Here are some recommended traditional Bengkulu dishes with authentic and surprising flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Bengkulu, a province located on the western coast of Sumatra, holds a rich culinary heritage full of tradition and unique flavors. Each traditional dish reflects a blend of local culture and regional influences, creating a variety of different and appetizing cuisines.
Bengkulu’s culinary offerings make use of local ingredients that not only enrich the flavor but also showcase the wisdom of its people. Curious about the delicious treats you can find in Bengkulu? Check out the list of these must-try traditional dishes.
1. Bagar Hiu: Exotic and Richly Spiced
Bagar hiu is the perfect choice for those who dare to try something different. Made from shark meat cooked with special spices and hot seasonings, this dish is similar to rendang, but with a more distinct flavor.
However, this dish is becoming increasingly rare due to shark meat being a protected ingredient. Even so, bagar hiu remains an unforgettable part of Bengkulu Specialties and a cherished aspect of the region’s culinary history.
2. Gulai Kemba’ang: A Perfect Mix of Beef Ribs and Fern Leaves
Gulai kemba’ang offers the perfect combination of tender beef ribs and fresh fern leaves. The thick coconut milk broth, rich in spices, creates a deep and flavorful taste.
This dish is best enjoyed with warm white rice, making it a favorite among lovers of authentic traditional cuisine.
3. Bubur Sekoi: Sweet and Nutritious
Bubur sekoi is a sweet dish made from jewawut seeds, a plant similar to rice that is rich in fiber and nutrients.
Cooked with palm sugar and coconut milk, this porridge offers a perfectly sweet and rich flavor, making it a great snack in the afternoon. Its high nutritional content also makes bubur sekoi a healthy choice for everyone.
4. Lema: Spicy with a Touch of Fermentation
Lema is a unique Bengkulu dish that resembles tempoyak, made from bamboo shoots mixed with tilapia or sepat fish.
The fermentation process gives it a spicy and savory taste, perfect for pairing with warm rice. Lema is a great example of the deliciousness inspired by local ingredients.
5. Mie Terbang: Creative and Filling
Mie terbang is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Served with skewers that make the noodles appear to float above the plate, this dish offers a unique culinary experience.
The savory Bengkulu-style seasoning used in this dish gives it a flavorful taste perfect for lunch or dinner.
6. Pendap: Traditional Deliciousness with Special Spices
Pendap is one of the culinary icons of Bengkulu made from fish seasoned with garlic, galangal, chili, and young grated coconut.
The mixture is then wrapped in taro leaves before being cooked, giving it a strong and unique flavor. Served with rice, pendap offers a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and fresh tastes.
7. Tempoyak: Fermented Durian with Rich Flavors
Tempoyak is a fermented durian dish combined with patin fish and spices. This dish has a unique taste, sweet and sour, with a distinct durian aroma. While it is known in other parts of Sumatra, Bengkulu’s version of tempoyak has a unique and exciting flavor that’s worth trying.
8. Rebung Asam Undak Liling: A Combination of Black Snails and Bamboo Shoots
Rebung asam undak liling is a traditional dish that combines bamboo shoots with black snails (liling).
The bamboo shoots are soaked for several days to develop a sour taste and then cooked with the snails and spices. This dish offers a unique, refreshing, and savory flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.
9. Lemang Tapai: A Traditional Snack with a Sweet Twist
Lemang tapai is a popular traditional snack made from glutinous rice and coconut milk, cooked inside bamboo. Typically, lemang is served with black glutinous rice tapai or durian.
The chewy texture and savory flavor of the lemang blend perfectly with the sweetness of tapai, making it a favorite snack, especially during special celebrations.
10. Gulai Pisang: A Sweet and Savory Culinary Exploration
Different from the usual gulai dishes made with meat, gulai pisang is a culinary innovation from Bengkulu that uses bananas as the main ingredient.
The bananas are cooked in a spiced coconut milk broth, resulting in a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish showcases the creativity of Bengkulu’s people in utilizing local ingredients with a unique twist.
The culinary delights of Bengkulu combine traditional flavors with the creativity of local ingredients. From strong-flavored dishes like pendap to sweet snacks like lemang tapai, each dish offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.
If you have the chance to visit Bengkulu, don’t miss the opportunity to try these traditional Bengkulu Specialties and experience the rich culture reflected in every bite.
