Enjoy the sensation of the strong taste of Padang cuisine by trying various traditional Padang foods that are a must-try for culinary lovers.
Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, is known as a heaven for culinary lovers. Its signature dishes with strong and delicious flavors have captivated the hearts of many people, both domestically and internationally.
Who doesn’t know rendang, one of Minangkabau’s signature dishes that is even recognized as one of the most delicious foods in the world? However, apart from rendang, Padang still has a myriad of traditional foods that culinary lovers must try.
Below are 10 Traditional Padang Foods that are not only delicious, but also represent the rich culture and flavors of West Sumatra. If you are a foodie, this list is a must-try guide for your taste adventure!
1. Beef stew
Without a doubt, rendang is the star of all Padang cuisine. This dish is made from beef pieces that are slowly cooked with coconut milk and a mixture of spices such as lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, chilies, and turmeric.
The long cooking process, up to hours, produces tender meat with a rich and delicious taste. The dry texture and spicy-savory taste of rendang make it so special. Rendang is often served on various important occasions, from traditional celebrations to family events.
2. Padang Satay
Padang satay is different from the satay you usually find. The beef, tongue, or offal used are cut into small pieces, skewered, and grilled until perfectly cooked.
This satay is served with a thick yellow or red sauce made from beef broth, rice flour, and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and coriander.
The spicy and savory sensation of the spices makes this satay very delicious and appetizing. Usually, Padang satay is enjoyed with ketupat or lontong rice.
3. Tambusu Curry
Gulai tambusu is a unique Padang dish that is rarely found elsewhere. This dish is made from cow intestines filled with a mixture of tofu, eggs, and spices, then cooked in a thick yellow curry sauce rich in coconut milk.
It tastes savory and creamy, with a soft texture on the filling and chewy on the cow intestines. Usually, gulai tambusu is served as a complement to Padang rice, and is very suitable to be enjoyed with warm rice.
4. Spicy beef jerky
Dendeng balado is one of the most sought-after foods by fans of spicy food. Dendeng is thin, dried beef, then fried until crispy and served with balado seasoning made from red chilies, shallots, garlic, and lime.
The combination of crispy dendeng with spicy-sour balado seasoning creates an extraordinary blend of flavors. No wonder dendeng balado is always a favorite choice in Padang restaurants.
5. Pop Chicken
Although it looks simple, Ayam Pop is a dish that has a very unique distinctive taste. Ayam Pop is made from free-range chicken boiled with coconut water and spices such as garlic and ginger, then fried briefly so that the skin remains white and not too crispy.
Ayam Pop is served with spicy chili sauce and warm rice, creating a combination of light but delicious flavors. Ayam Pop is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy Padang cuisine with a taste that is not too heavy.
6. Sour and Spicy Fish
Asam padeh fish is a fish dish with a delicious sour-spicy sauce. Usually, tuna or snapper is used as the main ingredient, then cooked in a sauce made from red chili, kandis acid, turmeric, shallots, and garlic.
The spicy sauce with a touch of sourness provides a perfect balance of flavors. Asam padeh fish is often a mainstay menu in Padang restaurants because of its fresh taste and ability to stimulate the appetite.
7. Tuna Curry
Gulai tunjang is a dish made from cow’s feet (kikil). This part of the kikil is cooked in a curry sauce rich in spices and coconut milk. The chewy texture of the kikil combined with the savory taste of the curry sauce creates a different eating sensation.
Although gulai tunjang has a fairly heavy and chewy texture, the resulting taste is very delicious and addictive. Usually, gulai tunjang is served as one of the menu choices in Padang rice.
8. Beef Kalio
Kalio beef is a version of rendang that has not been cooked until dry. Kalio still has a thicker and softer sauce compared to rendang, but the taste is no less rich.
This dish uses beef cooked with coconut milk and spices, resulting in a creamy and savory taste. Kalio is often served as a daily menu in Padang restaurants and is a great alternative for those who like rendang, but with a wetter texture.
9. Tanak Sambaldo
Sambalado tanak is a typical Minangkabau chili sauce made from red chilies, coconut milk, and spices, then cooked until thick. Usually, this chili sauce is cooked with anchovies, petai, and beef offal, resulting in a combination of spicy, savory, and slightly bitter flavors from the petai.
Sambalado tanak has a soft texture and is usually enjoyed as a complement to warm rice. Its strong and biting taste makes it a favorite among chili lovers.
10. Padang Pical
Pical Padang is a version of gado-gado typical of Minangkabau. This dish consists of boiled vegetables such as long beans, bean sprouts, and cabbage served with rice cakes, red crackers, and peanut sauce.
What distinguishes pical Padang from gado-gado is the chili sauce used and the addition of cassava leaves and young jackfruit. It tastes savory and slightly spicy, with a crunchy vegetable texture. Pical Padang is a healthy and refreshing choice to enjoy anytime.
Padang cuisine is one of Indonesia’s rich and invaluable cultural heritages. Each dish originating from Padang has its own characteristics, both in terms of taste, texture, and how it is served.
From the legendary rendang to the fresh Padang pical, all of these traditional foods offer unmatched deliciousness. If you claim to be a true culinary lover, then tasting these various Typical West Sumatra Foods is a must.
