Source: www.indonesia.travel
Raja Ampat is never tiring to talk about. Because it is certainly a separate paradise in the tourism realm. Local and international tourists know better that this Island has an attractive charm everyone could not resist. The natural panorama that only exists in Raja Ampat has always been a very special attraction for visitors from time to time.
Its natural beauty, aquatic panorama will automatically become your serotonin boost you never knew you needed. However, this time we are not going to talk about Raja Ampat nature tourism but rather about the Raja Ampat’s specialities. Check out our summary of these typical dishes of Raja Ampat to complete your trip while you are there and make it even more fun and memorable.
1. Sago Caterpillar Satay
This typical Raja Ampat cuisine’s name may sound a bit scary because it is actually made of Caterpillar Sago Tree. It is very popular amongst locals and is their favorite. Sago Caterpillar Satay is known to be very nutritious and is high in protein. It does no harm if you dare enough to try out this West Papuan typical food. Just consider it as you challenge yourself with a new experience.
2. Manokwari Roasted Fish
The following West Papuan or Raja Ampat speciality is grilled fish of ‘Manokwari’. The main ingredient, fish, is directly produced from the local ocean. The Fresh fish that has been caught will be washed using fresh water and then is proceeded to be traditionally grilled before it is served to you. Tuna is a kind of sea fish that is mainly used to serve this Manokwari Grilled Fish menu.
3. Wrapped Fish or Ikan Bungkus
The next specialty of Raja Ampat is Wrapped Fish. As the name implies, the said food is indeed wrapped, traditionally using leaves, mainly banana one. This special food uses saltwater fish as its main ingredients. Then, the sea fish is marinated with Raja Ampat’s special spices and herbs and those are what exactly adds flavoring to the dish. The seasoning is left as it is in the same leaf wrap as the fish. After it is perfectly wrapped it is finally ready to grill until all is done.
- Papeda
Not only in Raja Ampat, This particular dish is almost evenly being the typical food of the whole region in Papua Island. Doesn’t matter what city you visit in Papua, you’re guaranteed to always find Papeda everywhere. Papeda is made of Sago. In order to get the proper texture, cooking it should take a little bit longer until it turns mushy. If you happen to ever touch or see the texture of clear (uncolored) slime, it looks and feels almost like so. Likewise, the white and sticky look of the porridge makes it look like glue due to it being uncolored and indeed still bland in taste if you eat it as it is. Therefore, this food is not enjoyed just like that. Papeda is usually complemented with side dishes like Turmeric Fish Soup. The soup has broth colored in yellow because of the turmeric. It tastes a little bit spicy yet so fresh, savoury, delicious and indeed it very much suits the papeda so much. You do not need to add rice anymore because the papeda has actually substituted the carbohydrate for this dish
5. Sago Martabak
Unlike other kinds of Martabak that originated from most parts of Indonesia which usually use flour as the main ingredients. Raja Ampat has a special kind of Martabak that is made of mashed-then-fried Sago. The mashed sago that has been fried and then will be smeared by brown sugar as the seasonings. Also what differentiated this with other Martabak is that its texture is quite hard-bitten.
6. Udang Selingkuh
This dish has a very unique name that may immediately attract locals. Why is that? well, let us explain to you so you will also get the sense of it. Term of Udang Selingkuh can be roughly translated as “The cheating shrimp”. However, although the literal meaning is shrimp, the actual seafood that is used is a freshwater lobster or crayfish. It is usually either grilled or boiled.
Diving and snorkeling aftermath in Raja Ampat must certainly make you hungry, so dinner with this menu will immediately fulfil your hunger. Choosing the best restaurant can also be a perfect point to finish the day in a pleasant atmosphere. You can chill out with dive buddies and maybe new friends, share stories, and together relish yet another delicious meal.
Whether your trips take you to a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts or urban attractions, extra research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Raja Ampat by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
