Explore a variety of mouth-watering Banjar culinary specialties, from Soto Banjar to Patin Bauba, and enjoy the unique flavors rich in South Kalimantan tradition.
South Kalimantan, with its capital city Banjarmasin, is known for its distinctive cuisine rich in flavor and alluring spices. Banjar cuisine is not only appetizing, but also reflects the richness of its culture and traditions.
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Banjar specialties often use natural local ingredients, with traditional cooking techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
If you have the opportunity to visit this area, don’t miss the chance to taste the delicious local cuisine. Here are 10 Typical Banjar Culinary delights that you must try.
1. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is a traditional Banjar soup dish that is famous for its clear broth and delicious taste. Usually, Soto Banjar uses chicken or beef, which is cooked with special spices such as lemongrass, bay leaves, ginger, and turmeric.
This dish is also served with ketupat or rice and is often added with boiled eggs, perkedel, and chili sauce. The distinctive aroma of spices makes Soto Banjar a perfect choice for breakfast or lunch.
Soto Banjar is also known as a dish that is suitable for various events, be it family events or traditional celebrations.
2. Pearl Soup
Pearl Soup is one of Banjar’s culinary specialties made from beef or chicken, cooked in a savory and rich broth. The specialty of Pearl Soup lies in the use of quality ingredients, such as cashew nuts and other complementary ingredients that provide a different taste sensation.
This soup is usually served with white rice or ketupat, and is perfect to enjoy in cold weather. Its light taste but rich in spices makes Pearl Soup a favorite of many people.
3. Banjarmasin Yellow Rice
Nasi Kuning Banjarmasin is a traditional food that is often served at special events, such as celebrations or traditional events.
This rice is cooked with coconut milk and seasoned with turmeric and pandan leaves, which give it a bright yellow color and distinctive aroma.
This yellow rice is usually served with side dishes such as fried chicken, balado eggs, fried chili sauce, and potato croquettes. Banjarmasin Yellow Rice is perfect to enjoy as a breakfast or lunch dish.
4. Peat Duck Rice
Nasi Itik Gambut is a typical Banjar dish that uses duck as the main ingredient. The duck is cooked with a special seasoning that is rich in spices, so it tastes savory and slightly spicy.
Nasi Itik Gambut is usually served with warm white rice, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables. This dish is very famous around Banjarmasin and is a favorite of many tourists who come to South Kalimantan.
Its delicious taste and distinctive spices make Nasi Itik Gambut one of Banjar’s culinary specialties that should not be missed.
5. Sour Sauce
Cacapan Asam is one of Banjar’s signature sambals made from chili, tomatoes, and tamarind, which gives a spicy, sour, and fresh taste. This sambal is perfect as an accompaniment to rice or other side dishes.
Cacapan Asam is also often served with grilled fish or fried chicken, providing a very appetizing taste. The spiciness is not excessive and the refreshing sour taste makes this chili sauce a perfect addition to any dish.
6. Acan chili sauce
Sambal Acan is a typical Banjar sambal made from chili, shrimp paste, and other ingredients, which gives a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet taste.
This sambal is often served with grilled fish or fried chicken, or even as a complement to main dishes such as white rice or ketupat.
The specialty of Sambal Acan lies in the balance of spicy and savory flavors which makes it very suitable for enhancing the taste of food. If you are a fan of chili sauce, Sambal Acan is a must-try when visiting South Kalimantan.
7. Ketupat Kandangan
Ketupat Kandangan is a traditional dish made from ketupat wrapped in young coconut leaves and cooked in a unique way. This ketupat is usually served with fish curry, such as patin fish or baung fish.
Its soft and savory taste goes very well with the rich spice curry sauce. Ketupat Kandangan is often served at traditional events or celebrations, and is a popular choice as a main dish when gathering with family or friends.
8. Orange Rice Cake
Lontong Orani is a typical Banjar dish made from lontong cut into pieces and served with thick coconut milk sauce, and various side dishes such as chicken, eggs, or fish.
This dish is often served as breakfast or lunch, and its savory and spicy taste provides a unique pleasure. Lontong Orani is also often served with chili sauce, giving it a refreshing spicy touch. This food is perfect to enjoy with family or friends.
9. Patin Bauba
Patin Bauba is a typical Banjar dish that uses patin fish as its main ingredient. Patin fish is cooked with typical Banjar spices, such as turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaves, and chili, resulting in a savory and spicy taste.
This dish is usually served with white rice and chili sauce as a complement. Patin Bauba is very popular in South Kalimantan and is one of the dishes that should not be missed when visiting this area.
The unique, soft taste of catfish and its distinctive spices make Patin Bauba a favorite for many people.
10. Tempeh Bungkuk
Tempe Bungkuk is a typical Banjar snack made from tempeh fried with special spices. This tempeh is served with chili sauce or pickles, giving it a savory and slightly spicy taste.
Tempe Bungkuk is often served as a snack or as an accompaniment to rice, and is a popular choice among the Banjar people.
With a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, Tempe Bungkuk is very appetizing, making it a perfect snack to accompany your relaxing time.
Banjar cuisine offers a variety of unique flavors and is rich in spices, as well as abundant natural ingredients. From the savory Soto Banjar to the delicious Patin Bauba, each dish has its own uniqueness and specialty.
Banjar specialties are not only appetizing, but also reflect the culture and traditions that have developed over the years.
If you have the opportunity to visit South Kalimantan, be sure to try this mouth-watering Banjar culinary specialty, along with the unique flavors of Typical Dayak Food.
