17 Special Dishes from Bengkulu with Authentic Flavor

Bengkulu is one of the provinces in Indonesia known for the legendary flower called Raflesia Arnoldi. 

However, besides that flower, this area actually holds a plethora of interesting things to explore. 

For instance, its famous traditional dishes known for their deliciousness. Curious about what typical foods Bengkulu has? Here’s the review.

1. Bagar Hiu

Just by hearing its name, you can probably guess the main ingredient of this dish. 

Bagar Hiu is indeed a unique dish that can be found in Bengkulu, made primarily from shark meat. 

As for the taste, there’s no need to doubt it, as this dish has been prepared using coconut milk and a blend of other special spices.

2. Lema Khas Bengkulu

In terms of appearance, Lema is not much different from dishes originating from Java, which use bamboo shoots or young bamboo as the main ingredient. 

However, the bamboo shoots in this preparation have been chopped with fish such as sepat or mujair and then wrapped in banana leaves. This processing makes Lema have such an authentic taste.

3. Lempok Durian Bengkulu

For durian lovers, it is a must to taste this culinary dish. Bengkulu is one of the regions with an abundance of durian trees.

So it’s no wonder that the local people utilize it to create various dishes, one of which is Lempok Durian Bengkulu. Thanks to its delicious taste, it often attracts travelers.

4. Kue Bay Tat Khas Bengkulu

In the past, this traditional food from Bengkulu could only be enjoyed by kings and their descendants. However, over time, anyone can try it. 

Kue Bay Tat is made from wheat flour, granulated sugar, butter, coconut milk, and eggs. All these ingredients are mixed into a dough and then baked. After that, it is spread with pineapple jam or cheese.

5. Bubur Sekoi Bengkulu

Bubur Sekoi is one of the dishes that must be present during the month of Ramadan. Its sweet and savory taste makes it very suitable to be enjoyed as a breaking fast dish. 

Uniquely, this porridge is made from jewawut seeds mixed with other ingredients. As a result of this combination, this food contains many nutrients beneficial for the body.

6. Gulai Kemba’ang

Visiting Bengkulu would feel incomplete if you haven't tasted the famous dish called Gulai Kemba’ang. The popularity of this traditional dish is due to its very delicious taste. 

Moreover, the aroma it produces is very strong. So don’t be surprised if many people often make this typical Bengkulu food their main dish.

Read also: 15 Typical Foods from West Sumatra That Are Guaranteed to Be Delicious

7. Gulai Pisang

After Gulai Kemba’ang, the next popular culinary dish in Bengkulu is Gulai Pisang. When looking at its appearance, many might find it strange and very unfamiliar. 

However, who would have thought that its taste is very good and delicious? This is due to the blend of spices and herbs that successfully make the bananas prepared in the best way.

8. Kue Perut Punai

Perut Punai is a cake that comes in two flavor variants, namely original and sweet. The name of this dish comes from its unique appearance. 

It has a shape resembling the belly of a Punai bird. With its distinctive and delicious taste, it makes anyone who tries it become addicted and want to keep eating it.

9. Lontong Tunjang

Usually, Lontong Tunjang is eaten for breakfast by the local people. In one plate, you will find lontong, young jackfruit, green beans, and slices of tunjang or beef tendon. 

These various ingredients can make anyone who eats it feel full and want to try it again another time.

10. Kue Tradisional Lepek Binti

This traditional snack is often made as a main menu to welcome guests when visiting a home. 

With a savory and chewy taste, this typical Bengkulu food is loved by many people. 

Especially since glutinous rice flour is the main ingredient, mixed with coconut milk and filled with seasoned and cooked ground meat.

11. Pendap

Pendap is a typical Bengkulu culinary dish that must be tried. This is because pendap is made from fish mixed with various unique spices and herbs. Starting from kencur, finely ground chili, grated coconut, and garlic. 

These spices will be mixed with the fish and then wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until the spices are perfectly absorbed.

12. Lemang Tapai

The dish called Lemang Tapai is the next choice to be enjoyed when in Bengkulu. Being one of the dishes that has existed for a long time, Lemang Tapai is known for its savory and sticky taste. 

Before serving, this dish made from glutinous rice and coconut milk is wrapped in banana leaves and then roasted over a fire on a piece of young bamboo.

13. Manisan Terong Bengkulu

Generally, most people know that candied fruits are made from fresh fruits that have a sweet or sour taste.

However, in Bengkulu, you will find a unique candy made from an unusual base ingredient, namely eggplant. 

Surely many would be surprised. But who would have thought that eggplant could be made into such delicious candy? 

14. Tempoyak

Another delicious durian dish is Tempoyak. The durian fruit used is fermented first, then processed with catfish. 

Its unique and delicious taste makes anyone reluctant to refuse to taste this typical Bengkulu food. Therefore, it’s your turn to try it directly in Bengkulu.

15. Emping Melinjo

Surely everyone knows emping as chips with a savory and slightly bitter taste. 

Usually, these chips made from melinjo are served as a complement to dishes such as Padang rice, soto, chicken porridge, and others. 

The melinjo used for the chips must be boiled first and then crushed until it forms thin sheets.

16. Bubur Dawet

Similar to Emping Melinjo, Bubur Dawet is also a traditional food found in several regions besides Bengkulu. However, there is a very striking difference. 

That is, Bubur Dawet from Bengkulu does not use food coloring or pandan leaves like dawet in general, so its color is pure white like rice flour.

17. Teh Sle

A traditional drink of the Bengkulu people that is never missed and must be tasted is Teh Sle. 

Its unique taste can provide a different sensation for anyone who drinks it, especially when relaxing with loved ones. 

Especially if accompanied by other typical Bengkulu foods, it will surely be a perfect combination.

Enjoying various traditional culinary dishes when in a region, especially in Bengkulu, is a very pleasant thing.