Gastro-travel Batak - Delve into the heart of Batak culture through its exquisite cuisine. From raw fish delicacies to savory lamb dishes, each bite narrates a story of tradition and passion. Join us on a culinary expedition through the vibrant landscapes of North Sumatra.
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| Batak Gastronomy Table - Saksang and panggang |
Exploring a region's cuisine goes beyond merely tasting dishes; it's a journey into the heart of its culture. This post delves into Batak Gastronomy, a culinary experience that transcends the plate, offering insights into how, where, and why the Batak people cherish their distinctive food.
The Secret is in the Sauce: Unveiling Culinary Magic
In the heartland of North Sumatra, where emerald landscapes cradle ancient traditions, a culinary saga unfolds, not in hushed whispers but in the vibrant medley of rare spices and exotic ingredients. Batak food, a masterpiece of flavors, unravels its mysteries with each dish, beckoning you on a journey of enchantment.
Picture a realm where every flavor is a verse, and every bite ignites curiosity. The top 10 Batak gastronomic treasures stand as emissaries of the region's profound culinary allure. It transcends mere ingredients; it embodies passion, heritage, and an age-old connection to a land that breathes vitality into its culinary creations.
As you set forth on this gastronomic odyssey, prepare to be entranced. The secrets are not concealed but generously shared, encouraging you to relish the very essence of North Sumatra's culinary legacy. Allow the flavors to narrate, let the ingredients weave their tales, and submerge yourself in the mesmerizing tapestry of Batak cuisine – where each meal unfolds as a poetic chapter in a story that echoes through the corridors of time.
Gastro-Travel Revelations: A Passage to Culinary Wisdom
Embarking on a gastro-travel odyssey in the Batak region is more than indulging in extraordinary dishes; it's an exploration into the roots, languages, and spirited celebrations woven into the fabric of their culinary love. Join us as we plunge into the depths of this gastronomic journey, unraveling tales that extend beyond the plate.
1. Naniura
Unlike traditional Indonesian fish dishes, Naniura offers a unique experience as it's served raw, akin to Sumatran sashimi. Marinated for about five hours with Andaliman pepper, turmeric, candlenut, ginger, and chili, this dish showcases the region's culinary heritage. Originally reserved for royalty, it's now a must-try for all.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Tio Renta
Address: Jl. HM. Said No.23 E, Gaharu, Medan Timur, Kota Medan (Map)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
2. Arsik Ikan Mas
Ikan Mas, or goldfish, is the main ingredient of the legendary Batak dish known as Arsik. This typical dish is predominantly acidic, sweet, spicy, and a bit savory. The freshwater carp is marinated with lime juice and ground spices. Then, it's smothered with herbs like Thai basil, lemongrass, and Bangkok or saucer-leaf leaves and steamed over low heat.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Rumah Makan Sipirok
Address: Jl. Sunggal No.14, Sei Sikambing B, Medan Sunggal, Kota Medan (Map)
Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 3 pm
3. Manuk Napinadar
Do you like food that contains blood? How about chicken? If so, Manuk Pinadar will quench your cravings. In this dish, pieces of roast chicken are mixed with the bird's fresh blood before lime and salt are added. In addition, fried spices, such as turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, and Andaliman pepper, are added. Smoky aroma and savory flavor are the best descriptions of this traditional food.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Rm.Silauraja.Panggang Ayam Kampung Napinadar
Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani, Batang Beruh, Sidikalang, Kabupaten Dairi (Map)
4. Saksang
If you love trying dishes that challenge you when you're traveling, try Saksang. This is a typical curry dish, but the main difference is that it's surprisingly made of dog meat and pig's blood. The diced flesh is sauteed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and galangal. After it's tender, Andaliman pepper and lime juice are added. Other meat options, instead of a dog, can be pork or buffalo meat.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Asan Grill Batak
Address: Jl. Wahidin, Pandau Hulu I, Medan Area, Kota Medan (Map)
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
5. Mie Gomak
Mie Gomak is recommended for noodle lovers and is often dubbed "Batak spaghetti." The long pasta is boiled and adorned with sauteed veggies like chayote, spinach, and cabbage. An orange broth, made of water and ground spices, like shallots, garlic, turmeric, red chilies, and ginger, is added, as well as coconut milk. Finally, it is all topped with a boiled egg.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Warung Mie Gomak Cupek
Address: Jalan Simsim, Kota Sidikalang, Sidikalang, Kabupaten Dairi (Map)
Opening Hours: 6 am to 12 pm
6. Dali Ni Horbo
If you think cheese only originates from the European continent, you are absolutely wrong. It turns out that the people of Batak use buffalo milk to make their own cheese, known as Dali Ni Horbo. The white cheese is usually part of the main course at an annual festival. To get rid of any bad smell, locals use pineapple and papaya leaf juice.
A place to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
At traditional markets around Lake Toba,
Price: 5,000 to 15,000 IDR (0.40 to 1.10 USD)
7. Daun Ubi Tumbuk
Daun Ubi Tumbuk, recommended for pescatarians, is a thick, soupy dish made from ground cassava leaves. The leaves are simmered with coconut milk, tiny anchovies, honje flowers, and lemongrass. What gives this soup its bright color is the blend of chili paste and turmeric powder. To enrich the flavor, takoyaki (an eggplant-like spice) is added.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Warung Makan Uning Ogek Daun Ubi Tumbuk Khas Sibolga
Address: Jl. Sidorukun, Pulo Brayan Darat II, Medan Tim., Kota Medan (Map)
Opening Hours: 12 am to 6 pm and 9 pm to 12 am, daily
8. Kue Ombus Ombus
If you are craving something sweet, don't miss Kue Ombus Ombus. This favorite snack is uniquely wrapped in banana leaves and shaped like a cone. It consists of sticky rice flour and grated coconut with palm sugar filling. The traditional cake tastes great and has a fluffy texture.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Warung Ombus Ombus Number 1
Siborong-borong, North Tapanuli (Map)
Price: 1,000 IDR (0.10 USD) per piece
9. Natinombur
Natinombur has many similarities to the dishes Arsik and Naniura mentioned above. The basic difference is in the cooking process. With this dish, the fish is grilled over hot charcoal, marinated with lime juice and salt, and smothered in a yellowish orange sauce. The tasty sauce is made of water, Andaliman pepper, honje flower, roasted ginger, shallots, and candlenut.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Restoran Garuda-Adam Malik
Address: Jl. H. Adam Malik No. 14, Silalas, Medan Barat, Silalas, Medan Baru (Map)
Opening Hours: 24 hours
10. Tanggo Tanggo
Batak food is not just about freshwater fish and blood – and Tanggo Tanggo, made of lamb, is evidence of this. The lamb is sauteed with Batak onion, known as lokio, Andaliman pepper, and galangal. Coconut milk is added when the meat is tender and nice.
Establishment to savor and discover gastronomic experience:
Rumah Makan Khas Batak Rumabutar
Address: Jl. Pelita VI No.93, Sidorame Bar. II, Medan Perjuangan, Kota Medan (Map)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
A Gastro-Travel in North Sumatra
As you navigate the enchanting landscapes of North Sumatra, let Batak Gastronomy be your guide. From royal delicacies to street food wonders, each dish tells a story of tradition, passion, and a deep-rooted connection to this remarkable culture. Embark on your own culinary expedition and savor the flavors that make Batak cuisine a true artistic expression.