South Kalimantan serves unique and appetizing traditional culinary delights, such as Ketupat Kandangan, Soto Banjar, Manday, and other typical dishes.
South Kalimantan is a region rich in unique and authentic culinary heritage. From rice dishes, various fish dishes, to sweet traditional cakes, each specialty dish shows a blend of flavors and cultural diversity.
South Kalimantan’s specialty foods are influenced by the local culture of the Banjar and Dayak tribes, as well as the culinary influences of the Javanese and Bugis tribes who have long interacted with the local community.
Here are some Typical South Kalimantan Foods that you should try, from main dishes to delicious snacks.
1. Ketupat Kandangan
Ketupat Kandangan is an iconic dish of South Kalimantan, especially from the Kandangan area. Although it looks similar to ordinary ketupat, the uniqueness of Ketupat Kandangan lies in the use of snakehead fish which is processed with thick coconut milk.
The snakehead fish is grilled first to produce a distinctive aroma, then cooked with coconut milk until it is absorbed. This dish is served with ketupat cut into pieces, then doused with a savory fish coconut milk sauce.
The savory and slightly sweet taste of coconut milk sauce combined with the soft texture of ketupat, creates a unique sensation on the tongue. Ketupat Kandangan is usually served during big events or as a special dish in family celebrations.
2. Manday (Mandai Basanga)
Manday is one of the traditional dishes of South Kalimantan which is made from cempedak skin. The processed cempedak skin is sliced, then fried or sauteed until it is brown and has a crispy texture.
The savory manday taste with the distinctive aroma of cempedak is the main characteristic of this dish.
Manday is often served as a side dish, adding flavor to other foods. The presence of manday makes the dish taste more special and often reminds the local community of the original taste of their hometown.
3. Humbut Alley
Gangan Humbut is a soup made from bamboo shoots (young bamboo) and beef ribs, served with special spices that produce a savory and rich broth.
The bamboo shoots used provide a crunchy texture, while the beef ribs are cooked until tender and blend with the broth. Gangan humbut is often served with ketupat or lontong, and is a favorite dish at big events such as weddings or during the month of Ramadan.
The deliciousness of Gangan Humbut lies in the blend of spices that penetrates right down to the ribs, making it a favorite among all groups.
4. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is one of the most well-known dishes from South Kalimantan. Shredded chicken is cooked with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving it a distinctive aroma.
This soto is served with ketupat, potato croquettes, and boiled eggs. Its rich and warm taste makes it popular not only in South Kalimantan but also throughout Indonesia.
soto broth is rich in spices and gives a unique taste that is hard to forget, making Soto Banjar always sought after by culinary lovers.
5. Tatak Wall
Amparan Tatak is a traditional cake of the Banjar tribe which is included in the category of wet cakes. Made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and bananas, this cake has a sweet taste and soft texture.
This cake is similar to nagasari, but different because it is not wrapped in banana leaves and is usually cut into pieces in a baking pan.
Amparan Tatak is a cake that is perfect to enjoy as an afternoon snack or treat, with a distinctive sweet taste that will definitely pamper your tongue.
6. Pakasam Fish
Iwak Pakasam, or fermented fish, is a typical dish made with a preservation technique using salt and glutinous rice. The fish used is usually freshwater fish, such as snakehead fish. After being preserved, this fish produces a distinctive sour taste due to the fermentation process.
Iwak Pakasam is usually fried until crispy before serving, with additional spices that make it even more delicious. The sour and savory taste of this fish provides a unique taste experience for culinary connoisseurs.
7. Banjarese Bingka
Bingka Banjar is a sweet cake that is an icon of Banjarmasin souvenirs. Made from a mixture of wheat flour, steamed potatoes, eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan, this cake has a soft texture and a sweet and legit taste. Its fragrant aroma makes bingka very popular as a dessert or snack.
Bingka comes in various flavors, such as pandan, chocolate and durian. The uniqueness of bingka lies in its soft texture that melts in the mouth, suitable for serving at special events or as a souvenir.
8. The Point
Pundut is a typical South Kalimantan rice wrapped in banana leaves and cooked by steaming. The rice used is mixed with coconut milk to give it a savory taste.
Pundut is served with habang seasoning or a typical Banjar red seasoning made from chilies and spices, creating a combination of savory and spicy flavors.
Pundut is usually enjoyed as breakfast or an everyday dish. The savory taste and aroma of banana leaves on the pundut make it a simple yet flavorful dish.
9. Banjar Sour Soup
Gangan Asam Banjar is a sour soup dish that is similar to sour vegetables. This food uses fish as its main ingredient, such as snakehead fish, patin fish, or other fish. Fresh sour sauce and special spices make this dish perfect to eat with warm rice.
fresh sour taste of Banjar Acid Gangan provides a refreshing dining experience, perfect to enjoy in hot weather or as an appetizer.
10. Lamang
Lamang is a dish made from sticky rice cooked in bamboo, similar to lontong but has a chewier texture. Lamang is served with peanut sauce, salted egg, or nagara peanuts. The unique cooking method gives lamang a distinctive aroma that comes from bamboo.
Lamang is usually served on special occasions or as a dish during Eid. The chewy texture and savory taste are perfect to enjoy with family or friends.
South Kalimantan’s traditional food is a culinary heritage rich in flavor and tradition. Each dish has its own unique characteristics, from the sweet taste of Bingka Banjar to the savory and spicy taste of Ketupat Kandangan.
The cultural influences of the various tribes that have settled in South Kalimantan enrich the culinary richness of this region, making it an attractive culinary destination for lovers of traditional food.
If you visit South Kalimantan, be sure to try these Typical Banjarmasin Food specialties and bring some as souvenirs for family and friends. The deliciousness and uniqueness of South Kalimantan food will be an unforgettable experience.
