Explore various typical Kalimantan foods, to enjoy authentic flavors rich in tradition and spices typical of Kalimantan.
Kalimantan, the largest island in Indonesia, is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its cuisine rich in flavor and history.
Kalimantan’s signature dishes often use abundant local ingredients and spices that give them a strong and varied flavor. For culinary lovers, Kalimantan offers a variety of dishes that are worth trying.
Here are 10 typical Kalimantan foods that you must try when visiting this island full of cultural and natural riches.
1. Bekepor Rice
Nasi Bekepor is a typical South Kalimantan dish consisting of white rice cooked with coconut milk and spices, giving it a savory and rich taste.
This rice is usually served with various side dishes, such as chicken, fish, or beef, cooked with typical Kalimantan spices. In some areas, Bekepor rice can also be served with vegetables and chili sauce as a complement.
This dish is very popular as an everyday food in South Kalimantan and is often served at traditional events or special celebrations.
2. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is one of the most famous traditional foods of South Kalimantan. This soto is made from chicken or beef broth cooked with spices such as lemongrass, bay leaves, and turmeric.
Soto Banjar is served with pieces of chicken or meat, rice, and accompaniments such as boiled eggs, perkedel, and chili sauce.
Its savory and spicy taste, as well as its rich sauce, make Soto Banjar a very popular dish. As part of Typical Banjar Food, Soto Banjar is usually enjoyed as breakfast or lunch by the people of South Kalimantan.
3. Gen Ruan
Gence Ruan is a typical Kalimantan food made from chicken or fish cooked with special spices and coconut milk. This dish is similar to curry, but with a milder taste and less spicy.
Gence Ruan is usually served with warm white rice and is often the main choice in various traditional events or family gatherings. Its rich spice flavor makes Gence Ruan one of the dishes that is very much loved by the people of Kalimantan.
4. Ketupat Kandangan
Ketupat Kandangan is a dish consisting of ketupat (rice wrapped in coconut leaves) served with spicy patin or baung fish curry. This dish is very popular in South Kalimantan, especially in the Kandangan area, which is its origin.
The fish curry used has a distinctive taste with spices such as turmeric, ginger, and bay leaves, which give it a savory and spicy taste. Ketupat Kandangan is often served at special events and is a very popular food among the local people.
5. Saltwater Satay
Sate Payau is one of Kalimantan’s specialties that uses brackish water or deer meat as its main ingredient. This deer meat is seasoned with typical Kalimantan spices, then grilled and served with a rich peanut sauce.
Sate Payau has a unique taste, with tender and savory meat. This dish can be found in various food stalls or restaurants that serve typical Kalimantan cuisine, especially in areas that still have a lot of deer.
6. Spicy Porridge
Spicy Porridge is a typical Kalimantan food made from rice cooked with spicy herbs and spices, as well as abundant vegetables. This dish is very popular in East Kalimantan, especially as a breakfast food.
Spicy Porridge has a rich, spicy and savory taste, with a soft porridge texture. Sometimes, this porridge is also served with pieces of chicken or fish to add to the flavor. This food is suitable for those who like spicy and spicy dishes.
7. Manday
Manday is a traditional Kalimantan food made from beef or chicken cooked with rich spices and coconut milk. Manday has a savory and slightly spicy taste, with a tender meat texture and spices that are absorbed.
This food is often served with warm white rice and is a favorite dish at various celebrations or family events. Manday is a dish that reflects the deliciousness of Kalimantan cuisine which is rich in herbs and spices.
8. Humbut Alley
Gangan Humbut is a typical Kalimantan dish made from fish cooked in coconut milk and special spices. One of the main ingredients in this dish is patin fish or baung fish, which is combined with spices such as turmeric, ginger, and bay leaves.
Gangan Humbut has a savory and fresh taste, as well as an appetizing aroma. This dish is often served with white rice and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
9. Pengkang
Pengkang is a typical Kalimantan food made from sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and filled with chicken or fish seasoned with spices. After being wrapped, the pengkang is then grilled or grilled until cooked.
This food has a savory taste with a chewy sticky rice texture and a filling rich in spices. Pengkang is often served as a snack or dessert in various traditional events in Kalimantan.
10. Wet Crackers
Wet Crackers are a type of cracker typical of Kalimantan which is made from tapioca flour mixed with fish or shrimp. In contrast to dry crackers, wet crackers have a chewier texture and are often served wet or half-cooked.
These crackers are usually served as a complement to food or a light snack. Its savory and slightly salty taste makes Wet Crackers a popular choice in Kalimantan, especially in coastal areas.
Kalimantan cuisine is an important part of the island’s rich culture and traditions. From the savory Nasi Bekepor to the chewy Kerupuk Basah, each dish reflects the uniqueness and richness of the spices that are abundant in Kalimantan.
With a variety of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors, Kalimantan’s specialties can provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
If you visit Kalimantan, be sure to try these specialties, including Typical Dayak Food, which will not only tempt your taste buds but also introduce you to the rich local culture.