The traditional cuisine of East Kalimantan showcases an abundance of spices that create authentic and mouth-watering flavors.
East Kalimantan (Kaltim) is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its captivating culinary treasures. As one of the provinces on the island of Kalimantan, Kaltim is home to numerous traditional dishes inspired by the local traditions and various cultural influences.
This culinary journey offers unique and rich flavors that reflect the cultural diversity of East Kalimantan. Below are 10 must-try traditional dishes from East Kalimantan, each with a story behind its enticing taste.
1. Gangan Manok: East Kalimantan’s Signature Chicken Soup
Gangan Manok is a must-try dish when visiting Kutai Timur in East Kalimantan. The term “gangan” means soup, and “manok” means chicken, so this dish is a vegetable-based soup made with spinach, oyong (sponge gourd), and meatballs made from cornstarch dough.
Its savory and fresh flavor has earned Gangan Manok, a Typical East Kalimantan Food, the nickname “the meatball soup of East Kalimantan.” This dish is often served with sambal or sauce for an extra kick, making each bite more enjoyable.
2. Sayur Gangan Asam Kutai: A Unique Twist on Sour Vegetable Soup
Sayur Gangan Asam Kutai is a vegetable dish featuring freshwater fish as its main ingredient. Cooked with lime and Dayak eggplant, it delivers a fresh and tangy taste that differs from the more commonly known Javanese sour soup.
This blend of natural ingredients creates a distinctive and refreshing flavor, making it a must-try dish when visiting Kutai Timur.
3. Nasi Bekepor: Traditional Flavored Rice
Nasi Bekepor is similar to *nasi liwet* but with added vegetables, spices, and salted fish. What makes this dish unique is the fresh citrus aroma that is its hallmark.
Nasi Bekepor is often served with *sambal raja* and, according to stories, was once reserved for the kings of the Kutai Kingdom. Its rich taste and distinctive aroma make it a legendary dish from East Kalimantan.
4. Rabo Ruan: Steamed Gabus Fish Delicacy
Rabo Ruan is a dish made from mashed gabus (haruan) fish mixed with special spices and then steamed. Served with white rice, Rabo Ruan offers a delightful taste with its tender fish texture. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a uniquely flavored fish dish.
5. Gance Ruan: Grilled Haruan Fish with Spicy Sambal
Gance Ruan features grilled haruan fish with its scales left intact until they turn black, then topped with a spicy, coarse-textured gence sambal. The dish delivers a strong, biting flavor that pairs perfectly with warm rice and crispy fern vegetables.
6. Sambal Raja: A Royal Spicy Condiment
Sambal Raja was once a delicacy exclusive to the kings of the Kutai Kingdom. Made with vegetables like long beans, purple eggplant, shallots, and boiled eggs drizzled with spicy sauce, this sambal offers a bold and appetizing flavor. It pairs perfectly with other dishes, adding a more daring taste.
7. Sate Payau: Savory Venison Satay
Sate Payau is a unique satay made from venison, a rarer meat than typical options. The venison is grilled after being marinated in a sweet and savory seasoning, resulting in a tender and distinct taste.
Sate Payau is often served at traditional events or festivals in East Kalimantan, offering a unique culinary experience.
8. Daging Masak Bumi Hangus: Rich Soy-Braised Beef
Daging Masak Bumi Hangus is a dish where beef is slow-cooked with soy sauce and spices until it turns dark. While its appearance may not be particularly appealing, the rich flavors of the spices and soy sauce make it one of the most sought-after traditional dishes in East Kalimantan.
9. Babangko: A Chewy Breakfast Delight
Babangko is a traditional East Kalimantan breakfast dish made from rice flour, coconut milk, and spices.
Its chewy texture and spicy, savory taste make it a popular choice for special occasions like weddings or traditional ceremonies. This breakfast dish provides ample energy to start the day and is loved for its distinctive taste.
10. Sambal Gami Udang: Flavorful and Spicy Shrimp Sambal
Sambal Gami Udang, originating from Bontang, East Kalimantan, is known for its savory, spicy flavor. The shrimp used in this sambal is first fried, giving it a unique taste.
This sambal pairs well with various seafood dishes, creating a rich and flavorful combination. Sambal Gami Udang is the perfect accompaniment for East Kalimantan’s seafood specialties.
The cuisine of East Kalimantan boasts flavors and stories as captivating as the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
From savory dishes like Gangan Manok, a Typical Balikpapan Food, to sweet bites like Babangko, each dish represents the rich blend of cultures and local values. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor these unique and flavorful traditional dishes when visiting this extraordinary province.
