Discover delicious and traditional Riau cuisine, from Sago Noodles, Belacan Curry, to Smoked Selais Fish. Taste the unique taste of Riau cuisine that will spoil your tongue!
Riau, one of the provinces in Indonesia, is not only famous for its natural beauty and culture, but also for the deliciousness of its traditional cuisine. Each typical Riau food has a unique taste, inspired by the natural wealth and local traditions.
Riau cuisine tends to be rich in spices, with a touch of local ingredients such as sago, shrimp, and fish, which produce a distinctive taste. Here is a list of 10 Typical Riau Foods that you must try when visiting there .
1. Sago Noodles
Sago Noodles is one of the most iconic dishes in Riau. Unlike most noodles, these noodles are made from sago flour, not wheat flour. This dish is usually served with a little broth, complete with anchovies, boiled bean sprouts, chives, and fried chili sauce.
The savory taste and unique texture of sago noodles make it one of the foods you must try when you are in Pekanbaru.
2. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak may be better known as a typical Malaysian cuisine, but in Riau, this dish is also a favorite. Made from rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, nasi lemak in Riau is usually served with side dishes such as sambal eggs, fried anchovies, and cucumbers.
You can also add other side dishes such as chicken, tempeh, or meat to add to its deliciousness. Nasi lemak is often served as a breakfast or lunch menu by the local community.
3. Belacan Curry
Gulai Belacan is a dish made from shrimp cooked in a savory coconut milk sauce. This dish gets its name from the belacan or shrimp paste seasoning that gives the gulai its distinctive flavor.
The fresh shrimp used, both from the sea and fresh water, make this gulai even more delicious and rich in flavor. Usually, Gulai Belacan is served with warm rice, making it a perfect dish for lunch or dinner.
4. Tuna Soup
Tunjang Soup is one of the most popular soup dishes in Riau. Made from beef leg bone broth or known as tunjang, this dish offers a distinctive savory taste.
The beef attached to the bone is very tender, and the soup broth rich in spices will pamper your tongue. Tunjang Soup is perfect to eat with warm white rice and is usually a choice for lunch or dinner.
5. Laksa Soup
Laksa Kuah in Riau is famous for its rich spice broth, including anise, coriander, and various other spices. The sago noodles that complement this laksa give it a different texture from the usual laksa. Its savory taste and strong spices make Laksa Kuah a perfect dish to warm your stomach after a tiring day traveling around Riau.
6. Slime Noodles
Although the name may sound less appealing, Mie Lendir is one of Riau’s typical foods that has an extraordinary taste. This dish uses yellow noodles served with a thick peanut sauce, resembling the texture of slime.
These noodles are served with boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and sliced cayenne pepper, which add to the deliciousness and warmth when eaten. Mie Lendir is best eaten warm, especially during cold weather.
7. Deer Soup and Satay
Deer meat is not a common dish found in every region, but in Riau, you can find deer soup and satay which are typical dishes. Deer meat is known to be tender and has a distinctive natural sweet taste.
Deer satay is processed with special spices that make it even more delicious. In addition to satay, you can also try deer soup served with warm white rice, creating a delicious and filling combination of flavors.
8. Cincalok
Cincalok is a processed fermented shrimp dish that is often used as a complement to typical Riau food. This dish is perfect to eat with warm white rice and is usually served with chili sauce or as a complement to other dishes. The sour and salty taste of cincalok makes it a perfect companion for heavy meals in Riau.
9. Bugi Lopek
Lopek Bugi is a traditional wet cake from Riau made from glutinous rice flour, either white or black glutinous rice. This cake is usually filled with grated coconut that has been cooked with sugar, resulting in a sweet and legit taste.
Lopek Bugi is wrapped in banana leaves, giving a distinctive aroma that further enriches the taste of this cake. Lopek Bugi is often the perfect snack to accompany a cup of tea or coffee.
Smoked Selais Fish
Selais fish is one of the most popular types of fish in Riau, and smoked selais fish is a dish that is sought after by tourists. This fish is processed by smoking, giving it a crispy texture and a distinctive smoked fish flavor.
Usually, this selais fish is made into pindang or gulai after being smoked. The uniqueness of smoked selais fish is that it lasts quite a long time, so it is often used as a souvenir by visitors. Riau’s culinary specialties present a variety of dishes that are not only delicious but also rich in tradition.
From simple Typical Pekanbaru Food like sago noodles to unique smoked fish, each dish offers a distinctive and unforgettable taste. If you visit Riau, be sure to try these foods so you don’t miss out on a culinary experience rich in taste and culture.