Experience the deliciousness of various West Sulawesi specialties, from sambusa to golla kambu, with a touch of traditional spices and ingredients that reflect the richness of local culture.
West Sulawesi is known as a province with extraordinary cultural richness, reflected in its unique and diverse traditional culinary delights.
Thanks to the diversity of tribes such as the Mamasa, Pattae, Kalumpang, and Mandar tribes, West Sulawesi has a colorful and distinctive culinary heritage. From snacks to main dishes, here are 10 Typical West Sulawesi Foods that you must try.
1. Sambusa
Sambusa is a popular snack in West Sulawesi which is similar to the Indian samosa, but has its own unique characteristics.
Sambusa is filled with tuna fish seasoned with garlic, shallots, and celery, resulting in a savory and delicious taste. Some variations of sambusa use chicken or beef. This dish is often enjoyed as takjil during the month of Ramadan with iced tea or fruit ice.
2. The smell of Piapi
Bau piapi is a dish of tuna fish with a yellow sauce flavored with rich spices, such as turmeric and chili, giving it a deep and savory taste.
The sauce is thick and oily, making it perfect to eat with warm rice. Bau piapi is often served in Mamuju as a main dish and is a favorite in everyday dishes in West Sulawesi.
3. Paso Cake
Paso cake is a unique cone-shaped cake from West Sulawesi. The word “paso” in Mandar language means nail, in keeping with its conical shape.
This cake is made from a mixture of rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk, and cooked in banana leaves as its container. The texture is soft with a sweet and savory taste, perfect as a companion for drinking tea in the afternoon.
4. Beppa Paranggi
Beppa paranggi is a soft sponge cake from West Sulawesi that has a distinctive aroma of cassava tapai, palm sugar, and rice flour.
Its shape is small and attractive, making it suitable as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Beppa paranggi is usually found in traditional markets or traditional events and is a favorite choice as a sweet and practical snack.
5. Japan
Jepa is a typical flatbread from West Sulawesi made from cassava and grated coconut. This bread is usually eaten with palm sugar, giving a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Jepa is often brought as provisions by fishermen because it lasts a long time. Additionally, this bread can be enjoyed with side dishes such as grilled fish or squid, making it a perfect choice as a substitute for rice.
6. Golla Kambu
Golla kambu is a traditional sweet food from West Sulawesi made from sticky rice, grated coconut, peanuts, and brown sugar.
The combination of brown sugar and sticky rice gives the right sweetness, while the coconut adds a unique savory flavor. Golla kambu is often a special dish during the fasting month or traditional celebrations, and is perfect as a filling snack.
7. Bikang Cake
Bikang cake is a typical snack similar to serabi cake, but larger and has unique pores. Made from rice flour and coconut milk, bikang cake has a soft texture and a sweet taste that melts in the mouth.
This cake is often found in Mamuju, Majene, and Polewali Mandar Regencies, and is a favorite of the local people.
8. Sattai Place
Loka sattai is a dish made from young kepok bananas cooked with coconut milk and a little salt. The name “loka sattai” comes from the word “loka” which means banana and “sattai” which means coconut milk.
Usually served with dried fish toppa and chili paste, creating a savory and slightly sweet taste. This dish is very easy to make and popular among the people of West Sulawesi.
9. Kui-Kui Cake
Kui-kui cake is a traditional cake that resembles pukis but is smaller and longer. Made from rice flour, brown sugar, and grated coconut, kui-kui has a sweet and savory taste with a soft and chewy texture. This cake is commonly found in traditional markets and is a snack that is popular with the people of West Sulawesi, especially during celebrations or traditional ceremonies.
10. Goat
Kambeong is a snack made from sago and brown sugar that is usually brought as provisions on long journeys. It tastes sweet with a touch of savory, making it filling and adding energy.
Kambeong is made from a mixture of sago, brown sugar, grated coconut, and vegetable oil, then steamed until cooked. Due to its high sugar content, this food is not recommended for diabetics.
West Sulawesi’s culinary specialties reflect the rich culture and traditions of the various tribes in this province.
Each dish presents a unique taste, from the savory sambusa to the sweet golla kambu. Not just food, this cuisine also holds historical stories and valuable cultural values for its people.
So, if you visit West Sulawesi, make sure to try this specialty food, including Typical South Sulawesi Food, to enjoy an authentic culinary experience from Tanah Mandar.
