Enjoy the deliciousness of various Padang specialties that you must try, from rendang to sambalado which is famous for its deliciousness.
When you hear the word “Padang,” what probably comes to mind is the deliciousness of Minang cuisine that is already world-famous. Padang’s specialties have become a favorite of many people, both in Indonesia and abroad.
It’s not just about the distinctive taste, but also the richness of the spices that make each dish taste so special. Here are 10 Padang specialties that are famously delicious and you must try:
1. Beef stew
No list of Typical Padang Food would be complete without mentioning rendang. This dish was even named one of the most delicious foods in the world by CNN.
Rendang is beef cooked in coconut milk and a mixture of spices, such as galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, chili, and various other ingredients. The cooking process that takes hours gives rendang a very deep flavor and a tender meat texture.
Rendang is usually served on special occasions, but now it can be enjoyed anytime in Padang restaurants. There are two common types of rendang: dry rendang, which has a more durable texture, and wet rendang, which is more moist with a thick sauce.
2. Padang Satay
Sate Padang is one of the typical culinary of West Sumatra that has its own uniqueness. Compared to satay from other regions, Sate Padang uses beef, offal, or tongue which is then doused with thick yellow or red sauce.
This sauce is made from a mixture of typical Padang spices that provide a distinctive spicy and savory taste.
This satay is usually served with rice cakes and fried onions as a complement. The thick sauce made from rice flour and various spices makes it different from satay in general.
3. Spicy beef jerky
If you are a fan of spicy food, dendeng balado is the perfect choice. This dendeng is thinly sliced beef that is fried dry, then served with spicy and fresh balado sauce.
This balado sauce is made from a mixture of red chilies, shallots, and lime, which gives a spicy, sour, and fresh taste at the same time.
The savory and spicy taste makes dendeng balado one of the favorite side dishes in Padang restaurants. This dish is perfect to be enjoyed with warm rice to add to the deliciousness.
4. Tuna Curry
For lovers of soup dishes, gulai tunjang is one of the typical Padang dishes that must be tried. This gulai is made from beef tendon cooked in a yellow coconut milk sauce rich in spices.
The chewy texture of the tendon combined with the savory and spicy sauce creates an unforgettable delicious sensation.
The long cooking process of the tendon makes it soft and easy to chew. Spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaves, and chilies give a distinctive taste to this tunjang curry.
5. Pop Chicken
Pop chicken is a unique Padang chicken dish. Unlike fried chicken in general, pop chicken is boiled in coconut water and spices to produce tender and tasty chicken meat. The chicken is then fried briefly until the outside is slightly dry, but still maintains its tenderness on the inside.
Ayam pop is usually served with spicy and fresh tomato sauce, and warm white rice. The savory taste of chicken combined with the sauce makes it a delicious dish and is suitable to be enjoyed anytime.
6. Fish Head Curry
Fish head curry is one of the special dishes often served in Padang restaurants. This dish uses snapper fish head cooked in coconut milk sauce rich in spices, such as turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and chili.
Its savory, slightly spicy, and rich spice taste makes fish head curry a dish that is loved by many people.
The thick curry sauce and tender fish head make this dish often a top choice for seafood lovers. Fish head curry is usually served with warm rice and green chili sauce.
7. Sambaldo
Sambalado is a typical Padang chili sauce that complements almost all dishes in Padang restaurants.
Made from a mixture of large red chilies, shallots, and lime juice, this chili sauce has a refreshing spicy taste. Usually, sambal is served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, beef jerky, or grilled fish.
Although simple, sambalado has a strong and distinctive taste. For spicy lovers, sambalado can add to the enjoyment of your Padang food.
8. Sour and Spicy Fish
Ikan asam padeh is a typical Padang soup dish that has a refreshing sour and spicy taste. Fish, usually tuna or snapper, is cooked in a sauce made from a mixture of chilies, kandis acid, galangal, lemongrass, and various other spices. The bright red sauce indicates a spicy taste that is appetizing.
This dish is often served as an alternative for those who want to enjoy fresh Padang cuisine without coconut milk. Asam padeh fish is perfect to be enjoyed with warm white rice.
9. Padang Soto
Soto Padang is a variation of soto originating from Padang, West Sumatra. This dish consists of pieces of beef that are fried dry, then served with a clear and savory beef broth. Soto Padang is usually served with potato croquettes, rice vermicelli, and spring onions.
The light yet spice-rich broth, as well as the savory and crispy beef, make Padang soto a perfect choice to eat at any time, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
10. Cubadak Curry
Gulai cubadak or gulai nangka is one of the vegetable dishes often found in Padang restaurants. Young jackfruit is cooked in thick yellow coconut milk sauce, combined with typical spices such as turmeric, chili, galangal, and lemongrass.
Its savory and slightly spicy taste makes gulai cubadak a perfect complement to other side dishes.
Apart from young jackfruit, some variations of gulai also use other vegetables, such as cassava leaves, which are no less delicious.
Padang cuisine is not only about deliciousness, but also the richness of culinary culture that is reflected in every spice and cooking process. Each dish has its own characteristics that make it special.
When exploring Typical West Sumatra Food, you’ll find a variety of flavors and textures that tell a story of tradition and heritage. So, if you visit a Padang or West Sumatra restaurant, be sure to try these 10 specialties and enjoy the richness of flavors they offer!
