Aurora K Sample a variety of Maluku culinary delights rich in spices, from papeda to fish in nutmeg sauce, for an unforgettable taste experience.
Maluku, the land of Indonesian spices, is a heaven for food lovers who want an authentic taste experience. Each specialty dish from the Spice Island presents a rich flavor resulting from the combination of cloves, nutmeg, and other spices abundant in the area.
Here are some Typical Maluku Food that you must try to understand the culinary richness of Eastern Indonesia.
1. Papeda from Maluku
Papeda is a staple food of the Maluku people which is made from sago and has a chewy texture and neutral taste. Usually, papeda is served with spicy yellow fish sauce such as tuna or bubara, creating a unique blend of flavors.
This fish sauce is cooked with turmeric, lemongrass, and lime leaves, giving it a strong aroma and savory taste.
Papeda is high in fiber and low in calories, making it suitable for anyone. While the texture may seem unique to those not used to it, when dipped in a rich, spiced fish sauce, papeda becomes a very appealing dish.
2. Banda Fish with Nutmeg Soup
Banda nutmeg fish soup is a typical Maluku dish that uses nutmeg, a spice native to this region, as the main ingredient in the sauce. The fish used is usually snapper or tuna, which is cooked in a sour and spicy sauce made from a combination of nutmeg, turmeric and chili.
In the past, this dish could only be enjoyed by Dutch high-ranking officials, but now everyone can enjoy it.
Usually, Banda nutmeg fish soup is served with rice, papaya leaf urap, and bakasang chili sauce, a typical Maluku chili sauce that provides a unique spicy and savory sensation.
3. Hitu Coconut Rice
Nasi kelapa hitu is rice cooked with grated coconut and coconut milk, giving it a distinctive aroma and savory taste. Maluku people who migrate often miss this dish, because its deliciousness is hard to find elsewhere.
Hitu coconut rice is usually served with grilled fish or sambal colo-colo, a fresh chili sauce typical of Maluku. Other side dishes such as smoked fish and papeda are also often served as accompaniments, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
4. Husband
“Suami” may sound strange, but in Maluku, suami is a dish made from grated sweet potato, squeezed of its juice, then steamed in a cone-shaped mold. Husband has a delicious savory taste, and is often eaten with fish soup or sambal colo-colo.
Besides being eaten plain, hubby is sometimes served with a sprinkling of grated coconut or melted brown sugar, giving a sweet and savory sensation that is perfect for an afternoon snack.
5. Sinole
Sinole is a traditional snack made from sago mixed with grated coconut and brown sugar. This dish provides a sweet and savory taste that is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Apart from Maluku, sinole is also known in Papua, showing the culinary connection between these two regions. The authentic and filling taste of sinole makes it a favorite as a traditional snack.
6. Woku Komo Komo
Woku Komo-Komo is a sago dish mixed with spices such as shallots, garlic, pepper, and coconut milk, creating a savory and rich spice flavor. The process of making it is quite simple but rich in flavor.
Woku Komo-Komo is often served with diced fish or fish offal, providing an additional flavor that pampers the tongue. This dish is popular at various traditional events and family gatherings in Maluku.
7. Gohu Fish
Gohu fish is a dish made from fresh tuna or skipjack tuna served raw. The fish is coated with salt and lime to give it a fresh sour taste, then mixed with basil leaves and walnuts.
This dish is similar to Japanese-style sashimi, but with a touch of typical Maluku spices. The refreshing savory and sour taste makes gohu fish popular among tourists.
Smoked Fish
Smoked fish is one of Maluku’s iconic culinary delights that uses smoking techniques to preserve fish, so that it lasts up to seven days. The fish used are usually mackerel, skipjack, or tuna, and the result is fish with a distinctive smoked taste and aroma.
smoked fish is enjoyed with white rice, sambal colo-colo, and crackers. The natural smoking process produces a distinctive savory taste, making it a favorite among traditional culinary lovers.
9. Lapola Rice
Nasi lapola is rice cooked with grated young coconut and nuts, creating a distinctive savory taste. Nasi lapola is usually served with anchovies, raw vegetables, and fresh tuna.
This dish is perfect for those who want to try a different variation of rice, with a distinctive texture and aroma.
10. Complete Kasbi
Complete kasbi is a dish of boiled cassava served with accompaniments such as banana blossom, stir-fried papaya flower, and grilled fish with rica. Cassava, or kasbi in Maluku, is an alternative source of carbohydrates that is often consumed there.
The simple taste of cassava combined with rich accompaniments creates a delicious and filling dish. Every typical Maluku dish is a reflection of the culture and natural richness of this region.
With natural ingredients sourced directly from the Spice Islands, Maluku’s signature dishes offer authentic, mouth-watering flavors that are unforgettable.
From filling papeda to refreshing gohu fish, sampling Typical North Maluku Food is one of the best ways to experience Indonesia’s rich culinary diversity.
