Taste the deliciousness of West Papuan cuisine, from Papeda to Aunuve Habre, which combines authentic flavors and the richness of Papua’s nature.
West Papua is famous for its stunning natural beauty, but its cuisine is no less interesting.
Each typical dish of this region reflects the strong attachment of the Papuan people to nature, from the basic ingredients to the way it is processed which still maintains traditional methods.
Here are 10 Typical West Papuan Foods that you must try, which are not only delicious but also rich in cultural and nutritional value.
1. Papeda and Yellow Fish Soup
Papeda is a sago porridge with a soft, sticky texture, which is a staple food of the Papuan people. Papeda is usually served with yellow fish soup, such as mubara fish or tuna cooked with turmeric.
The fresh and spice-rich taste of the soup combines with the bland papeda, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste sensation. Papeda itself is rich in fiber and low in cholesterol, making it a healthy food choice.
2. Mashed Taro
Tumbuk Taro is made from taro or taro tubers that are boiled until soft, then finely ground and mixed with grated coconut, a little salt and sugar. This dish is usually served as an accompaniment to main meals or during traditional celebrations.
The soft texture and savory taste are perfect to complement the main dish. With its high carbohydrate content and low glycemic index, mashed taro is a good choice for those on a healthy diet.
3. Smoked Skipjack Tuna
Asar Skipjack Tuna is processed from skipjack tuna smoked using a special technique. The smoking process is done diagonally, which ensures that the smoke is evenly distributed throughout the fish until it is perfectly cooked.
The result is a fish with a soft texture, authentic smoked taste, and an appetizing aroma. This dish can be enjoyed directly or as a side dish with rice.
4. Lontar Cake
Kue Lontar is a typical Papuan sweet snack that resembles a milk pie. This cake has a soft interior and a crispy exterior, providing a rich texture experience in one bite.
The name “lontar” is taken from the Dutch word “londtart”, which means round cake. Lontar Cake is usually a souvenir for tourists visiting West Papua.
5. Sago Martabak
Martabak Sago comes from Fakfak Regency, West Papua. This dish is made from sago that is mashed and mixed with palm sugar, resulting in a sweet and savory taste.
Usually, martabak sago is served when receiving guests or at special events. Its distinctive taste makes this dish a favorite snack in West Papua.
6. Aunuve Habre
Aunuve Habre is a traditional dish made from skipjack tuna wrapped in taro leaves and cooked using a steaming technique.
This fish is cooked with spices that give it a savory and slightly sour taste, creating a very delicious and different dish. This dish is often compared to steak because of its tender texture and distinctive taste.
7. Fish Wrapped in Taro Leaves
Fish Wrapped in Taro Leaves is a popular dish in West Papua. Sea fish, such as mackerel or tuna, are seasoned with turmeric and other spices before being wrapped in taro leaves and steamed.
This method produces a tender and aromatic fish, and brings out the rich, natural flavor of the taro leaves.
8. Stir-fried Papaya Flowers
Stir-fried Papaya Flowers is a typical Papuan food that is often served as a side dish. Papaya flowers are processed with traditional spices to produce a unique taste — a combination of salty, savory, and slightly bitter.
This dish is often eaten with papeda or sea fish to add to the deliciousness of the main dish.
9. Rica-Rica Sea Worms
Rica-Rica Sea Worms may sound unique, but this dish is a popular Papuan culinary specialty. Protein-rich sea worms are believed to have health benefits, especially for increasing stamina.
Sea worms are fried and then cooked with spicy rica-rica seasoning, creating a bold and delicious dish for adventurous foodies.
10. Taro Chips
Taro Chips are snacks made from thinly sliced taro tubers that are then fried until crispy. With a savory taste and crunchy texture, taro chips are a favorite souvenir from West Papua.
In addition, taro is also often processed by boiling and served as a simple side dish. West Papuan cuisine offers a unique and delicious taste experience. From Papeda to Keladi Chips, each dish reflects the unique culture and local wisdom of the Papuan people.
With natural ingredients and traditional processing, West Papuan cuisine is not only filling but also introduces you to the amazing natural wealth of Papua. For culinary lovers, exploring Typical Papua Food is the best way to get to know more about Papuan culture and nature.