The traditional foods of Balikpapan offer an exploration of authentic and unique flavors, reflecting the richness of local culinary culture.
Balikpapan, known for its stunning beaches and its role as an industrial city, also has a wealth of culinary delights that are worth exploring.
The variety of dishes from this city combines sweet, savory, and unique flavors that are not easily found elsewhere. From traditional snacks to seafood dishes, here are some must-try specialties from Balikpapan:
1. Roti Mantau: A Delicious Iconic Snack from Balikpapan
Roti Mantau is one of the iconic dishes of Balikpapan. Made from a mixture of wheat flour, sugar, water, milk, and yeast, this bread has a soft inside and a crispy exterior after being fried to a golden color.
Mantau is often served with various toppings like cheese, jam, or palm sugar, making it a perfect sweet snack.
2. Pisang Gapit: A Blend of Banana and Sweet Sauce
Pisang Gapit is a traditional snack from Balikpapan made from kepok bananas that are grilled or fried. The bananas are then drizzled with a sweet sauce made from palm sugar, coconut milk, and fresh jackfruit pieces, creating a fragrant aroma and sweet flavor.
The combination of the soft banana texture and its sweet sauce makes Pisang Gapit, a popular Balikpapan Specialty, a favorite among locals and tourists.
3. Abon Kepiting: A Crispy and Savory Snack
Abon Kepiting is a popular seafood snack in Balikpapan. Made from fresh crab meat that is boiled, shredded, and fried until dry, this snack has a crispy texture and a savory flavor.
Abon Kepiting is often enjoyed as a snack or as an accompaniment to rice, making it a great souvenir from Balikpapan.
4. Bubur Gunting: A Sweet and Warm Dish
Bubur Gunting is a sweet dish from Balikpapan made from glutinous rice flour mixed with pandan leaf water, salt, and lime water.
The dough is then cut into small pieces before being cooked in a sweet coconut milk broth with palm sugar. Its sweet flavor and soft texture make this porridge a delightful treat, especially when served warm in the morning or evening.
5. Kue Bingka Kentang: A Sweet Traditional Snack
Kue Bingka is a traditional snack popular in Kalimantan. In Balikpapan, one of the favorite variations is Bingka Kentang, where potatoes are the main ingredient.
Its soft texture and sweet flavor make this cake a favorite for various events. Bingka Kentang is also available in other flavors such as chocolate, pandan, and cheese, offering more options for culinary enthusiasts.
6. Sate Payau: Unique Flavor of Deer Meat
Sate Payau is a unique dish from Balikpapan that uses deer meat as its main ingredient. The tender meat combined with a rich seasoning creates a savory-sweet taste that is captivating.
The deer meat is sourced from special farms, ensuring that it is safe for consumption. This dish is perfect for those who want to try something different and exotic.
7. Nasi Bakar Seafood: Delicious Rice with a Touch of the Sea
Nasi Bakar Seafood is a dish from Balikpapan that makes use of the city’s rich seafood. The rice is seasoned and filled with shrimp, crab, or fish, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until fragrant.
The savory taste of the rice, combined with fresh seafood, makes this dish a favorite among seafood lovers.
8. Kepiting Soka: Delicious with a Soft Shell
Kepiting Soka is a favorite seafood dish in Balikpapan. What makes this dish special is that the crab has a soft shell that can be eaten whole.
Often served with a tangy-sweet sauce that soaks perfectly into the crab meat, Kepiting Soka offers a tender texture and delicious flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
9. Mie Hijau: Healthy and Tasty Noodles
Mie Hijau, a traditional noodle dish from Balikpapan, offers a different experience for noodle lovers. Made with added vegetables that give the dough a natural green color, this dish is not only healthier but also delicious.
Mie Hijau is typically served with chicken or crab toppings, creating a flavorful harmony that is a must-try when visiting Balikpapan.
Balikpapan offers a wealth of unique and delicious flavors. From sweet dishes like Pisang Gapit and Kue Bingka Kentang to savory options like Sate Payau and Kepiting Soka, each dish reflects the diversity of culture and local flavors.
When you visit Balikpapan, be sure to explore and taste these East Kalimantan Specialties for an unforgettable food adventure.
