Taste various culinary specialties of West Sumatra which are famously delicious and appetizing, from rendang to lamang tapai, all of them are a must try!
West Sumatra is not only known for its stunning nature, but also rich in delicious cuisine. Each typical food from this region has a unique taste that comes from the natural ingredients and spices used.
If you are a culinary lover, you must taste the delicious dishes from this region. Here are 10 Typical West Sumatran Culinary delights that are famously delicious and you must try!
1. Beef stew
Rendang is probably the most famous culinary dish from West Sumatra. This dish has even received world recognition as one of the most delicious foods.
Rendang is made from beef cooked with coconut milk and various special spices such as galangal, lemongrass, chili, and lime leaves. The long cooking process produces a tender meat texture with the spices perfectly absorbed.
Rendang can be enjoyed with warm rice, and is usually present in various big events such as weddings or traditional celebrations. For those of you who like spicy and savory food, rendang is the right choice.
2. Padang Satay
Sate Padang is different from most satays which are served with peanut sauce. This satay is served with a thick sauce made from rice flour and spices that give it a savory and spicy taste. The meat used is usually beef or tongue, which is grilled until perfectly cooked.
The thick and spicy Padang satay sauce is a special attraction. You can enjoy it with lontong or ketupat as a perfect complement.
3. Duck Curry
Gulai itiak is a typical dish from Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. This dish uses duck meat as its main ingredient. The duck is cooked in a gulai sauce consisting of coconut milk and various spices. Uniquely, gulai itiak is usually served with a spicier taste than gulai in general.
The chewier texture of duck meat blends perfectly with the savory and spicy seasoning. Duck curry is perfect to be enjoyed with warm rice, especially for those of you who like spicy dishes.
4. Kapau Rice
Nasi Kapau is often confused with Padang rice, but they are actually different. Nasi Kapau originates from Bukittinggi and is usually served with typical side dishes such as gulai tambusu (cow intestines stuffed with eggs and tofu), rendang, gulai nangka, and sambal lado mudo.
The characteristic of Nasi Kapau is its thick and flavorful coconut milk sauce. Nasi Kapau sellers usually arrange their side dishes in a large container and visitors can choose the side dishes according to their taste.
The sensation of enjoying Nasi Kapau with various savory and spicy side dishes is truly unforgettable.
5. Spicy beef jerky
Dendeng balado is a dish of thinly sliced beef, fried dry, then served with spicy balado chili sauce. The crispy texture of the dendeng combined with the fresh and spicy balado chili sauce creates an extraordinary taste sensation.
Dendeng balado is perfect to be enjoyed as a main dish with warm white rice. This dish is one of the favorites for spicy food lovers.
6. Sweet Potato Shoot Curry
Gulai pucuak ubi is a typical West Sumatra vegetable dish made from cassava leaf tips cooked in coconut milk. This dish uses special spices such as turmeric, galangal, and chili, giving it a delicious savory taste.
Although simple, ubi pucuak curry has a very distinctive taste and is suitable as a side dish with rice or other foods. This dish often appears in Padang restaurants and is a healthy and delicious choice.
7. Padang Soto
Soto Padang is different from soto from other regions in Indonesia. The broth of this soto is clear but full of strong flavors because of the spices used. Soto Padang is usually filled with fried beef, rice vermicelli, potato croquettes, and sprinkled with fried onions.
The savory and fresh taste of Padang soto broth makes it a perfect choice for breakfast or lunch. Padang soto is often served with white rice, creating a very filling combination.
8. Tuna Curry
Gulai tunjang is a curry dish that uses cow’s feet or kikil as its main ingredient. Kikil is cooked with coconut milk and special spices, resulting in an extraordinary savory taste.
The chewy texture of the tendon combined with the thick and spice-rich curry sauce makes this dish a favorite of many people. Gulai tunjang is often found in Padang restaurants as one of the favorite menus.
9. Egg Tea
Teh talua, or egg tea, is a typical West Sumatran drink made from a mixture of hot tea, egg yolk, and sugar. Although it sounds strange, this drink is very popular among the Minangkabau people.
Teh talua is believed to provide extra energy and is often enjoyed as a morning drink. It tastes sweet with a soft texture, and you can add a little lime for a refreshing taste.
10. Fried Rice
Lamang tapai is a typical West Sumatran dessert consisting of sticky rice cooked in bamboo (lamang) and tapai made from fermented black sticky rice. The combination of the sweet taste of tapai and the savory taste of lamang creates a unique sensation on the tongue.
Lamang tapai is usually served in traditional events or special celebrations. For those of you who want to taste a different traditional dessert, lamang tapai can be an interesting choice.
West Sumatra never runs out of charm, both from its natural beauty and its culinary richness. The Padang Special Food from this region is not only appetizing but also full of deep culture and tradition.
For those of you who love food, you must try these 10 famous and tempting culinary specialties from West Sumatra! Each dish reflects the unique flavors and heritage of the Minangkabau people, making your culinary journey truly memorable.
