Tasting the Deliciousness of 20 Typical Dishes from Riau

Riau has a culinary wealth that not only delights the palate but also reflects the diversity of its culture and traditions. This time we will discuss the typical dishes of Riau that must be tasted, ranging from fresh fish dishes like Spicy Sour Baung Fish and Patin Fish Curry, to unique offerings like Sago Noodles and Jala Bread.

Each dish discussed in this article has a distinctive flavor derived from selected ingredients and rich traditional spices. It's no wonder these culinary delights make great souvenirs when friends visit there.

The Most Famous Typical Foods of Riau

Instead of being curious, let's take a look at the 20 most delicious and tasty typical foods of Riau.

1. Spicy Sour Baung Fish

Another typical culinary dish made from fish that is worth trying is Spicy Sour Baung Fish.

For those of you who are not fond of soupy dishes, this food can be tasted. This dish has a distinctive flavor due to the addition of candis sour that enhances the taste.

2. Patin Fish Curry

This dish is certainly a must-try for food lovers to indulge their taste buds. Patin Fish Curry has a thick, dark yellow broth made from selected spices. The soft texture of the fish further enhances the deliciousness of this soupy dish.

3. Belacan Curry

Since Riau is famous for its seafood, there are several typical dishes in this region. One of them is Belacan Curry made from Fresh Shrimp and Thick Coconut Milk. It's no wonder that the taste of this dish is very savory and delicious when served.

4. Cipuik Curry

Another seafood dish that is ready to pamper your taste buds is Cipuik Curry. This culinary dish, which is on the list of 20 typical foods of Riau, is made from snails, or as the locals call it, Cipuik.

To enhance the flavor, several spices are mixed in, such as shallots, garlic, and coconut milk.

5. Smoked Selais Fish

Riau is indeed famous for its fish-based dishes. One dish you can try when visiting this area is Smoked Selais Fish.

This fish has a distinctive taste and texture because it must undergo smoking for about eight hours.

6. Jala Bread

For those of you who want to enjoy a snack, Jala Bread is the perfect afternoon treat. This dish consists of bread served with a sauce to enhance the flavor. The sauce can be curry sauce, whether chicken, goat, or beef.

7. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a must-try menu when visiting Riau. This dish, suitable for breakfast, is cooked using coconut milk and pandan leaves.

As a result, it has a savory taste with a fragrant aroma. Usually, there are also side dishes, such as eggs, sambal, and anchovies.

8. Tunjang Soup

If you want to warm up in cold weather, Tunjang Soup is the most suitable choice.

The main ingredient of this dish, which is on the list of 20 typical foods of Riau, is fresh beef leg bones. Additionally, this soup is complemented with slices of potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots.

9. Deer Soup and Satay

Another typical culinary dish of Riau that should not be missed is Deer Soup and Satay. The tender deer meat is also very delicious because it is cooked with special spices, making this dish very suitable for all circles.

10. Sago Noodles

Another unique and delicious noodle dish in Riau is Sago Noodles. While noodles in other regions are made from wheat flour, in Riau, the noodles are made from processed sago flour.

This typical food is sought after by tourists because of its nutritious and delicious taste, complemented with anchovies and boiled bean sprouts.

11. Tarempa or Siantan Noodles

Not only famous for its seafood, there are also noodle dishes that can be tasted when in Riau.

This Siantan or Tarempa noodle is made from noodles mixed with bean sprouts, shrimp, bird's eye chili, and sweet soy sauce.

12. Slimy Noodles

Although slimy noodles may sound unfamiliar, you don't need to worry about this culinary dish.

In general, the food recommended as one of the 20 typical foods of Riau is actually similar to other types, but the difference lies in the broth.

This is because the broth has certain base ingredients, such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and several other special spices. Meanwhile, the type of noodle used is yellow noodles. To complement it, there are also slices of bird's eye chili, boiled eggs, and bean sprouts.

13. Miso

In addition to Curry, there are also other soupy dishes that you must try in Riau. Named Miso, this yellow noodle dish has a fresh and savory broth texture.

It contains several accompaniments, such as dried tofu, shredded chicken, skin crackers, and vegetables.

14. Cincalok

Another seafood dish you can enjoy is Cincalok. This dish is made from small shrimp that have been fermented, giving Cincalok a distinctive taste and aroma.

Usually, this culinary dish is served as a side dish that can be eaten with white rice.

15. Kue Asidah

In addition to fish and savory dishes, there are also sweet snacks that can be enjoyed in Riau. One that must be tried is Kue Asidah. This cake has a savory, sweet taste and a distinctive aroma because it is made from a mixture of pandan, cloves, and cinnamon.

16. Bride's Spring Water

After enjoying the main dishes of Riau, you can try the desserts on the list of 20 typical foods of Riau.

Named Bride's Spring Water, this culinary dish consists of a mixture of several fresh ingredients. Starting from basil seeds, cantaloupe, syrup, and added ice cubes.

17. Bacah Daging

In addition to seafood, Riau also has a meat dish called Bacah Daging. The main ingredient used to serve this culinary dish is beef and several additional spices. Bacah Daging is very suitable to be served with ketupat and crackers.

18. Vinegar Fish

Talking about fish dishes in Riau is indeed endless. A dish you can try as a main course is Vinegar Fish. This fish is cooked by frying it first, then adding vinegar as the sauce.

19. Lakse Kuah

Another delicious typical food of Riau is Lakse Kuah. This culinary dish is made from fresh seafood with several added spices. The fish commonly used are anchovies and skipjack tuna.

20. Lopek Bugi

In addition to dishes made from fish and sago flour, there are also sweet typical culinary dishes that can be tasted. Lopek Bugi is a snack that is worth trying because of its distinctive taste. This is due to its filling of coconut and sweet sugar that adds to the deliciousness of Lopek Bugi.

Because it is rarely found

Tips Sahabat