Dayak cuisine offers unique flavors that take you deep into the authentic cultural wealth of Kalimantan.
Indonesia is a land of diverse culinary traditions. While Javanese and Sumatran cuisines often dominate the spotlight, it’s time to explore the flavors of Kalimantan, particularly the traditional dishes of the Dayak people.
With their use of unique ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Dayak cuisine offers a cultural and gastronomic journey like no other. Here are 10 must-try Dayak dishes during your visit to Kalimantan.
1. Juhu Singkah: Captivating Young Rattan Dish
Juhu Singkah is a traditional Dayak dish made from young rattan. The rattan is sliced, then cooked with baung fish, sour eggplant, and traditional spices.
Its distinctive taste, a hallmark of Typical Dayak Food, blends bitterness, tanginess, and savoriness, pairing perfectly with warm rice. This dish is particularly popular in Central Kalimantan, often served during traditional ceremonies or special occasions.
2. Kue Dange: Delicious Traditional Snack
Kue Dange is a simple yet delightful snack made from grated coconut, flour, and sugar. The mixture is grilled in a special mold until cooked. With its sweet and savory flavor and crunchy exterior, this treat is perfect alongside a cup of coffee or hot tea.
3. Kue Lepet: Flavorful Delicacy in Banana Leaves
Kue Lepet is a traditional cake made from rice flour, grated coconut, and palm sugar. Wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, it has a soft, savory, and subtly sweet flavor. This cake is a favorite at Dayak cultural events like weddings and traditional ceremonies.
4. Bangamat (Paing): Exotic Bat Dish
Bangamat, also known as Paing, is an exotic Dayak dish made from fruit-eating bats. The bats are cooked with traditional spices such as pikauk leaves and lemongrass, giving it a unique aroma.
Some variations also include taro leaves or banana stems, showcasing the Dayak people’s adventurous culinary spirit.
5. Wadi: Fermented Meat with Rich Flavors
Wadi is a traditional Dayak dish made from fermented pork or fish. The fermentation process involves glutinous rice or roasted corn flour.
After fermenting, the meat is cooked with distinctive spices. Its tangy, savory flavor makes it a special dish often reserved for Dayak traditions.
6. Kalumpe: Delicious Cassava Leaf Dish
Kalumpe, also known as Karuang, is a Dayak delicacy made from pounded cassava leaves. The leaves are cooked with coconut milk, eggplant, and spices. This dish is often paired with salted fish and sambal terasi, creating a rich and satisfying flavor combination.
7. Sayur Umbut Kelapa: A Rare Treat from Young Coconut Shoots
Sayur Umbut Kelapa is a special dish made from the tender shoots of young coconut trees, cooked with meat or fish in a spiced coconut milk broth. Due to the rarity of its main ingredient, this dish is a must-try when visiting Dayak eateries in Kalimantan.
8. Botok Mengkudu: Unique Flavor in Banana Leaf Wraps
Botok Mengkudu is a Dayak adaptation of botok that incorporates noni leaves. Fish such as mackerel or baung is mixed with noni leaves, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed.
The result is a savory dish with the distinct aroma of noni leaves, offering a unique twist to the traditional botok.
9. Keripik Kalakai: Crunchy Snack with Health Benefits
Kalakai is a native Kalimantan plant known for its health benefits, such as boosting blood levels and promoting overall well-being. The leaves are made into chips by coating them in batter and frying until crispy. These savory chips are perfect as snacks or souvenirs.
10. Tempoyak Durian: Fermented Durian with a Tangy Twist
Tempoyak is a fermented durian dish that is an integral part of Dayak cuisine. With its tangy flavor and strong durian aroma, it’s a perfect complement to sambal or other dishes.
When fried, tempoyak develops an enticing aroma and a flavor that durian lovers will find unforgettable.
Dayak cuisine reflects the creativity and wisdom of Kalimantan’s local traditions. From young rattan dishes to fermented meats, each dish, including Typical Banjar Food, offers authentic and unique flavors.
If you’re looking for a different culinary experience, Dayak dishes should definitely be on your list. Enjoy exploring the delicious tastes of Kalimantan!
