Maluku’s traditional food is rich in the flavors of authentic spices and local ingredients, offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
Maluku, an area known as the “Spice Islands,” has a rich and alluring culinary tradition. Each typical Maluku dish not only offers deliciousness, but also carries a story about local culture and heritage.
From sago-based ingredients to fish dishes with spices, Maluku’s traditional food reflects the natural wealth and traditions of this region.
Here are 10 Typical Maluku Foods that you must try to experience the culinary charm of eastern Indonesia.
1. Papeda
Papeda is an iconic food from Maluku and Papua, made from sago processed into porridge with a sticky texture like glue.
Although papeda does not have a strong taste, this food is rich in nutrition and is a good source of fiber.
Papeda is usually served with yellow sauce made from tuna or bubara fish, and turmeric spices that give it a fresh and savory taste. This dish reflects the warmth of Maluku culture that is rooted in local traditions.
2. Banda Fish with Nutmeg Soup
As the largest producer of spices in Indonesia, Maluku uses nutmeg to create delicious dishes, such as Fish Kuah Pala Banda. This dish is made from snapper or salmon cooked in a spicy and sour sauce.
Spices such as nutmeg, ginger and turmeric are the main spices that create a distinctive taste. In the past, this food was only enjoyed by colonial officials, but now everyone can taste it.
Banda nutmeg fish soup is often served with warm rice, grilled fish, and bakasang chili sauce to complete its deliciousness.
3. Hitu Coconut Rice
Hitu Coconut Rice is a typical food from Negeri Hitu in Central Maluku. This dish consists of rice cooked with coconut milk, grated coconut, and a little shrimp paste, creating a tempting savory taste.
Usually, black coconut rice is eaten with grilled fish, colo-colo chili sauce, and urap vegetables. This combination creates an unforgettable harmony of taste.
This food is often missed by Maluku people who migrate because of its simple yet authentic deliciousness.
4. Colo-Colo Chili Sauce
Colo-Colo sambal is a typical Maluku accompaniment that is a must on the dining table. This sambal is made from a mixture of young tomatoes, cayenne pepper, shallots, and lime juice. Sometimes, basil or rarontang leaves are added for a fresh aroma.
This sambal is best served with grilled fish, providing the perfect combination of spicy, sour, and fresh flavors. Sambal Colo-Colo is proof that even simple accompaniments can bring extraordinary flavors.
5. Woku Komo Komo
Woku Komo-Komo is a food made from sago which is soaked and cooked with typical Maluku spices. This dish has a rich and unique taste, especially when fish innards are added which gives it a more complex texture and taste.
Woku Komo-Komo is often served as a staple food to replace rice, reflecting how important sago is in the lives of the Maluku people.
6. Lapola Rice
Nasi Lapola is the staple food of the Maluku people, consisting of rice mixed with tolo beans, grated coconut and spices such as pandan leaves, lemongrass and lime leaves. This dish has a fragrant aroma and an alluring savory taste.
Usually, Nasi Lapola is served with tuna, raw vegetables, or sambal colo-colo. This dish reflects the richness of Maluku’s culinary culture, making maximum use of local ingredients.
7. Mussel Satay
Sate Remis is a typical Maluku dish made from mussels (clams) skewered and grilled with special spices. Its savory taste with the aroma of spices makes this satay a favorite among tourists and locals.
Apart from mussel meat, sometimes other ingredients are used such as beef or goat which are seasoned with a typical Maluku flavor.
8. Grilled Fish
Grilled Fish is a must-try dish if you visit Maluku. Fresh fish such as baronang fish or snapper are grilled with a special spice mix consisting of turmeric, ginger, and bay leaves. This simple cooking process actually enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
Grilled fish typical of Maluku is often served with rice, sambal colo-colo, and urap vegetables, creating a mouth-watering combination of flavors.
9. Kasuami
Kasuami is a food made from cassava which is grated, dried, and shaped into a cone before being steamed. This dish is usually used as a substitute for rice by the people of Maluku.
Kasuami has a neutral taste that goes well with main dishes such as grilled fish, yellow fish soup, or sambal colo-colo. Its slightly rough texture but soft inside makes it an interesting choice to try.
10. Acid
As a dessert, Asida is a typical Maluku dish made from wheat flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This dish has a soft texture and just the right amount of sweetness, often served as a snack or on special occasions.
Asida shows the influence of Arab culture in Maluku’s culinary traditions, making it a symbol of a beautiful blend of cultures.
Maluku’s culinary specialties offer an experience that not only pampers the tongue, but also introduces the richness of local culture and traditions.
From staple foods like Papeda and Nasi Lapola to spice-based dishes like Ikan Kuah Pala Banda, each dish has a unique story and flavor that reflects the beauty of Maluku.
If you are looking for a different culinary experience, try this Maluku specialty to experience the warmth and richness of flavors from Indonesia’s “Spice Islands.” For those interested in Typical Papua Food, exploring the diverse flavors of Eastern Indonesia will provide a unique and memorable culinary journey.
