Explore the many traditional Kalimantan dishes, from Nasi Bekepor to Sate Payau, and enjoy the unique flavors rich in the culinary traditions of this region.
Kalimantan, one of the largest islands in Indonesia, has a very rich cultural and culinary diversity. Each region in Kalimantan has a unique and appetizing culinary wealth.
Typical Kalimantan cuisine often uses fresh local ingredients and distinctive spices, creating an extraordinary taste. If you visit Kalimantan, don’t miss the opportunity to taste these authentic dishes. Here are 10 typical Kalimantan foods that you must try.
1. Bekepor Rice
Nasi Bekepor is a typical food from South Kalimantan which is famous for its rich and savory taste. This rice is cooked with a mixture of special spices, such as turmeric, bay leaves, and lemongrass, which give it a rich taste and fragrant aroma.
Nasi Bekepor is often served with side dishes such as salted fish, eggs, or chili sauce. Usually, this rice is served in the form of uduk rice or liwet rice, with an appetizing aroma. Nasi Bekepor is perfect to eat with family or friends at a meal together.
2. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is one of the typical dishes of South Kalimantan which is famous for its clear broth that is fresh and rich in flavor. This soto is made from chicken or beef cooked with spices such as lemongrass, bay leaves, ginger, and turmeric.
Soto Banjar is usually served with rice, boiled eggs, perkedel, and chili sauce as a complement. Its light taste but rich in spices makes Soto Banjar a suitable dish for breakfast or lunch.
As one of the highlights of Typical Banjar Food, this dish can be easily found in food stalls in South Kalimantan.
3. Gen Ruan
Gence Ruan is a typical South Kalimantan dish made from cassava leaves cooked with special spices. Gence Ruan is often served as a side dish with rice, with a savory and slightly spicy taste.
This dish is usually cooked with thick coconut milk, so it has a soft texture and rich taste. Gence Ruan is often served with grilled fish or chili sauce to add to the deliciousness. This food is a favorite of many people in South Kalimantan and can be found in many local food stalls.
4. Ketupat Kandangan
Ketupat Kandangan is a typical South Kalimantan food consisting of ketupat served with patin fish or baung fish curry. This ketupat has a chewy texture and is served with thick coconut milk sauce and rich spices.
Patin fish curry served with ketupat provides a savory and spicy taste that is appetizing. Ketupat Kandangan is usually enjoyed as a lunch or dinner dish, and is one of the dishes often served at traditional events or celebrations.
5. Saltwater Satay
Sate Payau is a typical Kalimantan satay made from deer meat (payau) seasoned with special spices. The tender and slightly sweet deer meat is grilled to perfection, then served with savory and spicy peanut sauce.
Sate Payau is a popular dish in Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan. Its unique and full of flavor makes this satay the right choice for culinary adventure lovers who want to try exotic meat dishes. Sate Payau is usually served with warm rice or lontong.
6. Spicy Porridge
Spicy Porridge is a typical Kalimantan dish known for its spicy and fresh taste. This porridge is made from rice cooked with various spices, such as chili, turmeric, and basil leaves, which give it a spicy taste and distinctive aroma.
Spicy Porridge is often served with side dishes such as fish or chicken, and is complemented with fresh vegetables. This food is very popular in East Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, especially as a warming breakfast or lunch.
Spicy Porridge is the right choice for those of you who like spicy food.
7. Manday
Manday is a typical West Kalimantan dish made from beef cooked with special spices, such as coriander, turmeric, and lime leaves. The beef is cooked by boiling until tender, then served with rice or ketupat.
Manday has a rich and savory taste, and is slightly spicy. This dish is perfect for family events or celebrations, and is often served at traditional events in West Kalimantan.
Manday is a traditional food that has been enjoyed by the people of West Kalimantan for generations.
8. Humbut Alley
Gangan Humbut is a typical Kalimantan food made from sea fish cooked in turmeric sauce and special spices. This dish usually uses fish such as patin fish or mackerel, which is cooked with coconut milk and spices such as chili, turmeric, and bay leaves.
Gangan Humbut has a savory and slightly spicy taste, and is rich in spices. This food is often served with white rice or ketupat, and is one of the favorite dishes in East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.
Gangan Humbut is perfect for those who love richly spiced dishes.
9. Pengkang
Pengkang is a typical East Kalimantan food made from sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. Inside the sticky rice, there is usually a mixture of chicken or fish seasoned with special spices.
Pengkang has a savory and slightly sweet taste, as well as a chewy texture from the baked sticky rice. This dish is often served at traditional events or celebrations, and is very popular among the people of East Kalimantan.
Pengkang is a perfect snack or light meal to enjoy when gathering with family.
10. Wet Crackers
Wet Crackers are a typical Kalimantan food made from finely ground fish or shrimp mixed with rice flour. These crackers are then formed into flat circles and cooked by steaming. After being steamed, these crackers are usually fried until crispy.
Wet Crackers are often served as a snack or side dish with rice, and have a savory taste and chewy texture. This food is very popular in South Kalimantan and can be found in many local food stalls. Wet Crackers are the perfect dish to accompany your relaxing time.
Kalimantan cuisine offers a variety of rich and appetizing flavors. From the savory Nasi Bekepor to the exotic Sate Payau, each dish reflects the rich culture and culinary traditions of the region.
Abundant spices, fresh local ingredients, and traditional cooking methods create unique and alluring flavors. If you are visiting Kalimantan, do not miss the opportunity to try these delicious local dishes, including Typical Dayak Food.
Enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure and experience a satisfying experience for your taste buds!