Explore a variety of mouth-watering Banjar specialties, from traditional dishes to the distinctive flavors of South Kalimantan rich in spices.
South Kalimantan, especially the Banjar area, is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for its rich traditional cuisine that is no less interesting.
Banjar’s specialties depict a blend of Malay, Dayak, and various foreign influences that came through trade routes in the past. With rich flavors, using typical South Kalimantan spices, every dish in this area carries a long story and tradition.
Here are 10 Typical Banjar Foods that you must try if you visit South Kalimantan. Each of these dishes offers a unique taste sensation, ranging from sweet, savory, to spicy, and really illustrates the richness of local cuisine.
1. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is one of the most famous traditional foods from South Kalimantan. This soto has a clear broth that is rich in flavor with chicken or beef broth, served with ketupat or rice.
The specialty of Soto Banjar lies in its distinctive spices, such as lemongrass, bay leaves, ginger, and turmeric. Usually, this soto is also served with boiled eggs, perkedel, and chili sauce. Its savory taste with a strong aroma of spices makes Soto Banjar a very popular dish.
2. Banjar Yellow Rice
Nasi Kuning Banjar is a food that is usually served at special events or celebrations. This fragrant yellow rice is cooked with coconut milk and various spices, such as turmeric and pandan leaves, giving it a striking yellow color and rich flavor.
Usually, Banjar yellow rice is served with side dishes, such as fried chicken, balado eggs, fried chili sauce, and perkedel. This food is perfect to enjoy at breakfast or lunch.
3. Grilled Fish with Banjar Spices
Grilled Fish with Banjar Spices is a very popular dish among the Banjar people. The fish used are usually local fish, such as patin fish or baung fish, which are grilled after being coated with typical Banjar spices.
This grilled fish seasoning consists of a mixture of spices such as turmeric, shallots, garlic, and chili, which give it a spicy and savory taste. Fish that is perfectly grilled will have a delicious taste and is very delicious when eaten with white rice.
4. Ketupat Kandangan
Ketupat Kandangan is a typical Banjar dish which is usually served at traditional events. This ketupat is made from rice cooked in young coconut leaves, which are then wrapped and compacted.
Ketupat Kandangan is usually served with fish curry or gulai, such as patin fish or baung fish. The thick and spicy gulai sauce provides a very delicious taste when combined with the soft ketupat. This is a perfect meal to enjoy a delicious meal with your family.
5. Banjar Martabak
Martabak Banjar is a snack made from flour dough filled with various ingredients, such as eggs, minced meat, or vegetables. After being fried, this martabak has a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.
This food is very popular as a snack or light meal, especially at night. Martabak Banjar is usually served with chili sauce and pickles, which add freshness and spicy flavor to this dish.
6. Patin Fish Soup
Pindang Patin is one of Banjar’s signature dishes that uses patin fish as the main ingredient. Patin fish is cooked in fresh pindang sauce with spices such as chili, turmeric, bay leaves, and tamarind.
The sour and spicy taste makes pindang patin a refreshing dish and is perfect to enjoy during hot weather. Patin pindang is usually served with white rice and chili sauce as an accompaniment.
7. Mandai Porridge
Bubur Mandai is a typical Banjar food made from sticky rice flour cooked with coconut milk and brown sugar. This porridge has a sweet taste and chewy texture.
Usually, bubur mandai is served with grated coconut sprinkled on it which gives it a savory taste. This food is perfect as a dessert or snack in the morning. Mandai porridge is also often served at certain events as a traditional dish.
8. Baung Satay
Sate Baung is a typical Banjar satay dish that uses baung fish as the main ingredient. The baung fish is cut into small pieces and skewered with a skewer, then grilled with a special seasoning made from a mixture of spices such as turmeric, garlic, and chili.
Its savory and slightly spicy taste makes sate baung one of the most popular specialties. This satay is usually served with white rice and soy sauce chili sauce.
9. Banjar Fried Bananas
Banana Fritters Banjar is a sweet snack made from bananas coated with flour and fried until crispy. The bananas used are usually kepok bananas or raja bananas which have a thick and sweet texture.
This snack is perfect as a companion for drinking coffee or tea. Its sweet and crispy taste makes Banana Fritters Banjar a popular snack among the Banjar community.
10. Maryam Bread
Roti Maryam is a thin bread made from flour dough that is baked or fried. This bread has a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.
Usually, Roti Maryam is served with various fillings, such as coconut sugar, curry, or minced meat. In Banjar, roti maryam is often served as a dessert or light snack, and its savory and sweet taste makes it a popular choice for various occasions.
Banjar cuisine is not only rich in flavor, but also reflects the culture and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
With a variety of dishes using local ingredients and spices typical of South Kalimantan, Banjar cuisine is one of the main attractions for tourists who want to explore the richness of Indonesian cuisine.
If you are planning to visit South Kalimantan, be sure to try some of these 10 Banjar specialties. Each bite of Typical Dayak Food will take you on an unforgettable taste adventure, while also getting to know the culture and history behind each dish.