Discover mouth-watering Papuan specialties, from papeda to smoked sago worms, with unique flavors that take you on a journey into the richness of Papuan culture and tradition.
Papua, with its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, is also known for its unique cuisine that is no less interesting.
From sago-based dishes to mouth-watering fresh seafood, Papua offers a variety of unique dishes that are an important part of the traditions and daily lives of its people.
In this article, we will invite you to explore 10 Typical Papuan Foods that have a distinctive taste and interesting stories behind them.
1. Papeda
Papeda is a typical Papuan food made from sago, the main food ingredient for Papuan people. This food is in the form of thick porridge which has a sticky texture and a taste that tends to be bland.
Despite its simple taste, papeda is usually served with a rich spiced fish sauce, providing a perfect combination.
Papeda is very popular in Papua, and its distinctive presentation of being dipped in fish sauce provides a unique and satisfying eating experience.
Papeda has deep meaning in Papuan culture, often being a symbol of hospitality and togetherness when served at traditional events or family gatherings.
2. Cheating Shrimp
Cheating shrimp is a type of freshwater shrimp that is very typical of Papua. What distinguishes this shrimp is its body shape which is similar to regular shrimp, but with claws like crabs.
Cheating shrimp has a more fibrous meat texture and a sweet taste similar to lobster, making it a perfect choice for various dishes.
Cheating shrimp are found in abundance in the Baliem River, Jayawijaya Regency, and are usually cooked by grilling or frying.
The uniqueness of this shrimp lies not only in its taste and texture, but also in the way it is caught using traditional techniques by the local community.
3. Manokwari Grilled Fish
Manokwari grilled fish is a dish originating from West Papua, especially Manokwari. The fish used for this dish is usually fresh sea fish grilled using traditional techniques.
One of the characteristics of Manokwari grilled fish is the use of a special chili sauce that gives a spicy and savory taste to the fish that is grilled using coral rocks as a grilling medium.
The unique taste of Manokwari grilled fish lies in the combination of rich spices, making it one of the featured dishes that is always awaited by tourists visiting West Papua.
4. Sago Flour
Sago is the main ingredient in various traditional Papuan dishes, including in making sago flour. This flour is produced from the trunk of the rumbia tree, which is then processed into various types of traditional foods, such as papeda, sago lempeng, and others.
Sago flour is not only known for its ability to provide a feeling of fullness for longer, but also for its health benefits, such as preventing stomach disorders and being very suitable for diabetics.
Sago-based foods are often found in many typical Papuan dishes, and are a symbol of the natural wealth of this island.
5. Sago Plate
Sago lempeng is a traditional Papuan cake made from sago flour. Usually, flat sago has a hard texture and a bland taste.
This cake is usually baked using a traditional tool called “forna” made of clay. The shape and taste of sago lempeng can vary depending on the method of preparation and additional ingredients used.
Sago lempeng is often served with tea or coffee, making it the perfect accompaniment to relaxing. Despite its hard texture, sago has a unique taste and is widely loved by Papuans.
6. Sago Bagea Cake
Bagea sago cake is a typical Papuan pastry made from sago flour and walnut flour. This cake has a slightly hard texture, but is very delicious when dipped in drinks such as tea or coffee.
Bagea sago cake is often a typical souvenir found in Papua, Maluku, and North Sulawesi. Its sweet and savory taste makes it a favorite choice on various occasions.
This food has a distinctive taste and is often a favorite snack when gathering with family or friends.
7. Fried Dry Flowerhorn Fish
Louhan fish, which are usually kept as ornamental fish, are also a typical Papuan food. This type of Red Devil fish has little meat and many bones.
However, this fish is processed by frying it until dry and seasoned with salt. Its savory taste makes dry fried louhan fish a popular dish in Papua.
The process of frying flowerhorn fish until dry gives it a crispy texture, and is generally served as a snack or side dish with rice.
8. Smoked Sago Worms
For some people, sago worms may sound disgusting. However, for the Papuan people, sago worms are a very delicious and nutritious food.
Sago worms found on sago tree trunks are often cooked by grilling or eaten raw. According to local residents, the taste of sago worms is savory and slightly sweet, similar to stale coconut.
Although this food is considered extreme by some, sago worms are an important part of Papuan cuisine and are often eaten as a snack or side dish.
9. Rica’s Monastery
Biadara rica is a typical West Papuan dish made from red clams. These clams are cooked with spicy rica-rica seasoning, creating a very appetizing taste.
The cooking process is quite simple, with ingredients such as chili, shallots, ginger, salt, and tomatoes sauteed with the clams until cooked.
Biadara rica is a very popular dish among the people of West Papua and is often enjoyed with warm rice.
10. Genemo Coconut Milk
Genemo santan is a dish made from chicken cooked with coconut milk and various spices such as galangal, cayenne pepper, and shallots. This dish has a rich and savory taste, with a thick coconut milk sauce.
Genemo coconut milk is usually served with white rice and is the main dish at various traditional events or family gatherings in Papua.
This dish illustrates the uniqueness of Papuan cuisine, combining local ingredients with traditional spices to create a rich and delicious taste.
Papuan specialties have a richness of taste and culture that is reflected in every dish. From the humble papeda to the extreme sago worms, each dish reflects the natural diversity and traditions of the Papuan people.
These foods, which are examples of Typical Maluku Food, are not only appetizing but also a symbol of local wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation.
By visiting Papua, you will not only be spoiled with natural beauty, but also with culinary delights that will make your experience even more memorable.
