Manado is not only known for its stunning underwater beauty, but also for its mouth-watering culinary richness. The unique culinary delights of Manado have distinct flavors, predominantly spicy, salty, and fresh, making it one of the best culinary destinations in Indonesia. Here are ten must-try traditional Manado foods when visiting this city.
1. Tinutuan (Manado Porridge)Tinutuan or known as Manado Porridge is a nutritious breakfast dish from North Sulawesi made from a mixture of rice and various vegetables such as spinach, water spinach, pumpkin, gedi leaves, cassava, basil leaves, and corn. The yellowish broth comes from the pumpkin used in cooking. Manado Porridge is usually served with salted fish or fried chicken, and sambal roa as a complement to enhance the flavor. One recommended place to try this porridge is Rumah Kopi Tikala in Manado.
2. Woku Seasoned FishWoku seasoned fish is a Manado dish with strong and aromatic spices. The woku spice mixture consists of a blend of chili, shallots, garlic, turmeric, lime leaves, and basil leaves. Apart from fish, woku spice is also commonly used for chicken and other seafood. This dish is perfect for culinary enthusiasts who enjoy spicy and flavorful dishes.
3. Smoked Cakalang FishCakalang fufu is smoked skipjack tuna seasoned and pressed using bamboo frames. The smoking process takes up to four hours and then cooled. Usually, cakalang fufu is served with sambal dabu-dabu and warm white rice. In Manado, cakalang fufu can be found in traditional stalls like Kios 88 Kalawat.
4. Tuturuga ChickenTuturuga chicken is a traditional Manado dish cooked with spicy coconut milk soup. It may resemble chicken curry at first glance, but the unique red soup of tuturuga chicken comes from the use of red chili and lime juice, creating a refreshing spicy and sour taste. This dish is best enjoyed with warm rice. One of the best places to try tuturuga chicken is Raja Oci Restaurant.
5. Kolombi SatayKolombi satay is a unique Manado satay using golden apple snail meat as the main ingredient. The chewy snail meat is seasoned and grilled like regular satay. Kolombi satay is usually served with warm rice and can be enjoyed both during the day and at night. Hoho Restaurant is a popular location to sample kolombi satay.
6. Cakalang Fried RiceCakalang fried rice is a practical and delicious traditional Manado dish. Using spicy shredded cakalang fish (cakalang pampis), this fried rice is cooked with special spices and usually served with sweet soy sauce to balance its spiciness. This menu is a favorite for its simple yet satisfying taste.
7. Cakalang PampisCakalang pampis is shredded cakalang fish cooked with chili and traditional Manado spices. This dish is typically served as a side dish with rice or as a filling for various other dishes such as panada, lalampa, and yellow rice. The spicy and savory taste of cakalang pampis makes it a flexible and popular choice.
8. PanadaPanada is a deep-fried bread stuffed with spicy cakalang pampis. This food resembles a pastel but uses soft textured bread dough. Panada is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It is usually served with other traditional Manado dishes like cucur, yellow rice, and lalampa.
9. Rica-Rica ChickenRica-rica chicken is one of the most famous traditional Manado dishes. Cooked with red chili, shallots, and spices, rica-rica chicken offers a spicy and tantalizing flavor. This dish is a must-try for spicy food lovers due to its unique deliciousness.
10. BrenebonBrenebon is a traditional red bean soup from Manado influenced by Dutch culinary. The name brenebon comes from the word “bruine bonen,” which means brown beans. This soup is cooked with beef broth, vegetables, and various spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and pepper, resulting in a savory and warm taste. In Manado, brenebon can be enjoyed at various local restaurants like Mie Ba Immanuel.
Manado’s traditional culinary offerings provide a richness of flavors that not only pamper the taste buds but also introduce unique local cultural richness. When visiting North Sulawesi, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy these authentic dishes.
