Banjar cuisine offers traditional dishes with unique and authentic flavors, making them a must-try for any culinary enthusiast.
Banjarmasin, known as the “City of a Thousand Rivers,” is renowned for its undeniable charm, including its culinary delights. The traditional dishes of Banjar not only reflect the culture and traditions of its people but also deliver rich, spice-filled flavors.
If you’re planning a trip to Banjarmasin, don’t miss these 10 iconic Banjar dishes that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
1. Soto Banjar: A Culinary Icon Full of Flavor
Soto Banjar is one of Banjarmasin’s most famous dishes. This chicken soup features a clear, spice-rich broth made with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, producing an enticing aroma.
Served with shredded chicken, boiled eggs, and potato cakes, you can enjoy it with either rice or lontong (rice cakes).
A squeeze of lime and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce add a refreshing twist to the already delicious dish. Perfect for warming up on a cool morning, Soto Banjar is one of the iconic Banjar Specialties and a must-try.
2. Lontong Orari: A Flavorful Breakfast Delight
Lontong Orari is a traditional Banjar rice cake shaped into soft triangles. It is served with a creamy, reddish coconut milk sauce made from habang spices, a hallmark of Banjar cuisine.
Accompanied by chicken, eggs, or gabus fish cooked in rich spices, this dish is a local favorite and a common breakfast option found at food stalls in Banjarmasin.
3. Pundut Nasi: Fragrant Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves
Pundut Nasi is a simple yet delicious traditional breakfast. The rice is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked until fragrant.
It’s served with a generous helping of habang sauce and paired with sides such as fried gabus fish or salted eggs, offering an authentic and savory flavor experience.
4. Cacapan Asam: A Tangy and Spicy Side Dish
Cacapan Asam is a simple yet flavorful sambal (chili paste) that complements Banjar meals. Made with tamarind, shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili, and shrimp paste, it delivers a harmonious blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.
This sambal is perfect as a dipping sauce for fried fish or as a topping for hot white rice.
5. Mie Bancir: Unique Noodles with a Semi-Thick Broth
Noodle enthusiasts should try Mie Bancir, a Banjar specialty featuring noodles in a savory semi-thick broth. Topped with shredded chicken, boiled duck eggs, and melinjo crackers, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
For an added zest, squeeze some lime juice over the dish. Mie Bancir is a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.
6. Sop Mutiara: Creamy Chicken Meatball Soup
Sop Mutiara is a unique soup made with small chicken meatballs. Its creamy broth, made from milk, nutmeg, and onions, sets it apart from traditional soups, delivering a savory and rich taste.
This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with warm white rice and is perfect for a cozy afternoon meal.
7. Nasi Kuning Banjar: A Flavorful Breakfast Favorite
Unlike other versions of yellow rice, Nasi Kuning Banjar is served with signature accompaniments like gabus fish in red sauce and coconut serundeng (shredded coconut).
The rice’s fluffy texture and the distinctive sides make it a staple breakfast option or a dish for special occasions in Banjarmasin.
8. Nasi Itik Gambut: Aromatic and Flavorful Duck Dish
Nasi Itik Gambut combines rice with tender duck meat cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce. Wrapped in banana leaves, the dish gains a unique and enticing aroma.
The juicy duck meat and richly seasoned sauce make this dish a must-try for food lovers visiting Banjarmasin.
9. Ketupat Kandangan: Traditional Rice Cakes with a Twist
Ketupat Kandangan is a classic Banjar dish served with smoked gabus fish. The thick coconut milk sauce, with its savory and slightly spicy flavor, distinguishes it from other rice cake dishes.
Traditionally eaten by hand, without utensils, this dish offers an authentic and immersive dining experience.
10. Ikan Patin Baubar: Grilled Catfish in Banana Leaves
As a river-surrounded city, Banjarmasin is known for its fish dishes, and Ikan Patin Baubar is a standout. This dish features catfish marinated with Banjar spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection.
The result is tender fish with a savory taste and a rich, aromatic blend of spices, making it a must-try dish in Banjarmasin.
Banjar cuisine represents a unique blend of authentic flavors, rich spices, and cultural traditions. From the legendary Soto Banjar to the flavorful Ikan Patin Baubar, each dish offers a distinct and unforgettable culinary experience.
While exploring, be sure to also discover Dayak Specialties, which add another layer of depth to the region’s culinary diversity. When visiting Banjarmasin, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these 10 iconic dishes. Enjoy the rich taste of Banjar’s culinary heritage!
