Enjoy the delightful flavors of North Kalimantan’s traditional cuisine, rich in unique tastes and worth trying for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Indonesia is renowned for its cultural wealth that spans various traditions, languages, and cuisines. One province with a remarkable array of culinary specialties is North Kalimantan.
Although considered a young province, North Kalimantan has already captured the attention of tourists with its delicious traditional dishes. Here are 10 must-try foods from North Kalimantan to experience the authentic local flavors.
1. Lawa: A Refreshing Royal Dish from Bulungan
Lawa is one of the most famous traditional dishes in North Kalimantan, originating from the Bulungan Kingdom.
This dish is made from fresh vegetables such as cucumber and seaweed, mixed with roasted coconut and freshwater prawns or shellfish.
This combination gives a fresh taste that is perfect as an appetizer. Lawa, one of the North Kalimantan Specialties, is often enjoyed by health-conscious individuals because it is low in cholesterol and suitable for those with high blood pressure.
2. Soft-Shell Crab: A Seafood Lover’s Favorite
For those who love crab-based dishes, Soft-Shell Crab is a must-try. This crab has a soft shell, allowing the spices to seep perfectly into the meat.
Served with sautéed sauces or spice blends, Soft-Shell Crab has a tender texture that tantalizes the taste buds. Apart from its delicious flavor, this dish is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for the body.
3. Stir-Fried Kapah: A High-Protein Seafood Dish
Stir-Fried Kapah is a popular dish in North Kalimantan, especially in Tarakan City. Made from kapah, a type of shellfish, this dish is rich in protein.
It is cooked with simple seasonings such as shallots, garlic, and lime juice for added freshness. This dish is usually enjoyed with coconut water, creating a fresh and tasty combination perfect for a holiday treat.
4. Tudai: A Tasty Thick-Shelled Clam
Tudai is a type of clam with a thick, black-and-orange shell, commonly found in the Bulungan and Tanjung Selor areas.
Tudai is typically boiled and served with fried chili sauce to highlight its natural flavor. This dish is often present at large events such as weddings but can also be found in local eateries.
5. Nasi Udang: A Specialty from Malinau
Nasi Udang is a traditional dish from Malinau Regency that uses local river produce. The shrimp is fried until crispy and served with fluffy rice and spicy sambal.
This simple dish offers a blend of savory and spicy flavors that excite the palate. For visitors to Malinau, Nasi Udang is a culinary must-try.
6. Nasi Subut: Unique in Color and Taste
Nasi Subut is a specialty of Tanjung Selor known for its purple color due to the inclusion of spices and corn in its preparation. It is served with side dishes like shrimp, stingray, and tudai cooked with various spices, creating a rich and satisfying taste.
7. Stingray Satay: Unique Satay with Savory Flavor
Stingray Satay is a traditional dish from Tanjung Selor. This satay is seasoned with typical North Kalimantan spices and paired with sweet soy sauce and honey for a savory-sweet taste.
The chewy texture of the stingray combined with well-absorbed seasonings makes this dish highly recommended for satay enthusiasts.
8. Gulai Umbut Kelapa: A Distinct Traditional Dish
Gulai Umbut Kelapa is a special dish only served during certain events, such as weddings and guest receptions. This dish resembles gulai cempedak but uses coconut shoot (the sprout part of the coconut tree) as the main ingredient.
The shoot is thinly sliced and cooked with yellow spices and coconut milk, with the addition of bekai leaves that add a distinctive aroma. It is rich, savory, and unlike regular gulai, as it does not use artificial flavorings.
9. Pepes Ikan Patin Kucai: Tasty and Nutritious
Pepes Ikan Patin Kucai is a dish commonly found in North Kalimantan. Patin fish is seasoned with kucai spices and wrapped in banana leaves before being grilled until cooked.
This dish tastes even better when served with warm krayan rice, a specialty rice from North Kalimantan known for its fluffy and long grains.
10. Kue Lapis Cempedak: A Sweet Treat from North Kalimantan
Kue Lapis Cempedak is a traditional cake that uses cempedak as its main ingredient. The cake has two layers; the bottom layer is dense, made from a mixture of cempedak and flour, while the top layer consists of coconut milk, sugar, and rice flour with a texture similar to rice pudding.
It has a natural sweetness from the cempedak with a hint of added sugar, complemented by the rich taste of coconut milk.
North Kalimantan offers a rich culinary experience with its array of seafood and traditional dishes. Each of these specialties reflects the culture and diverse flavors of the region.
So, if you have the chance to visit North Kalimantan, be sure to try these dishes and also explore Singkawang Specialties to experience the authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine.
