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Explore the traditional dishes of South Kalimantan, from the flavorful Soto Banjar to the delicious Ketupat Kandangan, offering a taste of Indonesia’s culinary heritage.
South Kalimantan, a province rich in traditions and culture, is renowned for its diverse local cuisine. The blend of influences from the Dayak and Banjar communities, along with migrants like the Bugis and Javanese, creates a unique flavor profile that is hard to find elsewhere.
From main courses to sweet treats, South Kalimantan’s culinary delights captivate anyone who tries them. Here are 10 must-try traditional dishes from South Kalimantan:
1. Ketupat Kandangan: A Flavorful Traditional Dish
Ketupat Kandangan is an iconic dish from Kandangan in South Kalimantan. Its uniqueness lies in the accompaniment: grilled snakehead fish cooked in rich coconut milk sauce.
The thick, savory sauce, a hallmark of Dayak Specialties, is poured over the rice cakes (ketupat), creating a distinctive blend of flavors. This dish is often served during family gatherings or major celebrations in Kandangan.
2. Manday: A Unique Dish from Cempedak Skin
Manday, also known as mandai basanga, is a specialty made from the skin of cempedak fruit. The skin is preserved and then fried or sautéed, resulting in a crispy texture with a uniquely savory taste.
It’s commonly served as a side dish in Banjar households.
3. Gangan Humbut: A Savory and Refreshing Delicacy
Gangan humbut is a traditional dish made from beef ribs and bamboo shoots, cooked with rich spices for a savory yet refreshing taste.
Often paired with lontong (rice cakes), this dish is a favorite during Ramadan or at weddings.
4. Soto Banjar: A Dish with a Unique Spice Blend
Soto Banjar is one of the most famous dishes from South Kalimantan. Its distinctive aroma and deep flavors come from spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Served with shredded chicken, potato patties, boiled eggs, and ketupat, this savory soup is a beloved choice for many.
5. Amparan Tatak: Traditional Banjar Sweet Cake
Amparan tatak is a traditional cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, with bananas as a complement.
Its sweet flavor and soft texture make it perfect for snacking. Unlike nagasari, which is wrapped in banana leaves, amparan tatak is served in rectangular or triangular slices.
6. Pundut: Steamed Rice with Banana Leaf Aroma
Pundut is steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves, infused with coconut milk for a savory and aromatic flavor.
It is often enjoyed with bumbu habang, a red chili sauce unique to South Kalimantan, and is a popular choice for breakfast or a practical travel meal.
7. Iwak Pakasam: Savory Fermented Fish
Iwak Pakasam, or iwak basamu, is a specialty made from fish such as snakehead, papuyu, or saluang, preserved with turmeric, salt, and roasted rice.
The fermented fish is fried until crispy, offering a unique blend of salty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. It’s a perfect accompaniment to warm rice.
8. Sate Tulang: A Flavorful Banjar Culinary Innovation
Despite its name, Sate Tulang (bone satay) doesn’t actually contain bones. Instead, it uses chicken skin, fat, and meat bits mixed with Banjar’s signature red sauce (bumbu habang).
The mixture is skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in a satay that is savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.
9. Mandai Goreng: Fried Cempedak Skin Delight
Mandai Goreng is another variation of the cempedak skin dish. The preserved skin is fried until crispy, creating a unique snack loved by locals.
Aside from frying, mandai can also be cooked in a curry or sautéed for added variety.
10. Gangan Humbut: A Special Dish for Celebrations
Besides being a daily dish, Gangan Humbut is often served during special occasions like weddings or communal Ramadan meals.
Its combination of beef ribs and bamboo shoots, cooked with local spices, creates an irresistible flavor. Served with lontong or warm rice, it’s a shining example of South Kalimantan’s rich culinary heritage.
South Kalimantan is a culinary haven with a variety of dishes rich in flavor and history. From the legendary Ketupat Kandangan to the innovative Sate Tulang, each dish reflects the traditions and creativity of the local community.
If you have the chance to visit South Kalimantan, don’t miss out on these 10 iconic dishes, including Banjar Specialties. Each bite will bring you closer to the culture and culinary treasures of the “Veranda of Banua.” Enjoy your journey through these flavorful delights!