Enjoy the deliciousness of various mouth-watering South Sumatran specialties, from the legendary pempek to traditional dishes with authentic flavors.
South Sumatra, especially Palembang, is a culinary paradise that offers a variety of delicious dishes.
Although pempek is the main culinary icon in this province, there are still many other specialties that are no less tempting to try.
These foods have unique flavors, use rich local ingredients, and are inspired by the culinary traditions of the local community.
From fish-based dishes to sweet snacks, South Sumatra offers a variety that suits all tastes. Here are 10 Typical South Sumatran Foods that you must try when visiting this province.
1. Model
Model is one of the pempek variants that is quite famous in Palembang. The difference lies in the sauce used.
Unlike pempek in general which is served with cuko sauce, this model is served with a savory shrimp broth. The model is made with pempek dough filled with tofu, then cooked until done.
Usually, the model is served with vermicelli, cucumber, and sprinkled with shrimp that adds to the delicious taste.
There are two types of models that can be tried, namely the fish model which uses fish as the basic ingredient and the gendum model which is made from wheat flour.
2. Celor Noodles
Mie Celor is a noodle dish that uses thick coconut milk sauce mixed with shrimp stock. The noodles used are quite large, resembling udon noodles, and are served with various accompaniments such as boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and sprinkled with fried onions.
Mie Celor has a savory and creamy taste, making it a perfect dish to enjoy for breakfast or lunch. Its delicious and rich taste makes Mie Celor one of the favorite dishes in Palembang.
3. 8 Hour Cake
Kue 8 Jam is a traditional cake typical of Palembang. The name of this cake is taken from the process of making it which takes up to eight hours.
This cake is made from a mixture of duck eggs, sugar, butter, and condensed milk, which produces a soft texture and rich sweet taste.
Kue 8 Jam is often served at special events, such as Eid or weddings, and is a symbol of luxury in Palembang culinary culture. The deliciousness of this cake makes it highly appreciated by the people of Palembang.
4. Tempoyak Fried Rice
Brengkes Tempoyak is a typical South Sumatran dish that combines patin fish with tempoyak, which is fermented durian flesh. This dish is cooked with strong spices, creating a very distinctive and unique taste sensation.
The sour taste of tempoyak combined with the savory taste of patin fish, produces an appetizing dish.
Brengkes Tempoyak is usually served with warm white rice, providing a different yet delicious culinary experience.
5. Salted fish
Pindang is one of the most famous dishes in Palembang. This dish is a fish soup with a spicy sweet and sour sauce, giving a refreshing sensation to anyone who enjoys it. Usually, pindang uses patin fish, snakehead fish, or ribs as the main ingredients.
Pindang is easy to find in various food stalls, including famous stalls such as Warung Mbok War which is located on a boat near Ampera Bridge. Patin pindang served with white rice is the perfect choice for lunch.
6. HAR Martabak
Martabak HAR is a version of Palembang’s signature martabak that is slightly different from the usual egg martabak.
This martabak is served with curry sauce made from a mixture of potatoes and meat, giving it a strong spice flavor.
The martabak skin wraps the egg that is not mixed with the dough, so the texture is crispier and tastier. Martabak HAR is doused with curry sauce that gives it a spicy and rich spice flavor.
This dish can be easily found in various branches in Palembang, making it one of the must-try foods when visiting this city.
7. Laksan
Laksan is a variant of pempek lenjer which is boiled and served with a savory coconut milk sauce.
Although it looks similar to lontong sayur, Laksan has a distinctive taste because it uses fish and spices which give it its own deliciousness.
Laksan is often served as a breakfast menu, and its thick coconut milk sauce gives it a creamy taste.
Laksan is a popular choice for Palembang people who want to enjoy a heavy breakfast with a delicious taste.
8. Relax
Lenggang is a dish that combines pempek and eggs which are then baked to produce a soft and savory texture.
Lenggang is usually served with cuko, a typical Palembang sauce that is sweet and sour. This food is often served as a light snack or a practical lunch menu.
In addition to being baked, lenggang can also be served in a variety of ways. fried, providing a variation of flavors that are no less delicious. The uniqueness of the way it is served adds to the appeal of this dish.
9. Diving
Celimpungan is a typical Palembang food which is small and round in shape, similar to pempek. However, what makes celimpungan different is its sauce which is made from thick yellow coconut milk, produced from ground spices containing turmeric.
This yellow sauce provides a distinctive savory taste, and this dish is often eaten as a breakfast menu in Palembang.
Its delicious and unique taste makes Celimpungan a must-try dish, especially for those who want to experience the authenticity of Palembang cuisine.
10. Burgo
Burgo is a typical Palembang food made from a mixture of rice flour and sago flour, which is then rolled and cut thinly. This dish is served with a coconut sauce that is simply seasoned but rich in flavor.
The soft texture of burgo blends perfectly with the coconut milk sauce, making it a popular breakfast choice among the people of Palembang.
Burgo serves up a light yet satisfying taste, perfect for those who want to enjoy a traditional dish with a modern twist.
South Sumatra, especially Palembang, is a culinary paradise that offers a variety of dishes with distinctive and authentic flavors.
From the world-famous pempek to traditional dishes such as Laksan, Brengkes Tempoyak, and Martabak HAR, each dish has a story and uniqueness that not only whets your appetite but also enriches your culinary experience.
Each dish illustrates the richness of culture and culinary creativity of its people which is very impressive.
If you are planning to visit South Sumatra, make sure to try the 10 specialties mentioned above. Every bite will bring you closer to the beauty and diversity of South Sumatra’s culinary traditions that are second to none, making it one of the essential Things to do in Palembang.
