Enjoy traditional West Kalimantan dishes with delicious flavors rich in spices, presenting a delicious and authentic sensation in every serving.
Traveling to West Kalimantan, especially in Pontianak, will take you on a charming culinary adventure. This “Equator Land” is not only famous for its natural beauty, but also for its rich culture and diverse culinary flavors.
Every dish here seems to reflect the uniqueness of the culture of the Malay, Dayak, Chinese, and Javanese tribes, as well as contributions from various communities such as Bugis, Batak, Sundanese, and Madurese who also enrich the local cuisine.
No need to worry about the cost, West Kalimantan’s typical food is mostly made from local ingredients that are easy to find, so the price of the food is quite friendly.
The typical dishes here will not disappoint, with local spices such as pepper, betel nut, galangal, and ginger that make the taste even more authentic.
Come on, take a peek at 10 Typical West Kalimantan Food culinary delights that you must try when exploring Pontianak and its surroundings!
1. Pasong – Legit Snack Wrapped in Banana Leaves
Pasong, a traditional cone-shaped snack wrapped in banana leaves, offers a chewy and chewy taste.
Available in two flavors, fatty and sweet, Pasong is usually sold during Ramadan and is a favorite dish on the 27th day of the fasting month. If you are in Pontianak during Ramadan, don’t miss this snack.
2. Mie Tiau – Warm Soup with the Sensation of Typical Kalimantan Noodles
Mie Tiau, a culinary dish influenced by Chinese culture, is a noodle dish that can be served with soup or fried.
The noodles are mixed with skin, offal, beef, mustard greens, and bean sprouts. Perfect for enjoying on a rainy day, Mie Tiau presents a unique deliciousness that is second to none.
3. Spicy Porridge – A Combination of Spicy Flavor with Rich Spices
Unlike most porridges that tend to be sweet, Bubur Pedas from West Kalimantan has a spicy taste and abundant spices.
This porridge is made from ground rice, served without oil, and topped with meat, anchovies, nuts, and healthy vegetables such as ferns, kesum leaves, kale, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Rich in nutrition, Bubur Pedas is also rich in flavor.
4. Crab Noodles – Chewy Noodles Combined with Delicious Crab Meat
This noodle dish may look like chicken noodles, but Crab Noodles come with juicy pieces of crab meat. This dish is also served with fish balls, bean sprouts, meatballs, and fried dumplings, creating a unique taste that seafood lovers really like.
5. Sotong Pangkong – Dried Squid with a Sweet and Spicy Sensation
Sotong Pangkong is a typical Ramadan food made from dried cuttlefish or squid, cooked with sweet and spicy spices or peanut sauce.
This dish is special because cuttlefish is usually harvested in Kalimantan during that month, making it a favorite dish during Ramadan.
6. Bubur Gunting – Sweet and Savory with a Tempting Pandan Aroma
Gunting porridge, typical of Banjar, is named after the way it is made by cutting it into small pieces.
This porridge is made from sago or sticky rice flour mixed with coconut milk, brown sugar, and a little salt, resulting in a savory and sweet taste. The aroma is even more delicious with the addition of pandan leaves.
7. Chai Kwe – A Versatile Side Dish Made from Appetizing Rice Flour
Chai Kwe, a type of snack from the Chinese community, is shaped like a white pastel that is not fried, but steamed. Made from rice flour, this dish is filled with taro leaves, spring onions, and shrimp. Chai Kwe is often served as a side dish for rice and has a savory taste that is just right.
8. Sago Noodles – Chewy Noodles with a Distinctive Spice Aroma
Mie Sago, a typical noodle made from sago, has a chewy texture and is mixed with chives, bean sprouts, meat, and spices typical of West Kalimantan. Enjoyable in fried or boiled versions, Mie Sago offers a unique and authentic taste sensation.
9. Fried Kwe Tiaw – Typical Stir Fry with Pontianak Spices
Kwe Tiaw Goreng, a stir-fried dish with Chinese influences, is made from rice flour cooked with chicken, mustard greens, cucumber, and Pontianak spices. The fried onion topping adds a strong savory flavor and attracts many visitors.
10. Sour and Spicy Tempoyak – A Sour and Savory Sensation with the Aroma of Durian
Asam Pedas Tempoyak, a dish from Ketapang, unique with the main ingredient of tempoyak, fermented durian. Combined with patin fish or angsam fish, this dish presents a unique sour savory taste and a distinctive durian aroma. Very suitable for culinary lovers with a strong taste.
Sampling the culinary delights of West Kalimantan is more than just enjoying delicious food; it is an opportunity to dive into the diverse cultures of the “Land of a Thousand Rivers.”
With flavors ranging from sweet, savory, to spicy and sour, the culinary experience in Pontianak and its surroundings is guaranteed to leave unforgettable memories.
Make sure you try Typical Pontianak Food yourself, and experience the uniqueness of each dish that contains the flavors of selected local spices.
