Discover a variety of mouth-watering Pekanbaru specialties, from Patin Fish Curry to Soto Pekanbaru, which are full of distinctive flavors and rich in spices.
Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau Province, is not only known as the largest economic center in Sumatra, but also as a heaven for culinary lovers. In addition to interesting tourist attractions, this city offers a variety of typical culinary delights that are rich in flavor and diverse.
If you visit Pekanbaru, don’t miss the opportunity to taste its traditional food. From soups to spicy dishes, here are 10 Pekanbaru specialties you must try.
1. Patin Fish Curry
One of Pekanbaru’s most famous specialties is Gulai Ikan Patin. With a bright yellow curry sauce rich in spices, this curry combines a balance of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Typical Pekanbaru Food, such as the soft patin fish cooked to perfection, is served with warm rice, boiled cassava leaves, and kecombrang flower salad. This dish is very popular among locals and tourists, thanks to its rich and fresh combination of flavors.
2. The cencal
Cencaluk may still sound foreign to some people, but this is one of Pekanbaru’s culinary specialties that should not be missed.
Made from small shrimp fermented with spices, cencaluk has a salty and slightly sour taste with a strong aroma. Although its aroma may not be familiar to everyone, cencaluk is often enjoyed as a complement to rice dishes and other side dishes.
3. Sago Noodles
Sago Noodles is a typical Pekanbaru food made from sago as the main ingredient. Its chewy and slightly transparent texture makes this noodle unique compared to noodles in general.
Sago noodles are usually cooked with a mixture of vegetables, sliced meat, and anchovies which provide the right savory taste. This dish can be served either fried or boiled, providing flexibility in taste according to taste.
4. Belacan Curry
If you are a lover of spicy food, Gulai Belacan is the right choice. Unlike regular curry, belacan curry has a striking red color due to the chilies used in the seasoning.
This dish is made from large shrimp cooked with belacan (shrimp paste) and various spices. It tastes spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it an appetizing dish and highly sought after in Pekanbaru.
5. Pekanbaru Miso
While its name may remind you of Japanese miso soup, Pekanbaru Miso is a very different dish. Made from yellow noodles served with a broth flavored with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, this miso is usually served with fried tofu, bean sprouts, and shredded chicken or beef.
Its savory taste with a touch of spice makes Pekanbaru miso a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.
6. Selais Fried Rice
Nasi Goreng Selais is a variation of Pekanbaru’s signature fried rice that uses Selais fish as its main ingredient. Selais fish, a typical fish found in many rivers in Riau, is finely chopped and mixed with rice and fried rice spices.
The result is fried rice with a distinctive and savory fish taste. This dish is often a favorite for those looking for a unique variation of fried rice.
7. Batokok jerky
Dendeng Batokok is one of Pekanbaru’s typical foods that uses beef as the main ingredient. Beef is beaten until flat and then cooked with spicy spices that are appetizing.
This jerky is usually served with sliced green chilies that add a fresh and spicy taste. The texture of the tender meat and the spices that are perfectly absorbed make dendeng batokok a must-try dish.
8. Tuna Soup
For fans of soup dishes, Tunjang Soup is one of the best choices. This soup is made from cow leg bones that still have marrow in them, cooked with special spices. The rich and savory broth, coupled with the softness of the beef marrow, makes Tunjang Soup perfect to be enjoyed warm. Sprinkle fried onions on top to add a delicious savory taste.
9. Sago Noodles
Mi Sago is a very famous food in Pekanbaru, especially because of its chewy and delicious noodle texture. Mi Sago is usually served with the addition of anchovies, which give it a distinctive savory taste. This dish is often complemented with various vegetables and simple spices, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any time of the day.
10. Pekanbaru Soto
Soto Pekanbaru is a soup dish rich in spices, and has a rich taste and soft texture. This soto is made from beef cooked with coconut milk, ginger, turmeric, and various other spices. The thick broth with the fragrant aroma of spices makes this soto a popular dish to enjoy at any time. Soto Pekanbaru is often served with rice, chili sauce, and lime slices.
Pekanbaru does offer many interesting things to enjoy, including its diverse culinary riches. From soupy dishes rich in spices to chewy foods like sago noodles, each Typical Riau Food has its own uniqueness that is worth trying. Don’t miss the chance to taste these culinary delights when visiting the City of Fortune!