rich versions that melt in your mouth.

  • Others prefer drier, firmer cakes that slice neatly and travel well.

  • A few swear by recipes with a stronger aroma, while others lean toward the buttery, lighter taste.

It’s a culinary conversation that has no wrong answer. The truth is, the best Batam layer cake is the one that suits your taste buds.

Here are some of the well-known names where both tourists and locals shop:

  • Diana Layer Cake – Famous for its rich, buttery taste and consistently high quality. Many travelers swear by this as their “must-buy” before heading home.

  • Lapis Legit Batam – Offers a variety of flavors, including prune, cheese, and pandan. Known for being moist and aromatic.

  • Mega Lapis Batam – Located conveniently near ferry terminals and popular malls, this brand is tourist-friendly and offers good packaging for travel.

  • La Moist Lapis – A newer player that’s gaining fans for its soft, moist texture and modern flavor twists.

  • House of Layer Cakes (HLC) – One of the more traditional bakers, sticking closely to authentic Indonesian recipes.

Where to Buy

You don’t need to hunt far—many stores have branches in convenient tourist areas:

  • Nagoya Hill Mall – Multiple outlets side by side, perfect for comparing flavors.

  • Batam Center Ferry Terminal – Great for last-minute shopping before your ferry to Singapore or Malaysia.

  • Standalone bakeries – Worth visiting if you want a “fresh from the oven” experience, usually with more variety than the airport/terminal shops.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

If you only have time (or luggage space) for one or two boxes, here are the safe bets:

  • For a classic Batam experience → Try Diana Layer Cake (Original or Prune).

  • For something rich and moist → Go for La Moist Lapis (Cheese flavor is a hit).

  • For safe travel packaging → Pick Mega Lapis, as their boxes are sturdy and travel-friendly.

(Tip: If you’re traveling in a group, buy from different shops and share—it’s the best way to join in the fun debate over which one is the winner.)

Final Thoughts

The Batam layer cake isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a cultural symbol, a travel tradition, and yes, a topic of friendly debate. Whether you prefer buttery soft, spiced and firm, or something in between, one thing is certain: you haven’t truly experienced Batam until you’ve tasted (and debated) its famous layer cake.

So, next time you’re in Batam, don’t just pick one—try a few, join the debate, and bring home your favorite. After all, taste is personal, and in Batam, there’s a layer cake for everyone. 🍰✨