Aurora K Explore the deliciousness of Papuan cuisine, from papeda to sambal colo-colo, which offers a unique and tempting culinary experience.
Papua, as one of the largest islands in Indonesia, is not only known for its natural and cultural riches but also for its unique and flavorful culinary delights. Papuan specialties have their own uniqueness that reflects the cultural diversity and natural riches in this region.
Here are some Typical Papuan Foods that are not only filling but also introduce you to the distinctive taste of the archipelago that is rarely found elsewhere.
1. Papeda
Papeda is a very popular staple food in Papua and Maluku, made from sago processed into a sticky, glue-like porridge.
Papeda is usually served with fish in a yellow sauce rich in spices, such as tuna or mubara, which is cooked with turmeric, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Its thick texture and bland taste make papeda very suitable to be combined with savory soup dishes.
In addition to its uniqueness, papeda also has high nutritional value and is low in calories, making it a healthy food choice that can be enjoyed by anyone. Papeda is often eaten rolled up using chopsticks or a similar tool, then dipped in fish sauce for a rich and complex flavor.
2. Cheating Shrimp
Cheating shrimp is a unique culinary dish that can be found in the Baliem River, Jayawijaya Regency.
The name “selingkuh” is given because this freshwater shrimp has claws like crabs, unlike shrimp in general. Selingkuh shrimp has a sweet meat taste and a fibrous texture, similar to lobster.
Cheating shrimp is usually processed by grilling or frying, and sometimes served with simple spices such as salt and pepper to maintain its natural flavor.
This dish is often served with chili sauce or lime to give it a fresh touch. The uniqueness of cheating shrimp makes it one of the favorite dishes for tourists visiting Papua.
3. Manokwari Grilled Fish
Manokwari Grilled Fish is a typical dish from West Papua which is famous for its special chili sauce. The fish used is usually fresh tuna or cakalang.
After being grilled, this fish is served with a spicy chili sauce consisting of chili, shallots, and lime. The cooking process using coral rocks as a grilling medium gives a distinctive aroma that is appetizing.
The spicy taste of the chili sauce mixed with the savory taste of grilled fish, creates a satisfying eating sensation. Manokwari Grilled Fish is often enjoyed with warm rice and refreshing colo-colo chili sauce.
4. Wrapped Papeda
Papeda bungkus is a variation of papeda which is served in a more compact and easy to carry form.
Papeda bungkus is made by processing sago until it reaches a solid texture and then wrapping it in coconut leaves or banana leaves. This is a very practical food and is often sold in traditional Papuan markets.
Papeda bungkus is usually enjoyed with fish or spice sauce poured on top, providing a simple yet delicious combination of flavors. The neutral taste of sago makes wrapped papeda suitable to be eaten with various types of side dishes.
5. Sago Cake (Bagea)
Sago cake or often called bagea is a typical Papuan snack made from sago. This cake has a hard texture but will melt in the mouth when bitten. The taste of sago cake is sweet and slightly savory, perfect as a friend to drink tea or coffee.
Usually sago cake also has additional spices such as cinnamon or cloves to add a distinctive aroma that is appetizing. Bagea is often served at traditional events or special days, making it a special snack that is loved by many people.
6. Lontar Cake
Kue Lontar is a traditional cake from South Papua made from sago, brown sugar, and grated coconut. Its shape is similar to a pie and has a sweet and chewy taste. This cake is baked in a special mold until cooked, creating a soft texture with a rich coconut flavor.
Lontar cake is usually served as a dessert or snack at family events. The right amount of sweetness and chewy texture make lontar cake one of the favorite snacks in Papua.
7. Taro Chips
Taro chips are a typical Papuan snack made from thinly sliced taro and fried until crispy. These chips are usually seasoned with salt or other spices, creating a savory and crunchy taste.
Taro chips are a light snack that is perfect to enjoy at any time, either as a companion to coffee or tea. The distinctive taste of taro provides a different sensation compared to chips in general. These chips are also often used as souvenirs for tourists visiting Papua.
8. Colo-colo chili sauce
Sambal colo-colo is a fresh sambal typical of Papua made from a mixture of cayenne pepper, shallots, tomatoes, and lime juice. This sambal provides a refreshing spicy taste with a touch of sourness from the lime.
Usually, sambal colo-colo is served as a complement to grilled fish or other seafood dishes. fresh aroma of lime in sambal colo-colo is perfect to complement grilled or roasted dishes.
This sambal is also a favorite because it gives a touch of bold flavor and adds to the enjoyment of food.
9. Aunu Senebre
Aunu Senebre is a dish made from salted fish or meat, then grilled or boiled with spices such as turmeric, ginger and garlic. This dish has a salty taste combined with the rich aroma of spices, making it perfect to enjoy with papeda or white rice.
Aunu Senebre is served as a main dish at traditional events or family gatherings, adding to the richness of traditional Papuan flavors.
10. Norohambi
Norohambi is a typical Papuan soup that is usually made from beef, fish, or seafood. This soup is cooked with various spices such as turmeric, galangal, and lime leaves, creating a savory taste and fragrant aroma.
Norohambi is often served at social events and is perfect for cold weather because it provides a warm and soothing taste.
Typical West Papua Food, from papeda to norohambi, Papuan cuisine is not only delicious but also reflects the richness of Papua’s culture and natural diversity. Each dish has a story and uniqueness that is proof of Indonesia’s culinary richness.
