Discover a variety of authentic and delicious Banjarmasin specialties, from Soto Banjar to Sate Tulang, as well as a variety of unique dishes rich in taste and culture.
Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan, is known as a city of a thousand rivers with a rich history. However, it is not only its history that makes this city special, its rich traditional cuisine also invites admiration.
Banjarmasin Specialties have long been the prima donna of Indonesian cuisine, combining distinctive spices, traditional cooking techniques, and fresh local ingredients. Here are some iconic Banjarmasin dishes that are worth trying.
1. Pearl Soup
Pearl Soup is a typical Banjarmasin dish that emphasizes the uniqueness of its taste and appearance. Don’t be fooled by its name, because this dish does not use real pearls.
The “pearls” in this dish refer to small balls of finely ground chicken meat that are shaped like small meatballs. What makes this soup different is the broth made from milk, giving it a distinctive savory taste.
With the addition of nutmeg, garlic, and shallots, Pearl Soup is a delicious, warm meal that is perfect for enjoying in cold weather.
2. Peat Duck Rice
As the name suggests, this dish uses duck meat as the main ingredient. Duck cooked with typical Banjar spices such as habang spices (red spices) produces a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
Nasi Itik Gambut is served on banana leaves, adding to its aroma and deliciousness. The tender duck meat blends perfectly with warm rice, creating a culinary experience rich in traditional Banjarmasin flavors.
3. Sour Sauce
Cacapan Asam can be said to be a version of Banjarmasin’s signature pickle. In Banjar language, “cacapan” means dip or dipping sauce.
Cacapan Asam is made from various fresh fruits that are chopped, then mixed with spices such as tamarind, cayenne pepper, shallots, and salt.
This dip provides a fresh sour, spicy, and sweet taste. Usually, Cacapan Asam is served as an accompaniment to grilled or fried dishes to add flavor.
4. Ketupat Kandangan
This special dish is famous not only in Banjarmasin but also throughout South Kalimantan. Ketupat Kandangan is ketupat with coconut milk sauce served with smoked fish, usually haruan fish or snakehead fish.
The savory coconut milk sauce with a distinctive spice aroma gives this ketupat a unique taste. In addition, the previously smoked fish gives a touch of delicious flavor and is rich in spices. Ketupat Kandangan is often enjoyed at family events or certain celebrations in Banjarmasin.
5. Lontong Orari
At first glance, Lontong Orari may be similar to ketupat kandangan, but this dish has its own characteristics. This lontong is served with side dishes such as pumpkin, green beans, snakehead fish, and eggs cooked with red spices.
The savory coconut milk sauce rich in spices provides its own unique enjoyment. This food is usually served in the morning as breakfast.
The name “Orari” comes from the name of the popular Indonesian amateur radio organization at that time, whose members often gathered and enjoyed this lontong together.
6. Soto Banjar
It would be incomplete to mention Banjarmasin cuisine without Soto Banjar. Soto Banjar is a very popular dish with a clear broth rich in spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
The fragrant broth is served with shredded chicken, lontong, salted eggs, and additional lime juice, giving a fresh taste that makes this soto different from other soto in Indonesia.
Soto Banjar is the perfect choice for those of you who want to taste the richness of flavor in every mouthful.
7. Tigarun Kemang Vegetables
Sayur Kemang Tigarun is a unique dish from Banjarmasin that uses tigarun flowers as its main ingredient, a type of plant that gives a slightly bitter taste like papaya flowers.
These flowers are then cooked with traditional kitchen spices to produce a savory vegetable with a touch of a distinctive bitter taste. This dish is usually served as a side dish with rice and fish or meat, providing a different taste experience from the usual vegetables.
8. Patin Baubar
For fish lovers, Patin Baubar is a typical Banjarmasin dish that you must try. This dish uses patin fish processed with typical Banjar spices and steamed in banana leaves, then grilled until cooked.
This unique cooking process allows the spices to penetrate perfectly into the fish meat, producing a savory taste and delicious aroma. Patin Baubar is perfect served with warm rice and fresh vegetables.
9. Baayak Porridge
Bubur Baayak is a typical Banjarmasin porridge that has a thick texture and a delicious sweet taste. Made from a mixture of rice and wheat flour, this porridge has a soft texture and is served with liquid brown sugar or coconut milk which makes it even more delicious.
This dish is usually enjoyed as a dessert or as a breakfast menu. For those of you who like sweet food, Bubur Baayak can be an interesting choice.
10. Bone Satay
Sate Tulang is a typical Banjarmasin dish made from chicken neck, skin, and fat that is not commonly used. Although called “Sate Tulang,” this dish does not actually use bones.
These ingredients are ground and seasoned with habang spices, a spicy and sweet Banjar spice mix, then grilled like satay in general. Sate Tulang provides a unique and delicious taste experience with a rich blend of spices.
Banjarmasin offers a wealth of culinary delights that reflect the traditions and culture of the Banjar people.
From soup dishes like Soto Banjar and Ketupat Kandangan to unique snacks like Sate Tulang and Bubur Baayak, every Banjarmasin specialty offers a unique taste that is hard to forget.
For those of you who want to enjoy the authentic taste of the land of Kalimantan, Typical South Kalimantan Souvenirs are the right choice to explore the richness of the archipelago’s flavors. Stop by and enjoy a special culinary experience when visiting this city of a thousand rivers.