BATU PAHAT: Celebrating national month with a sweet twist, a bakery in Parit Raja, Johor here has turned the iconic traditional Malay headgear, the tanjak, into an edible work of art, combining artistry, flavour and cultural pride.

Decorated with tanjak-shaped paper cutouts in the Jalur Gemilang motif and subtle adornments along its sides, the cake evokes a vibrant patriotic spirit.

The idea of the tanjak cake originated in 2016 as an effort to showcase Malay traditional attire through the art of baking, said the bakery’s marketing officer Azua Nasiha Rosli, 30.

She said it was also to foster appreciation of the nation’s heritage among the younger generation.

“We want to foster the spirit of love for the nation through something close to the hearts of the community, and by turning the tanjak, traditionally worn on the head, into a cake, we hope to popularise it further,” Azua Nasiha told Bernama.

She said the cakes were especially popular among students, who viewed them as a sweet ­symbol of celebrating National Day at school.

Azua Nasiha said in addition to the tanjak cake, there were other patriotic-themed treats such as Jalur Gemilang cupcakes, the “Gemilang Cake” and the “Merdeka Splash Cake”.

Meanwhile, civil servant Mashitah Abd Kadir, 37, described the tanjak cake as a creative blend of Malay heritage and flavours enjoyed by many,” she said.

“It not only enlivens the Merdeka celebration but also revives the spirit of patriotism with a touch of Malay tradition.”