Traditional dishes from Riau tantalize the taste buds with their extraordinary flavors, offering authentic delicacies that you must experience.

Riau, with its captivating natural beauty, is also renowned for its rich traditional cuisine filled with spices and authentic flavors.

The Malay cuisine of Riau not only satisfies your taste but also carries a long history passed down through generations.

Here are 10 traditional dishes from Riau that you must try to experience the deliciousness and uniqueness of the region’s culinary offerings. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey of flavors!

1. Asam Pedas Ikan Baung

Asam pedas ikan baung is a must-try Riau dish. This fish, which resembles catfish, has thick, soft, and boneless meat. It’s cooked with a blend of spices such as galangal, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots, and turmeric.

The sharp sour-spicy taste and the tempting aroma of the spices make this fish a standout among Riau Specialties and a favorite choice for seafood lovers.

2. Gulai Belacan

Gulai belacan is a savory and flavorful Malay dish made with fresh shrimp, cooked in thick coconut milk with distinctive spices like candlenut, pepper, and tamarind.

This curry offers an unmatched richness. You can choose either freshwater or saltwater shrimp to enhance the taste.

3. Roti Canai

Roti canai is a versatile snack that is incredibly popular in Riau. The roti is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the perfect companion to curry or delicious when eaten on its own. With its savory flavor, it’s a snack that can be enjoyed at any time by people of all ages.

4. Miso

Miso is a noodle dish that is typical of Riau, made from a mix of yellow and white noodles served in a savory broth.

This dish is topped with shredded chicken, dried tofu, chicken skin crackers, and boiled mustard greens. The fresh broth and its accompanying ingredients create a refreshing taste experience.

5. Sop and Sate Rusa

Trying sop and sate rusa (deer meat) in Riau offers a different culinary sensation. The deer meat is known for being tender and having a naturally sweet flavor.

The sate (grilled meat skewers) is served with a savory spice mix, while the sop (soup) is served in a warm clear broth. Both dishes are perfect when paired with steamed rice, especially during cool weather.

6. Mie Sagu

Mie sagu is an example of how the people of Riau use local ingredients in their cooking. This noodle has a chewy texture and transparent color. It’s cooked with simple spices and topped with fried anchovies. Mie sagu offers a unique and delicious flavor.

7. Mie Lendir

Mie lendir gets its name from the thick peanut-based sauce it’s served in. Its savory taste, along with the aroma of Indonesian spices, makes it a popular dish among the locals.

Mie lendir is served with boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and chopped chili peppers, making every bite even more enjoyable.

8. Lakse Kuah

Lakse kuah offers a distinct flavor experience. The thick coconut milk broth, mixed with spices such as coriander and fennel, provides a special savory taste. Toppings like fish such as skipjack tuna or anchovies add even more flavor to this dish, making it more delicious and appetizing.

9. Mie Tarempa

Mie tarempa is a Riau specialty fried noodle dish made with abundant spices. It’s cooked with shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and soy sauce, offering a sweet and spicy flavor.

A soup version of mie tarempa is also available, providing an alternative for culinary enthusiasts who want a different experience.

10. Gulai Ikan Patin

Gulai ikan patin is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Riau. The soft and tender patin fish is cooked in a thick curry sauce rich in spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, and coconut milk.

Long beans are often added to complete the dish. Serve gulai ikan patin with warm rice to savor its rich and authentic flavor.

Each of these traditional dishes from Riau not only offers a delightful taste but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.

With traditional cooking techniques and the use of local ingredients, each dish tells a story about the history and uniqueness of the Malay people of Riau.

For those who get the opportunity to taste this unique cuisine, be sure to enjoy these dishes in places that provide special paper wrappers to maintain cleanliness and comfort.

Make sure to visit various eateries and culinary vendors in Riau and experience the deliciousness and aroma of spices that will leave you craving for more.

While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try some Aceh Specialties to further enrich your culinary journey. Enjoy the traditional Malay cuisine of Riau!