Tempeh Starter Culture (Ragi Tempe) Tempeh starter culture, commonly known as ragi tempe, is a fermentation agent used to produce tempeh, a traditional Indonesian soy-based food. It contains beneficial fungi, primarily Rhizopus oligosporus or Rhizopus oryzae, which play a crucial role in breaking down soybeans and binding them together into a firm, nutritious, and flavorful tempeh cake.