The traditional dishes of Ambon offer delightful surprises with their irresistible flavors, offering a captivating culinary experience.
Ambon’s traditional food always has its own unique appeal with authentic flavors that excite the taste buds.
Not only does Ambon, the capital of Maluku Province, offer breathtaking natural beauty, but it is also rich in culinary delights that can captivate anyone.
Each of its dishes presents the richness of local spices passed down through generations, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience for tourists.
For food lovers, here is a list of 8 must-try Ambon Specialties when you visit the city:
1. Ikan Kuah Pala Banda
Ikan Kuah Pala Banda is one of the iconic dishes of Ambon. This dish is made from fresh fish, such as snapper or grouper, cooked in a rich, flavorful spice broth.
Spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon add a distinctive and intense aroma, while coconut milk and lime juice give it a savory and refreshing touch.
Served with warm white rice, Ikan Kuah Pala Banda offers a diverse flavor experience—savory, spicy, and tangy. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy due to its rich, beneficial spices.
2. Sagu Serut
Sagu Serut is a traditional Ambon snack commonly found in traditional markets. Made from grated sago mixed with brown sugar and grated coconut, this sago mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. Its chewy texture and sweet taste make it perfect for a tea or coffee break in the afternoon.
Sagu Serut is also a popular souvenir because it’s long-lasting and easy to carry, making it an ideal item to bring back as a memento from Maluku.
3. Bubur Sagu Ubi
Bubur Sagu Ubi is a perfect choice for breakfast or dessert. This porridge combines sago and sweet potato, cooked with coconut milk, brown sugar, and pandan leaves. The soft texture and natural sweetness of the sweet potato make this dish very popular.
In addition to its delicious taste, this porridge has a fragrant aroma that tantalizes the taste buds, providing a comforting and satisfying meal. Bubur Sagu Ubi is an ideal breakfast to start your day with positive energy.
4. Talam Sagu Bakar
Talam Sagu Bakar is a snack made from sago that is baked to create a sweet and savory flavor. It is often mixed with candlenuts and brenebon beans, giving it a rich flavor and a crispy texture. Its sweet and savory taste makes it a perfect companion for tea or coffee.
This cake is also a popular souvenir due to its unique and delicious flavor, which is not easily found elsewhere. Talam Sagu Bakar presents a distinct Maluku taste that makes anyone who tries it feel connected to the local culture.
5. Papeda
Papeda is a staple food of the Maluku people made from sago, cooked into a thick, sticky porridge.
Papeda is typically served with a savory and spicy fish broth, usually made from tuna or red snapper. The eating method is unique, using a special tool called “gata-gata” or bamboo chopsticks to scoop the papeda.
Papeda has a bland taste, but when paired with the savory and spiced fish broth, it creates an extraordinary sensation.
This dish is also similar to papeda from Papua, which is served with yellow fish broth. Papeda is a strong representation of the culture and authentic culinary heritage of Maluku.
6. Sambal Colo-colo
Sambal Colo-colo is a popular Ambon sambal made from fresh ingredients such as bird’s eye chili, tomatoes, shallots, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and lime juice. Uniquely, this sambal also uses celery to add flavor, giving it a refreshing and distinct aroma.
Sambal Colo-colo is usually served with grilled fish or other seafood dishes, providing a strong and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory grilled fish. This sambal is an essential element in Ambon’s culinary offerings.
7. Kohu-kohu
Kohu-kohu is a fresh vegetable dish from Ambon similar to urap from Java. This dish consists of long beans, bean sprouts, cucumber, and basil leaves mixed with grated coconut and spices such as shallots, garlic, and lime juice.
The fresh and savory taste of kohu-kohu makes it a great side dish or healthy meal. This dish is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, making it a good choice for those seeking a healthy meal. The combination of fresh vegetables with grated coconut gives it a unique and appetizing flavor.
8. Roti Kering Kenari
Roti Kering Kenari is a popular snack from Ambon. Made with a mixture of candlenuts and caramel, the bread is baked until dry and crispy. The savory flavor of candlenuts blends perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel, creating a distinct and delicious taste.
Roti Kering Kenari is perfect for a morning snack or as a tea-time companion in the afternoon. Since it lasts quite a long time, this bread is often brought home as a souvenir by tourists visiting Ambon.
Ambon is not only known for its stunning natural beauty and mesmerizing beaches but also for its rich culinary heritage filled with distinctive spices and unique flavors.
From main dishes like Ikan Kuah Pala Banda and Papeda, to sweet snacks like Sagu Serut and Roti Kering Kenari, Ambon’s cuisine offers a taste that is hard to find anywhere else.
By tasting Ambon’s traditional dishes, we not only indulge in delicious flavors but also gain an understanding of the culture and traditions of the Maluku people.
For those planning to visit Ambon, don’t miss the opportunity to try its delicious local cuisine, including Ternate Specialties, and bring home some tasty souvenirs that can only be found in the land of Maluku.
Every bite will bring you closer to the rich culture, traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty of Maluku.
