Discover the deliciousness of mouth-watering Sundanese cuisine such as Nasi Timbel, Sate Maranggi, Lotek, and Pepes Ikan. Authentic flavors full of spices and fresh vegetables are waiting to be tried!
Indonesia is known for its rich and alluring culinary diversity. One of the areas that offers culinary delights that are no less than other areas is the land of Sunda, which is located in the western part of Java Island.
Sundanese specialties have a distinctive, fresh taste, and are mostly dominated by natural ingredients such as fresh vegetables, spices, and spicy and savory chili sauce.
The deliciousness of Sundanese food comes from the combination of local ingredients with a simple but flavorful cooking method. Here are some delicious Sundanese specialties that are mouth-watering and a must-try.
1. Steamed Rice
One of the most iconic Sundanese Foods is Nasi Timbel. This dish consists of rice wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, giving a distinctive aroma that is fragrant and appetizing.
Nasi timbel is usually served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, salted fish, tofu, tempeh, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and basil leaves.
The savory taste of rice combined with simple side dishes makes Nasi Timbel a very satisfying dish. The combination of spicy chili sauce and fresh vegetables gives a distinctive fresh touch to this dish.
For fans of traditional cuisine, Nasi Timbel is one menu that should not be missed when visiting the land of Sunda.
2. Maranggi Satay
Sate Maranggi is one of the most popular Sundanese foods, especially in the Purwakarta area. Unlike most satays that are served with peanut sauce, Sate Maranggi uses a seasoning consisting of sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, and other spices. This seasoning is perfectly absorbed into the meat, giving it a sweet, savory, and delicious taste.
The meat used for Sate Maranggi is usually beef or goat that is cut into small pieces and skewered on skewers.
This satay is then grilled until cooked and served with rice or lontong as well as pickles and chili sauce. The rich taste and soft texture of the meat make Sate Maranggi a dish that is loved by many people.
3. Lotek
If you are a fan of healthy and fresh food, Lotek is one of the Sundanese specialties that you must try. Lotek is a dish similar to gado-gado, consisting of various boiled vegetables such as long beans, bean sprouts, kale, and cabbage, which are then doused in a rich peanut sauce.
The peanut sauce used for Lotek is made from peanuts, brown sugar, chili, kencur, and tamarind, giving a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Lotek is usually served with lontong or ketupat and is complemented with crackers. The freshness of vegetables combined with delicious peanut sauce makes Lotek a dish that is loved by many people.
4. Karedok
Unlike Lotek which uses boiled vegetables, Karedok is a raw vegetable version of a similar dish. Vegetables used in Karedok include long beans, cabbage, bean sprouts, cucumber, and eggplant, all of which are served raw and drizzled with peanut sauce.
The peanut sauce in Karedok is usually spicier and richer in spices compared to the peanut sauce in Lotek. Ingredients such as galangal, chili, and shrimp paste are important elements in the peanut sauce.
Karedok provides a fresh sensation because the vegetables are still raw, as well as a complex taste from the spicy and savory peanut sauce. This dish is perfect to be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a light main course.
5. Liwet Rice
Nasi Liwet is another popular Sundanese dish, especially in Solo and Bandung. This rice is cooked with coconut milk and spices such as lemongrass, bay leaves, and onions, resulting in a savory and fragrant rice.
Usually, Nasi Liwet is served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, salted fish, tofu, tempeh, and lodeh vegetables or shrimp paste chili sauce.
Nasi Liwet is often served in large portions to be enjoyed together, known as “liwetan.” This dish is not only appetizing, but also a symbol of togetherness in Sundanese society, because the liwetan tradition is usually carried out when gathering with family or friends.
6. Steamed Fish
Pepes Ikan is one of Sundanese specialties that has a rich taste of spices. Pepes is a traditional cooking method where fish (usually carp or tilapia) is seasoned with various spices such as basil leaves, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, and chilies, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled.
The taste of spices that perfectly penetrate the fish meat and the fragrant aroma of banana leaves make Pepes Fish one of the dishes that many people like.
In addition to fish, Pepes can also be made with other ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, or chicken, all with the same delicious taste.
7. Soto Bandung
Soto Bandung is a Sundanese clear soup dish that is different from other soto in Indonesia. This soto uses beef as its main ingredient, which is cooked in a clear broth that is fresh and light.
The spices used in Soto Bandung are quite simple, consisting of garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and other spices.
What makes Soto Bandung unique is the addition of radish which gives a fresh taste, and fried soybeans which add a crunchy texture.
Soto Bandung is served with white rice and is usually complemented with chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice to add flavor. The fresh and savory taste makes Soto Bandung suitable to be enjoyed anytime, especially when the weather is cool.
8. Sumedang Tofu
Sumedang Tofu is a typical Sundanese snack that is very popular and is often made as a souvenir from West Java.
This tofu is characterized by its crispy skin and soft inside. Sumedang tofu is usually enjoyed with cayenne pepper or chili sauce, and is often served as a complement to rice or other dishes.
Although it looks simple, the savory taste and crispy texture of Sumedang Tofu make it a favorite of many people. This tofu is perfect to enjoy as a light snack while relaxing or as an accompaniment to main meals.
9. Spicy Beef Stew
Empal Gepuk is a beef dish cooked with sweet and savory spices typical of Sunda. The beef used for empal gepuk is pounded until tender, then cooked with soy sauce, shallots, garlic, and other spices. This cooking process makes the meat very tender and full of flavor.
Empal Gepuk is often served as a side dish with white rice or liwet rice, and is usually accompanied by chili sauce and fresh vegetables. The sweet and savory flavors that permeate the meat make Empal Gepuk a very delicious and satisfying dish.
Conclusion
Sundanese cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors, from fresh soup dishes to delicious vegetable and meat-based dishes. West Javanese Cuisine cuisine has a unique and authentic taste, with the use of spices and fresh ingredients typical of the region.
For those of you who visit West Java or just want to try the rich traditional flavors, these Sundanese dishes are a must-try. Every bite will bring you closer to the rich and diverse culture and traditions of the Sundanese people.
