history of tempeh
Where Did the Name "Tempeh" Come From?
Tracing the linguistic roots of tempeh from ancient Javanese soybean cakes to modern spelling conventions.
The word tempeh has a long history that goes back to Indonesia, especially the island of Java. Researchers believe the name may have come from an old Javanese word, tumpi, which was a light-colored food made from rice or sago flour that looked somewhat similar in appearance.
Others suggest the name could be connected to the word tape or tapai, which refers to foods made through a fermentation process. Since tempeh is also created through fermentation, the connection makes sense.
You might also notice that some people say tempe, while others say tempeh. Around the world, especially in English-speaking countries, tempeh became the more common spelling because it helps people pronounce the ending correctly, tem-pay rather than temp.
No matter how it's spelled, the story behind the name reflects something tempeh has carried for generations: tradition, culture, and a journey from Indonesia to tables around the world.