Pariaman, located in West Sumatra, Indonesia, is renowned for its unique and flavorful culinary heritage. Here are some of the must-try traditional foods from this region:
Sala Lauak: Sala Lauak is a popular snack made from a mixture of rice flour and fish, usually salted fish or anchovies, which are deep-fried until crispy. It has a savory and crunchy taste, often enjoyed as a snack or as an accompaniment to lontong (rice cake).
Pical: Similar to gado-gado, Pical consists of boiled vegetables such as long beans, bean sprouts, kale, and cabbage, all drizzled with a spicy and savory peanut sauce. It is commonly served with lontong or ketupat.
Rakik Maco: Rakik Maco is a type of cracker made from anchovies and rice flour. This mixture is formed into thin sheets and fried until crispy. It’s a savory snack often enjoyed with rice or as a standalone treat.
Gulai Kapalo Lauak: This dish features fish head cooked in a rich, spiced coconut curry. The broth is infused with a blend of local spices such as turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and chilies, resulting in a spicy and flavorful dish.
Nasi Sek: Nasi Sek is a small portion of rice served with a variety of side dishes such as dendeng balado (spicy dried beef), fried chicken, curry, sambal lado (spicy chili paste), and jackfruit curry. The term “sek” means a little in the Minangkabau language, referring to the small portions.
Sate Lokan: Sate Lokan is a skewer of grilled clam meat. The clams are marinated in traditional spices, then grilled and served with a spicy peanut sauce, offering a unique and delightful taste.
Bika Pariaman: Unlike the more famous Bika Ambon, Bika Pariaman is made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, which is baked in molds. It has a sweet taste with a soft and chewy texture.
Lamang Tapai: Lamang Tapai consists of sticky rice cooked in bamboo (lamang) served with fermented black sticky rice (tapai). The combination of the savory sticky rice and sweet fermented tapai creates a unique flavor experience.
Pariaman’s culinary scene is a testament to the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Minangkabau people. Each dish is a reflection of their love for spices and their meticulous cooking techniques, making Pariaman a destination for food enthusiasts.
