Enjoy a variety of mouth-watering and tradition-laden South Sumatran specialties, from pempek to eight-hour cake, for an authentic culinary experience.
South Sumatra is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has a very rich culinary heritage. The city of Palembang may immediately come to mind for many people when talking about pempek, but South Sumatra’s culinary specialties don’t stop there.
The province’s unique dishes showcase the richness of its spices and seafood, as well as cooking techniques passed down from generation to generation.
If you are visiting South Sumatra or just want to know more about the Typical South Sumatra Food from this region, here are 10 dishes you should try.
1. Tekwan
Tekwan is a soup dish made from mackerel, similar to pempek but served in the form of small balls. Tekwan soup is made from clear shrimp broth, giving it a distinctive savory and fresh taste.
Vermicelli noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots are usually added to provide additional texture.
This food is often served as an appetizer or eaten during cold weather because of the warm and filling sensation it offers.
2. Celor Noodles
Mi celor is a typical Palembang noodle dish that is famous for its thick and tasty coconut milk sauce. Served with shrimp, bean sprouts, boiled egg, and spring onions, this dish has a chewy texture from the large noodles.
The uniqueness of Mi Celor also lies in the taste of its broth which is rich in coconut milk and spices, making it very appetizing and one of the favorite dishes in South Sumatra.
3. Patin Fish Soup
Patin pindang is a soup dish that has a refreshing, sour and spicy taste. The sauce is made from a mixture of spices such as tamarind, turmeric, lemongrass, and basil leaves.
Patin fish, which has soft flesh, is used as the main ingredient, adding to the deliciousness and nutritional content of this dish.
Patin pindang is perfect for spicy and sour food lovers, providing a distinctive and refreshing taste sensation.
4. Durian Jelly
Lempok durian is a typical South Sumatran snack that is similar to dodol but denser. Lempok is made from real durian flesh without any flour mixture, resulting in an authentic durian taste.
The process of making it takes a long time because it must be stirred continuously until the texture becomes chewy and legit. This souvenir is perfect for durian lovers who want to bring home the taste of South Sumatra.
5. Tempoyak
sweet and sour taste. Tempoyak is often used as a chili sauce or complement to various dishes, giving a unique taste to the food.
Although not everyone likes the aroma of durian, tempoyak offers a different culinary experience and is a form of local wisdom from South Sumatra in processing traditional ingredients.
6. Pempek
Pempek is a culinary icon of Palembang which is famous throughout Indonesia. Made from a mixture of mackerel and sago, pempek comes in various variations such as kapal selam, adaan, lenjer, and kulit. Pempek is usually served with cuko, a distinctive spicy and sour vinegar sauce.
The savory taste and chewy texture make pempek a dish that is hard to resist and is very popular with many people.
7. Laksan
Laksan is a food that is similar to pempek but is served with a red coconut milk sauce rich in spices. It is oval in shape with a chewy texture, and is often served in a thick, spicy sauce.
Laksan sauce is made from a mixture of coconut milk and spices which gives it a spicy, savory taste. This dish is often considered the South Sumatran version of laksa.
8. Crackers
Kemplang is a fish cracker made from mackerel or snakehead fish, then baked or fried until crispy. Kemplang has a savory taste and a crunchy texture, making it a popular snack as a side dish or souvenir.
The crunchy texture and strong fish flavor make kemplang suitable as a meal companion or everyday snack.
9. Kojo Layer Cake
Kue lapis kojo is a traditional cake from Palembang that has a green color from pandan and suji leaves. This cake has a soft texture with a distinctive sweet taste, often served during celebrations or big days.
Kojo layer cake is made from a mixture of eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and flour, resulting in a layered and sweet cake. Its soft taste and fragrant aroma make this cake loved by many people.
10. Eight Hour Cake
As the name suggests, the eight-hour cake requires eight hours of steaming time. The texture is dense but soft, with a sweet taste that is not too strong. Usually, this cake is served during special events or celebrations in South Sumatra.
The eight-hour cake is not only a delicious dessert, but also symbolizes the patience in the making process, which reflects the cultural philosophy of the local people.
The diversity of typical South Sumatran foods is proof of how rich and diverse the culinary culture is in this province. Each dish not only offers deliciousness, but also tells the history and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
For tourists or foodies, trying Typical West Sumatra Food provides an immersive experience of South Sumatran culture. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of these signature dishes when you visit!