Get to know the culinary variety in Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago that is very rich in culinary diversity.
Each island and province in Indonesia has its own traditional culinary characteristics.
If on the island of Java, there are various traditional dishes
Such as soto betawi from Jakarta, Karedok from West Java,
then Gudeg from Central Java, and the famous Rawon from East Java
Outside the island of Java, the West Sumatra region also has a very delicious cuisine.
This typical West Sumatran cuisine is very famous in Indonesia
Indonesian people call it Padang Restaurant
This restaurant, although it originated in West Sumatra, is spreading into all islands in Indonesia, so we can call it the king of culinary in the archipelago.
What is Padang Restaurant?
Padang restaurant is an eatery that serves a variety of Minangkabau cuisine, especially from the West Sumatra region.
The hallmark of a Padang restaurant is its unique presentation of dishes, where various side dishes are arranged on a large table and customers are free to choose what they want to eat.
This restaurant is quite famous in Indonesia and in several neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia
and is favored by various groups from various ethnicities and nations.
This is because of its delicious cuisine and adaptability to adjust to the tongue or taste of the community where this restaurant is located.
Padang restaurants outside West Sumatra serve dishes that are not too spicy, unlike those in their homeland.
This restaurant business comes in various social levels, ranging from Padang street food stalls that are affordable by the lower class,
restaurants that target the middle class, to luxury restaurants that target the upper class with high prices according to the facilities provided.
Rendang – More than Just a Dish
Rendang is not just a food, but also a representation of the culture and traditions of the Minangkabau people.
The long and complicated process of making rendang reflects the patience and thoroughness of the Minang people in preparing food.
In addition, rendang also has symbolic value, often served on important occasions such as holidays or weddings.
The secret to delicious rendang
Meat: The meat used to make rendang is usually the inside of beef or brisket.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk gives rendang its savory taste and distinctive aroma.
Spices
Various spices, such as chili, shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal, give rendang its rich and complex flavor.
Cooking process
Rendang is cooked by repeatedly stir-frying until the coconut milk shrinks and the meat becomes tender and browned.
Besides Rendang, What’s in Padang Restaurants?
Besides rendang, Padang restaurants also serve a wide variety of other delicious dishes, such as:
Rice
Warm white rice is the perfect companion for various side dishes.
Sambal
Various types of sambal, from green sambal, red sambal, to fried sambal, add a spicy flavor to the dish.
Other side dishes
Fried chicken, fried fish, balado eggs, beef jerky, cakes, vegetables, and many more.
Beverages
Teh tarik, kopi tubruk, and iced orange are the most common drinks served in Padang restaurants.
Why are Padang Restaurants So Popular?
Distinctive taste
The rich blend of spices gives Padang cuisine a unique and unforgettable flavor.
Variety of menu
Customers are free to choose a variety of side dishes according to their taste.
Affordable prices
Food in Padang restaurants generally has an affordable price.
Padang Vegetarian restaurant’s
Even though Padang restaurant is well known as a restaurant that serves meat, fish and chicken, there is also Padang Vegetarian Restaurant, but it’s rarely or uncommon
I found it when i stayed in Yogyakarta, i don’t know if there are any Padang vegetarian restaurants in other city,but i heard there are Padang Vegetarian restaurant in every cities in Indonesia
The Conclusion
Padang restaurants with their signature dish, rendang, have managed to captivate the tongues of many people.
The rich flavors, complex preparation process, and diverse menu make Padang restaurants one of the must-try culinary destinations.
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