Are you the type of tourist who is eager to try local foods during your trip or stick to your hometown food even when you go abroad? Trying local foods can enrich your trip experience so you should not miss the opportunity to find the local delicacies especially when you choose to experience the west papua tourism. Here are some local foods you do not want to miss in West Papua.
Papeda (Sago Porridge) and Ikan Kuah Kuning (Fish in Yellow Soup)
Sago becomes the staple food of many Papuan. Many kinds of local foods are made from sago. Nevertheless, you do not visit West Papua until you try papeda or porridge made of sago. This unique Papuan food might give you an extraordinary experience during your west papua tourism trip. Papeda is usually served with ikan kuah kuning or fish cooked in yellow soup. The yellow color comes from turmeric as its seasoning.
When you try the papeda alone, you might be surprised with its glue-like texture and bland taste. Nevertheless, the savory yellow soup and the fish will be a perfect pairing with papeda. You have to try the unique way to scoop the papeda to your plate. It might be challenging.
Mashed Taro Root
Another local delicacy that will make your belly feel so much better is the mashed taro root. Besides the sago, locals also consume various kinds of roots including taro root as their staple foods. The mashed taro root is made by mashing the cooked taro root. It is mixed with shredded coconut, salt, and sugar. It is perfect to be enjoyed with grilled fish. This menu is served often during celebrations, ceremonies, and party events. You can taste a bite of local festive by trying this food during your west papua tourism experience.
Ikan Cakalang Asar (Smoked Skipjack)
Again, you can find another fish menu you should try when in West Papua. There is no surprise that you can find various kinds of seafood because West Papua has a lot of islands. It means that the sea becomes part of their daily life. You need to try ikan cakalang asap or smoked skipjack in West Papua.
You will not find any difficult to find this smoked skipjack because many local women sell it in the local market. You can eat the smoked fish right away because it has been smoked until dry and fully cooked. Yet, you can also cook it again to enhance its authentic savory and smoky flavor.
Martabak Sagu (Sago Pancake)
With the west papua development, tourists have more opportunities to try the local delicacies. You can find various unique foods that can be the main courses. However, you must also try local snacks such as martabak sagu or sago pancakes. This local snack is made for serving the guests. The powdered sago is added with palm sugar. That is why you can taste the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that can sweeten your mingle time. This local snack can be found a lot in Fakfak.
Ikan Bungkus (Wrapped Fish)
Last but not least, you also do not want to miss the opportunity to try the local wrapped fish. The sea fish is seasoned with various kinds of spices and wrapped in taro leaves. It is added with a lot of salt to add the taste to the fish and neutralize the sap of the taro leaves. The wrapped fish will be grilled over low heat. The unique way to cook this food is a great experience that can widen your culinary dictionary and palate. You cannot skip this experience during your west papua tourism trip, for sure.
