West Papuan foods offer different experience for traveler who also love culinary. The uniqueness of the food and the friendliness of the people will make you feel home in this beautiful area of Indonesia. So, what are the typical foods you can find there? Please check the list out!
West Papuan Foods to Enjoy While Traveling
There are 13 specialty dishes from the region that you can taste before flying back to your hometown. These culinary foods will not be a disappointment once you have tried them.
1. Papeda
The first specialty dish is papeda. The main ingredient is sago, which is cooked like porridge. It is sticky and tastes quite bland, as it is supposed to be eaten with other side dishes.
2. Sago Martabak
Sago martabak is a stuffed pancake with sago fillings. The sago was ground until soft and then mixed with sweet sugary things to make it more delicious to eat.
3. Skewer of Sago Grub
The grub is from an old sago tree that has almost withered. The sago grubs are then put on bamboo skewers or sticks. Then the skewer will be roasted or grilled until it is nice and savory.
4. Ikan Bakar Manokwari
Ikan bakar Manokwari is translated to Manokwari grilled fish, which originates from a town in the area. The fish used is usually mackerel or tuna, which is marinated with sweet soy sauce that is mixed with chili to add some taste to it.
5. Udang Selingkuh
Udang selingkuh is a prawn dish that resembles crab claws. The prawn has a sweet and soft texture like lobster. A nice bite of this prawn mixed with sauces will fill your stomach right away.
6. Ikan Bungkus
West Papuan cuisine serves fish like no other. Especially this ikan bungkus. It is basically a fish that is cooked after being wrapped in a taro leaf. The fish will then cook slowly and be eaten while it is hot.
7. Aunu Senebre
Aunu senebre is made from anchovies that are fried with rice and then mixed with small pieces of taro leaves. When served, people will add grated coconut to it. This dish is usually eaten with papeda, which will add extra texture to the taste buds.
8. Ant’s Nest
You might want to relax because this is not an actual nest. It is actually a plant that can be found in the Papuan forest. The resemblance to the ant’s nest is the originality of the dish name. It is tasty but also healthy as it helps with certain diseases.
9. Sago Slabs
Sago slabs are usually never found in shops because they are a homemade food item from Papua. These foods are usually made with sago, which is molded into square shapes and then roasted. It has a hard texture but can last a long time.
10. Saksak
Saksak has a slimy texture that resembles jelly. It is made from tapioca, mashed banana, and sugar. After being mixed together, the saksak will then be wrapped using banana leaves and steamed until it is ready. The sweet taste will brighten your day.
11. Mumu
Mumu is made from meat that is seasoned with vegetables, salt, coconut milk, and spices. The mix of these ingredients is then wrapped inside banana leaves to be heated using hot stones.
12. Lontar Cake
Lontar cake is made from flour. The finished cake resembles milk pies. It is usually served on special occasions like religious or national holidays. It is popular and tasty.
13. Bagea Cake
This cake used sago and walnuts as the main ingredients. The texture is quite hard but still delicious for a dessert. Eat it with the accompaniment of coffee or tea to add a special taste to it.
The West Papuan foods always served their specialty foods to their guests. These 13 dishes are examples of the hospitality you can enjoy while traveling in this area. Which one do you want to try first?
