Explore the culinary riches of Riau, from Asam Pedas to Roti Jala Santan Durian, and enjoy authentic Malay flavors rich in spices and deliciousness.
Riau Province, located in central Sumatra and known as the land of the Malays, is not only rich in culture and history, but also offers delicious culinary delights.
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With a variety of traditional dishes rich in the taste of spices, Riau’s specialties are a favorite of many people, both locals and tourists. Here are 10 specialties from Riau that you shouldn’t miss when visiting this province.
1. Sour and Spicy
Asam Pedas is an iconic dish from Riau that is often served at formal and everyday events. This dish is made from thick-fleshed river fish such as baung fish, patin fish, tapa fish, and selasi fish. The sour and spicy sauce comes from a combination of chilies, tamarind, onions, and other spices such as galangal and turmeric.
fresh taste of sourness blends perfectly with the spiciness of chili, creating a sensation that pampers the tongue. This traditional food is served with warm rice, and is one of the culinary heritages of our ancestors that is still popular today.
2. Fried Smoked Fish in Balado Sauce
Fried Balado Fish Salai is one of Riau’s signature dishes that utilizes salai fish ( smoked fish ). Salai fish, which is processed with traditional smoking, is processed with spicy and appetizing balado seasoning. Its distinctive taste and strong smoky aroma make this dish very popular as a main menu at various events.
The combination of smoked fish and balado spices creates a delicious spicy and savory sensation, making it a favorite on the Riau people’s dining tables.
3. Stir-fried shrimp paste
Stir-fried Belacan is a typical daily food from Riau that uses belacan or shrimp paste as the main ingredient. Despite its simplicity, stir-fried belacan, a type of Typical Riau Food, has a strong spicy and savory flavor and is often served as an accompaniment to main dishes.
Usually, vegetables such as kale or long beans are stir-fried with the belacan, creating a delicious distinctive taste. Stir-fried shrimp paste is rarely found at formal events, but is a favorite menu for Riau families in everyday dishes. For spicy food lovers, this dish is not to be missed.
4. Durian Coconut Milk Bread
Roti Jala Santan Durian is a typical Malay dessert that is also very famous in Riau. This bread is made from flour dough that is shaped like a net, then served with sweet and thick durian coconut milk sauce. The combination of the savory taste of roti jala and the sweetness of durian coconut milk creates the perfect dessert.
Although it is also found in other areas such as North Sumatra, Malaysia, and Singapore, the Riau specialty Roti Jala Santan Durian has its own very alluring taste.
5. Sago Noodles, a specialty of Selatpanjang
As the largest sago producing area, Selatpanjang in the Meranti Islands offers a signature dish made from sago, namely Mi Sago. Unlike most noodles, these noodles have a unique chewy texture and are cooked with traditional spices, often served with additional vegetables and fresh seafood .
The savory and chewy taste of sago noodles provides a different culinary experience, making it one of Riau’s favorite foods that is worth trying.
6. The Great
Bolu Kemojo is a sweet traditional cake with a strong pandan aroma. This cake is often used as a typical Riau souvenir and served at various events, from traditional events to family celebrations. Its shape, which is like a frangipani flower, is its characteristic, apart from its sweet taste and soft texture.
It would not be complete if you visited Riau without bringing Bolu Kemojo as a souvenir for your family or friends.
7. Soaked Sponge Cake
Bolu Berendam is a traditional food that used to only be served to the Indragiri royal family. This cake has a soft texture and a sweet taste because it is soaked in sugar water. Now, bolu berendam has become one of the snacks that are easy to find in Riau and is popular as a snack on various occasions.
Its soft texture and sweet taste make it a favorite snack choice for many people, both young and old.
8. Roti Jala
In addition to being served with durian coconut milk, Roti Jala is also often enjoyed with curry sauce. This bread is shaped like a net and has a light texture that is suitable as an accompaniment to savory curry sauce. This dish is often served at traditional events or as a daily meal.
For those of you who want to taste authentic Malay dishes, Roti Jala with curry sauce is the perfect choice.
9. Bugi Lopek
Lopek Bugi is a traditional snack made from sticky rice and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves, and filled with sweet grated coconut. In the past, Lopek Bugi was only served to the nobility, but now it has become an everyday food and a typical souvenir from Riau.
Its chewy texture with a soft sweet taste makes Lopek Bugi a delicious snack that is perfect to enjoy at any time.
10. Tuna Soup
Tunjang Soup is a soup dish that uses cow’s leg bones as the main ingredient. The savory and thick broth is the main attraction of this dish, with pieces of bone cooked until tender. This soup is usually served with warm rice and is one of the favorite dishes in Riau.
Soup Tunjang offers a delicious and satisfying eating experience, especially for fans of soupy dishes. Riau Province has a variety of traditional culinary delights that reflect the richness of Malay culture.
From Asam Pedas to Sup Tunjang, each dish of Typical Pekanbaru Food offers a unique and distinctive blend of flavors. If you have the chance to visit Riau, be sure to try these delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
