Enjoy the deliciousness of traditional Riau cuisine, from Asam Pedas to Roti Jala Santan Durian, which brings you rich and delicious authentic Malay flavors.
Riau, one of the provinces in central Sumatra known as the land of the Malays, is not only famous for its rich culture and history, but also for its delicious culinary specialties.
The province with its capital in Pekanbaru offers a variety of mouth-watering foods, from fresh seafood to sweet snacks typical of the Malay tradition. Here are 10 Typical Riau Foods that you must try if you visit this province.
1. Sour and Spicy
Asam Pedas is one of the most famous traditional dishes from Riau. This dish is usually served at traditional and formal events, but it is also a daily food that is loved by the local people. The main ingredient of Asam Pedas is thick-fleshed river fish, such as baung fish, patin fish, tapa fish, and selas fish.
The sour and spicy taste of this dish comes from a mixture of tamarind, chili, and various other spices such as shallots, garlic, turmeric, and galangal. This dish is usually enjoyed with warm rice and is one of the culinary legacies of Malay ancestors that still survives today.
2. Fried Smoked Fish in Balado Sauce
Smoked fish, or smoked fish, is one of Riau’s typical food ingredients that is often processed into various dishes, one of which is Fried Balado Fish Salai. Fish that is preserved through the smoking process is processed with spicy and appetizing balado seasoning.
This dish is usually served as the main menu at family events or when entertaining important guests. The combination of smoked and spicy balado flavors creates a distinctive and delicious taste sensation.
3. Stir-fried shrimp paste
Stir-fried Belacan is an everyday dish that should not be missed when visiting Riau. Although rarely served at formal occasions, this dish is a perfect complement to everyday meals.
The spicy and savory taste comes from the belacan (shrimp paste), chili, onion, and various other spices. For tourists who like spicy food, Tumis Belacan can be the right choice to enjoy the authentic taste of Riau.
4. Durian Coconut Milk Bread
Roti Jala Santan Durian is a traditional Malay food that is also a culinary icon in Riau. Although it is also known in other regions such as North Sumatra, Malaysia, and Singapore, roti jala from Riau has its own uniqueness.
This bread is shaped like a net or web, made from flour dough which is then served with sweet and savory durian coconut milk sauce. This roti jala is often enjoyed as a dessert or during special events.
5. Sago Noodles, a specialty of Selatpanjang
Selatpanjang, the capital of the Meranti Islands, is known as the largest producer of sago in Riau. One of the typical dishes from this area is Mi Sago.
Different from noodles in general which are made from wheat flour, sago noodles are made from sago flour which gives a chewy texture and unique taste. This dish is usually cooked with traditional spices and mixed with vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious choice.
6. The Great
Bolu Kemojo, or often called Bolu Kembojo, is a traditional sweet cake which is one of Riau’s typical souvenirs. This cake has a sweet taste with a distinctive pandan aroma and soft texture. Bolu kemojo is usually served in the form of frangipani flower prints, which adds to its appeal. This cake is often served at traditional events or as a dessert when gathering with family.
7. Soaked Sponge Cake
Bolu Berendam is a traditional cake that used to only be served to the kings of Indragiri. This cake has a sweet and soft taste, with a moist texture because it is soaked in sugar water.
This cake is also known as Halue Telur and is believed to have a symbolic meaning that anyone who eats it will never forget the Malay land. Currently, bolu berendam is widely sold and has become one of the popular traditional snacks in Riau.
8. Roti Jala
In addition to being served with durian coconut milk, Roti Jala is also often enjoyed with curry sauce as a side dish. Roti jala made from flour dough is shaped like a net or net, which gives a light but filling texture.
This dish is often found at various traditional events or as a daily food for the people of Riau, as well as in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.
9. Bugi Lopek
Lopek Bugi is a traditional snack made from sticky rice and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and filled with sweet grated coconut.
In the past, lopek bugi was only served to the nobility, but now it has become a typical Riau souvenir that can be enjoyed by anyone. Its chewy texture with a soft sweet taste makes lopek bugi a perfect snack to enjoy anytime.
10. Tuna Soup
Tunjang Soup is a soup dish made from cow leg bones. The savory and thick beef broth gives this soup a distinctive taste. Pieces of cow leg bones cooked until tender provide a delicious texture when eaten.
Tunjang soup is often served with warm rice and is a popular dish among the people of Riau. Riau is indeed famous for its natural and cultural wealth, but its traditional cuisine is no less interesting.
From Asam Pedas to Roti Jala, each of Typical Pekanbaru Food offers a unique flavor that reflects the richness of Malay tradition. If you have the chance to visit Riau, don’t miss out on trying these signature dishes that will surely tempt your taste buds!
