Besides rendang, West Sumatra has several other traditional dishes that are well-known both in Indonesia and internationally. Here are a few of them:
Sate Padang: This satay is famous for its thick yellow sauce made from rice flour and spices. The meat used is usually beef, tongue, or offal.
Nasi Padang: This is more of a serving style than a specific dish. Nasi Padang consists of steamed rice served with a variety of side dishes, such as ayam pop (chicken), gulai (curry), sambal balado (chili sauce), and various vegetables.
Dendeng Balado: This dish features thinly sliced beef that is fried until crispy, then served with a spicy and tangy balado sauce.
Gulai Ikan: This curry typically uses tuna or carp, cooked in coconut milk and Minang spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Ayam Pop: This is chicken that is boiled with simple spices, then briefly fried to give it a crispy outer layer while remaining tender inside. It is usually served with sambal and fresh vegetables.
Soto Padang: This soup features beef that is fried until crispy, served in a clear and savory broth, along with vermicelli, potato cakes, and sliced green onions.
Teh Talua: This traditional drink is made from tea mixed with egg yolk, sugar, and sometimes a splash of lime juice for a refreshing taste.
West Sumatra is indeed rich in culinary traditions with bold and distinctive flavors, many of which have gained recognition beyond their place of origin.