Explore the flavors of Pekanbaru with a variety of mouth-watering specialties, from Patin Fish Curry to the spice-rich Soto Pekanbaru.
Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau Province, is not only famous as one of the largest economic centers on the island of Sumatra, but also as a city with a variety of attractive culinary delights.
For food lovers, visiting Pekanbaru means exploring a wealth of unique and delicious flavors. From traditional foods made from local ingredients to spicy soup dishes, here are 10 Typical Pekanbaru Foods that you must try when visiting this city.
1. Patin Fish Curry
One of the most popular culinary in Pekanbaru is Gulai Ikan Patin. This dish is famous for its sour, sweet, and spicy flavors that blend perfectly. Patin fish cooked with bright yellow gulai spices, served with warm rice, boiled cassava leaves, and kecombrang flower salad.
The soft patin fish and gulai sauce rich in spices make this dish a favorite of local and tourist culinary lovers.
2. The cencal
Cencaluk is a traditional Pekanbaru dish that may still be foreign to some people. Made from small shrimp that are ground and fermented with spices, cencaluk has a distinctive taste and strong aroma.
This dish is usually served as a complement to rice and other side dishes. Although the smell can be pungent, cencaluk has a unique taste and is often a favorite for those who like fermented foods.
3. Sago Noodles
As a very typical food from this area, Mie Sago is one of the culinary must-try. Noodles made from sago flour have a chewy texture and can be cooked in various ways, either boiled or fried.
Sago noodles are usually served with a mixture of vegetables, sliced meat, and anchovies that add to the deliciousness of this dish. The simple yet delicious taste makes sago noodles a very popular food in Pekanbaru.
4. Belacan Curry
The next dish is Gulai Belacan, a curry made from large shrimp and cooked with a special spice mix. Unlike most curries, belacan curry has a reddish color due to the addition of chilies which give it a spicy sensation.
Its strong and bold taste makes this curry one of the favorite dishes in Pekanbaru, especially for those of you who like spicy and strongly seasoned food.
5. Pekanbaru Miso
Miso Pekanbaru may remind you of Japanese miso, but this dish is very different. Miso Pekanbaru is a dish of yellow noodles cooked in a broth seasoned with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
This dish is served with additional bean sprouts, fried tofu, and shredded chicken or beef, creating a delicious and unique savory taste. Miso Pekanbaru is a great choice for lunch or dinner.
6. Selais Fried Rice
Fried rice can be found anywhere, but Nasi Goreng Selais in Pekanbaru has its own special qualities. This dish uses selais fish, a river fish found abundantly in Riau, which is finely chopped and mixed into the fried rice. The distinctive savory taste of the selais fish, combined with fried rice spices, creates a different taste sensation from fried rice in general.
7. Batokok jerky
Dendeng Batokok is processed beef that is thinly sliced, beaten until flat, and cooked with certain spices. This dish is served with green chilies which add freshness to the jerky. The tender meat and the spices that are absorbed make dendeng batokok one of the favorite dishes that is always sought after by tourists and local residents.
8. Tuna Soup
If you want to try a savory soup dish, Tunjang Soup is a perfect choice. This dish is made from cow’s leg bones that still have the marrow in them, cooked with strong spices. The savory broth with distinctive spices provides a warm and delicious taste. Tunjang soup is best enjoyed when served warm with fried onions sprinkled on top.
9. Sago Noodles
Back to one of the most typical foods from Pekanbaru, Mi Sago. This dish uses noodles made from chewy sago flour and is served with additional anchovies. Sago noodles have a unique texture and are often served with various spices and complementary ingredients such as vegetables and fish, making it a delicious and nutritious dish.
10. Pekanbaru Soto
Soto Pekanbaru is a soup dish that is rich in spices. This soto is made with more than 20 different ingredients, including beef, coconut milk, and various spices such as ginger, turmeric, cloves, and coriander. The rich broth and fragrant aroma of spices make this soto the perfect choice for a warm and satisfying lunch.
Pekanbaru not only offers beautiful natural scenery, but also delicious and diverse cuisine. From spice-rich dishes such as Typical Riau Food like patin fish curry to chewy and delicious sago noodles, there are many choices of typical foods that can be enjoyed in this city.
Make sure to try all of these culinary delights when you visit Pekanbaru and enjoy the unique taste offered by each dish.