Enjoy the delicious traditional snacks of West Sumatra, rich in flavor and full of memories, with authentic tastes that tantalize your palate with every bite.
West Sumatra is not only famous for its delicious cuisine recognized worldwide but also boasts a variety of very distinctive traditional snacks that are rarely found in other regions.
Each bite brings a unique flavor sensation, affordable prices, and unforgettable deliciousness. Here are some traditional West Sumatran snacks that you should try when visiting the area!
1. Kue Pinyaram: A Delicious Symbol of Celebration
Pinyaram is a traditional cake similar to Betawi’s Cucur, but in West Sumatra, this cake becomes special and is known as one of the must-have dishes during holidays or other celebratory events.
Among the Things to do in West Sumatra, exploring its culinary delights is a must. This cake is usually served in large sizes, such as on plates during wedding parties, then cut into pieces to be distributed to guests.
It is also sold in smaller sizes as a distinctive souvenir of the Minangkabau. You can easily find it in areas like Tiakar, Kayu Tanam, Payakumbuh, and around Padang to Bukittinggi.
Made from basic ingredients such as granulated sugar or palm sugar, white or black rice flour, and coconut milk, Pinyaram has a distinctive sweet taste.
This cake has only two main variants, namely white pinyaram and black pinyaram, with added fruit flavors like banana and durian in some variations.
2. Galamai: Sweet and Rich Dodol That Tempts the Taste Buds
Galamai is a traditional Minang dodol made from glutinous rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk. The cooking process takes several hours and often involves communal effort because it requires a lot of energy to stir large quantities of the mixture.
Its sweet and rich taste makes Galamai suitable as a snack, especially during wedding celebrations in West Sumatra. Its chewy and soft texture makes this snack beloved by many, especially children.
3. Sala Lauak: Savory and Crispy, an Addictive Snack
Sala Lauak, or Sala Ikan, is a fried snack typical of Pariaman that is easy to find in traditional markets in Pariaman and Padang.
Shaped round like comro from West Java, but filled with small anchovies or shrimp, making it savory and crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.
Sala Lauak can be enjoyed as a snack or as a complement to other foods like meatballs and satay. For only around Rp5,000, you can enjoy dozens of savory Sala Lauak pieces.
4. Bika Panggang Cake: Captivating Aroma and Flavor
In West Sumatra, there is Bika Panggang cake made from rice flour, coconut, and granulated sugar or palm sugar. This cake is baked, giving it a warm and fragrant taste, perfect to enjoy in cold weather.
It has a sweet and savory flavor, with a crispy coconut texture inside. This cake also has tape (fermented cassava) flavor variants, making its taste even more diverse.
5. Lamang Tapai: A Tempting Blend of Glutinous Rice and Tapai
Lamang Tapai, consisting of lamang and tapai, is a traditional dish served during breaking fast or other major events. Lamang is made from glutinous rice cooked in bamboo or wrapped in leaves, while tapai is fermented glutinous rice served as a sauce.
There are three variants of lamang tapai: original, banana, and baluo (with grated coconut). The combination of savory lamang and sweet tapai makes this dish highly favored.
6. Langkitang and Pensi: Delicious Protein-Rich Snacks
Langkitang and Pensi are protein-rich foods, suitable for those who want to try healthy dishes. Langkitang is freshwater snails, while pensi is freshwater clams, both cooked with coconut milk and spices.
For around Rp5,000, you can enjoy a serving of langkitang or pensi curry, making them an affordable yet nutritious snack option.
7. Ampiang Dadiah: A Combination of Glutinous Rice and Fermented Milk
Ampiang dadiah is a traditional dish consisting of ampiang (glutinous rice) and dadiah (fermented buffalo milk).
Usually served with liquid palm sugar, this snack has a sweet and smooth taste. Ampiang dadiah is also available in various modern variants such as strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.
Its reasonably affordable price, around Rp12,000 per serving, makes it a delicious and unique traditional snack.
8. Es Tebak: Sweet Freshness in Every Spoonful
Es Tebak is a dessert snack consisting of various ingredients such as black tape (fermented glutinous rice), kolang-kaling (sago palm), black grass jelly, and tebak – a dough made from glutinous rice flour shaped like cendol.
Combined with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and red syrup, Es Tebak is a very refreshing dish, perfect to enjoy in hot weather. You can get Es Tebak for only Rp12,000 to Rp15,000, depending on the vendor.
Each of these snacks has unique characteristics and flavors that reflect the rich culture and culinary traditions of West Sumatra. Among the Things to do in South Sumatra, indulging in the region’s culinary delights is a must.
Try these various snacks yourself and experience the delicious authentic tastes that will make you fall even more in love with the Minangkabau culture!