Ternate’s traditional foods are culinary delights that pamper the palate with unique flavors and leave anyone wanting more.
Ternate, a city at the eastern edge of Indonesia often dubbed the jewel of the Maluku Islands, is not only famous for its beautiful scenery and rich history but also for its delicious and tempting traditional cuisine.
The unique flavors of Ternate combine local delicacies with deep cultural heritage. Here are some must-try traditional foods when exploring this city.
1. Gohu Ikan: Ternate’s Signature Sashimi Dish
Gohu ikan is a traditional dish not to be missed. Often referred to as Ternate-style sashimi, gohu ikan is typically served at important events such as weddings or family gatherings.
This dish consists of pieces of fresh tuna that are cleaned, sometimes with hot water to create a semi-cooked texture. The fish pieces are then seasoned with salt and fresh lemon cui juice.
The seasoning is enhanced with slices of shallots, basil leaves, and bird’s eye chilies for a fresh, spicy flavor. Hot coconut oil is poured over the fish to boost the aroma and flavor.
Ternate Specialties like fried shallots and kenari nuts add a rich taste to the dish. Gohu ikan is usually enjoyed with boiled cassava, bananas, or sago lempeng for an even more authentic experience.
2. Popeda: A Unique-Textured Traditional Dish
Popeda is a staple food known for its chewy and slightly sticky texture. Made from sago or cassava cooked in boiling water until thickened, popeda is often served with spiced yellow broth or aromatic soru broth.
This dish is perfect with additional side dishes like fish and vegetables such as water spinach or papaya flowers. For a richer taste, popeda is eaten with traditional sambals like dabu-dabu kacang or dabu-dabu kelapa, offering a savory and spicy flavor.
3. Ikan Fufu: The Tempting Smoked Fish
Ikan fufu is a dish made from tuna or skipjack that is smoked until it turns golden. The smoking process imparts a distinctive flavor and an inviting aroma.
It is usually served with dabu-dabu manta, a special sambal made from shallots, tomatoes, and bird’s eye chilies, drizzled with lemon cui juice and coconut oil.
Ikan fufu, paired with sago lempeng and a cup of warm tea or coffee, is perfect for an afternoon snack, creating a delightful culinary experience.
4. Dabu-dabu Roa: Spicy Sambal with a Touch of Smoked Fish
Dabu-dabu roa is a sambal made from a blend of bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic mixed with coarsely ground dried roa fish. This combination produces a sambal with a unique spicy and savory taste.
Dabu-dabu roa is often served with fried bananas or anchovies and is even more enjoyable with a glass of fresh young coconut water. Its spicy and savory taste will surely whet your appetite.
5. Air Guraka: A Warming Drink
Air guraka is a traditional drink that’s perfect for cold weather. Made from water, coarsely pounded ginger, palm sugar, and white sugar, this drink has a sweet taste with a warm ginger aroma. A touch of lemongrass adds a fresh fragrance, and pieces of kenari nuts enrich the texture.
Air guraka is known for its ability to warm the body and soothe. However, those with stomach issues are advised to consume it in moderation.
6. Nasi Jaha: Aromatic Bamboo Rice
Nasi jaha is a traditional dish from Ternate made from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, placed inside bamboo lined with banana leaves, and then roasted until cooked.
This process gives the rice a soft texture and a distinctive aroma from the bamboo and banana leaves that blend into the flavor.
Nasi jaha often appears at traditional ceremonies or special celebrations, symbolizing family warmth and togetherness.
7. Nasi Lapola: Savory and Sweet Sticky Rice
Nasi lapola is a popular rice dish in Ternate made from a mixture of rice, tolo beans, and grated coconut. The cooking process gives the rice a balanced savory and sweet taste.
Its shape resembles lontong, but with the addition of coconut and beans, it has a unique texture and flavor.
8. Pisang Mulu Bebek: Naturally Sweet Local Bananas
Pisang mulu bebek is a variety of local Ternate bananas known for their natural sweetness and soft texture.
These bananas are often used in dishes such as kolak (banana and coconut milk dessert), fried bananas, or mixed in es campur (an Indonesian iced dessert). The natural sweetness of pisang mulu bebek makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Exploring Ternate is incomplete without tasting its rich and varied traditional cuisine. Each dish carries stories and traditions passed down through generations, creating a culinary experience that not only satisfies your appetite but also enriches your understanding of local culture. Ternate invites you to experience the unique flavor of Ambon Specialties, which stands apart from typical Indonesian dishes. Every bite tells a story of warmth, heritage, and the love infused in its cooking.
