Traditional foods of Ternate offer a unique taste that excites the palate and reflect the richness of authentic local culture.
Ternate, a small city known as a gem in eastern Indonesia, not only captivates with its exotic natural beauty but also boasts a rich and unique traditional culinary heritage.
The traditional dishes of Ternate not only embody local flavors but also hold strong cultural significance. Here are some must-try culinary delights from Ternate when visiting the city.
1. Gohu Ikan: Ternate’s Version of Sashimi
Gohu ikan, often called the Ternate version of sashimi, is a signature dish that is commonly served at important events such as weddings, social gatherings, or celebrations.
This dish is made from fresh tuna pieces that are cleaned and sometimes soaked in hot water to achieve a semi-cooked texture. The fish is then seasoned with salt and lemon cui juice for a refreshing taste.
The mixture is complemented by slices of shallots, basil leaves, and bird’s eye chilies for a spicy touch. Hot coconut oil is poured over the fish to give it a distinctive aroma and flavor, topped with fried shallots and kenari nuts.
As one of the Ternate Specialties, gohu ikan is typically enjoyed with boiled cassava, bananas, or sago lempeng for a more authentic taste.
2. Popeda: A Nutrient-Rich Traditional Dish
Popeda, which may appear unique with its glue-like chewy texture, is a staple food made from sago or cassava cooked in boiling water until thickened. It is often served with rich yellow spiced broth or aromatic soru broth.
This dish becomes even more delicious with the addition of fish and vegetables such as water spinach, stir-fried papaya flowers, or raw vegetables like long beans and cabbage.
Special sambals such as dabu-dabu kacang, dabu-dabu kelapa, or dabu-dabu kenari add a burst of flavor to this meal.
3. Ikan Fufu: Smoky Fish to Tempt Your Palate
Ikan fufu is an iconic dish from Ternate made from tuna or skipjack that is smoked until it takes on a golden-brown color.
The smoking process gives it a unique taste and an enticing aroma. Ikan fufu is typically served with Ternate’s special sambal, dabu-dabu manta, made from slices of shallots, tomatoes, and bird’s eye chilies with lemon cui juice and coconut oil.
To enhance the experience, ikan fufu is often paired with sago lempeng and a warm cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon for an unmatched culinary delight.
4. Dabu-dabu Roa: Sambal with a Touch of Smoked Fish
Dabu-dabu roa is a traditional sambal from Ternate that uses roa fish as the main ingredient. The fish is dried and coarsely pounded, then mixed with crushed bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic. This combination creates a sambal that is rich in flavor, spicy, and savory.
This sambal is best enjoyed with fried bananas or anchovies, accompanied by a young coconut drink to cool down after the spicy kick.
5. Air Guraka: A Warming and Refreshing Drink
Air guraka is a traditional drink from Ternate that is perfect for enjoying in cooler weather. This drink is made from water mixed with coarsely pounded ginger (known as guraka in the local language), palm sugar, and white sugar.
The aroma of lemongrass adds freshness to the drink. Small pieces of kenari nuts are often added as a topping for texture.
Air guraka offers a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. Those with stomach sensitivities are advised to drink it in moderation to avoid discomfort.
6. Nasi Jaha: Fragrant Bamboo Rice Dish
Nasi jaha is a traditional Ternate dish made from glutinous rice and coconut milk, placed inside bamboo lined with banana leaves, and then cooked over a fire until done.
This cooking method imparts a distinct bamboo and banana leaf aroma that infuses with the rice, creating a unique flavor and soft texture. Nasi jaha is often served at traditional ceremonies or special celebrations, adding a sense of warmth and togetherness.
7. Nasi Lapola: A Savory and Sweet Delight
Nasi lapola is a popular dish among the people of Ternate. Unlike regular rice, nasi lapola is made by mixing rice with tolo beans and grated coconut.
When cooked, these ingredients create a balanced savory and sweet flavor in every bite. Its texture resembles lontong, but with the added touch of beans and coconut that enriches the taste.
8. Pisang Mulu Bebek: Local Bananas with Natural Sweetness
Pisang mulu bebek is a variety of banana unique to Ternate, known for its sweet flavor and soft texture. These bananas are often used in various dishes such as kolak (banana and coconut milk dessert), fried bananas, or mixed in es campur (iced fruit dessert).
Its naturally sweet taste makes it a favorite among the people of Ternate, whether as a light snack or an ingredient for other dishes.
Visiting Ternate is not just about enjoying its natural beauty but also exploring its authentic culinary richness. Each traditional dish reflects the cultural heritage and culinary skills passed down through generations.
With its distinctive flavors, a culinary journey in Ternate will offer an unforgettable and delightful experience.
Ternate, with its unique cuisine, invites you to experience a different sensation from the usual Indonesian dishes. Every bite of Ambon Specialties tells a story of tradition, culture, and a taste that leaves an impression.
