Experience the culinary experience of West Sumatra which is rich in flavor by trying 10 typical dishes such as rendang, Padang satay, and dadih, which are full of flavor and tradition.

A vacation to West Sumatra is an unforgettable moment, especially for culinary lovers. Not only known for its beautiful natural charm and strong culture, West Sumatra is also rich in authentic and distinctive cuisine.

The typical food of this region has a unique taste, rich in spices, and pampers the tongue. Well, besides the popular Padang rice, there are many other culinary delights that you should try when visiting West Sumatra. Here are 10 Typical West Sumatra Foods that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Beef stew

Rendang is a culinary icon of West Sumatra that is famous internationally. This dish is made from beef cooked for a long time with coconut milk and special spices such as chili, lemongrass, lime leaves, and turmeric.

The long cooking process produces a tender meat texture and perfectly absorbed spices. The characteristic of Minangkabau rendang, especially from the Payakumbuh area, is the strong and authentic taste of the spices.

This dish also lasts a long time because the spices act as natural preservatives, making it perfect as a travel provision.

2. Padang Satay

Sate Padang is one of the typical dishes of West Sumatra that must be tried. There are three variants of sate Padang, namely sate Padang, sate Padang Panjang, and sate Pariaman. All three have differences in the use of spices.

Sate Padang has a thick peanut sauce with a texture like porridge, sate Padang Panjang has a yellow sauce, while sate Pariaman has a red sauce that is spicier. The meat used is usually beef, tongue, or offal, with a very distinctive taste and aroma of spices.

3. Spicy beef jerky

Dendeng balado is a thin beef dish that is fried until crispy and coated with spicy balado sauce made from red chilies. The spicy and savory taste of balado beef jerky is perfect to eat with warm rice.

This dish can be easily found in Padang City, where various restaurants offer authentic tasting balado dendeng. Dendeng balado reflects the richness of spices and the deliciousness of authentic Minangkabau cuisine.

4. Rice cake with vegetables

Minang vegetable lontong is also a favorite menu for breakfast. Lontong sayur, a typical West Sumatran vegetable dish, has a thick coconut milk sauce combined with vegetables, eggs, and crackers as a complement.

The savory taste of lontong sayur makes it popular in West Sumatra and various other regions. You can find this typical lontong sayur in the Pariaman area, which is not far from Padang, with an authentic taste that will definitely pamper your tongue.

5. Pop Chicken

Pop chicken is a variation of fried chicken typical of West Sumatra with a unique appearance. Pop chicken has a pale color which is different from fried chicken in general.

Before being fried, the chicken is marinated in coconut water and seasoned with garlic, which gives it a tender texture and a rich, savory flavor. This dish is often found in Bukittinggi and is perfect for those of you who want to taste a different chicken dish.

6. Kalio

Kalio is often referred to as “half-finished rendang.” This dish is brownish in color and has a wetter texture than rendang.

Kalio is usually cooked for a shorter time, so the meat is more tender and the spices taste a little lighter. The not-too-spicy taste of kalio makes it popular outside West Sumatra, especially in various Padang restaurants as a practical and economical choice to serve.

7. Batokok jerky

Batokok jerky is a thicker and softer variation of jerky. The beef is pounded until flat, then seasoned with spices and typical Minangkabau green chili sauce.

The spicy and savory taste of dendeng batokok is perfect when eaten with warm rice. This dish is a favorite of many people because of its soft meat texture and strong spices. Dendeng batokok can be found in various restaurants in West Sumatra.

8. Duck Curry

Gulai itiak is a typical West Sumatran dish that uses duck or young duck as its main ingredient. The duck is first grilled to remove the fishy smell, then cooked in a green gulai sauce rich in green chilies, turmeric, and other spices.

It tastes savory, spicy, and has a distinctive aroma. Duck curry is often found in the Koto Gadang area, Bukittinggi, and is a unique dish that is different from curry in general.

9. Padang Soto

Soto Padang has a strong beef broth flavor with a fresh, clear broth. This soto is cooked using beef broth and spices such as cloves, cardamom, and star anise.

Soto Padang is usually served with rice vermicelli, potato croquettes, and pieces of fried dry beef. Soto Padang becomes even more complete with the addition of pink crackers, giving it a unique and appetizing taste.

10. Curd

Dadih or dadiah is a traditional Minangkabau yogurt made from buffalo milk. The natural fermentation process is carried out in a bamboo container covered with banana leaves for several days, until the milk thickens and curds are formed.

Usually, dadih is served for breakfast with crackers and brown sugar, or as a side dish with rice. The soft texture and fresh sour taste of dadih make it suitable as a healthy dessert and rich in probiotics.

West Sumatra offers a culinary experience that is not only rich in taste, but also depicts local wisdom and the richness of Minangkabau culture. From the world-famous rendang to the unique curdih, each dish has its own uniqueness and is part of a precious culinary heritage.

Typical South Sumatra Food offers a delightful array of flavors, showcasing a perfect balance of spices and traditional cooking methods.

Visiting West Sumatra is not only about enjoying the natural beauty, but also about exploring every taste and deliciousness of its authentic cuisine. Make sure you try these dishes to experience the true charm of West Sumatran and South Sumatran cuisine!