Pontianak is known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse and delectable street food offerings.
Pontianak, a city in West Kalimantan, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, and wide array of unique and delectable culinary offerings. A visit to Pontianak would not be complete without sampling its diverse traditional foods, particularly those with roots in street food traditions.
Let's explore these five unique street food dishes that can only be found in Pontianak!
1. Chai Kwe
Source: Tripadvisor
Chai Kwe is a must-try for lovers of savory culinary delights. This cake is made from rice flour and sago flour and filled with chives, peanuts, and jicama. It has a chewy texture that combines with absorbed spices and is usually served with fragrant and savory onion.
2. Pontianak fried banana
Source: inside Pontianak
The Pontianak fried banana is a special kind from a city in Kalimantan. It is different from regular fried bananas because it is made from local Nipah bananas, which have a dense and authentic texture. These bananas are fried and served with a sweet and creamy Srikaya sauce. Nowadays, these fried bananas come in various flavors, such as durian, chocolate, and cheese.
3. Pengkang
Source: Quora
Pengkang is a traditional cake made from sticky rice and shrimp, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The banana leaves give it a distinctive aroma, while the savory taste of shrimp blends perfectly with the soft texture of sticky rice.
4. Jorong-Jorong
Source: Fimela
Jorong-Jorong is a traditional snack that is commonly enjoyed during the month of Ramadan. It is made from coconut milk and rice flour dough, giving it a soft and chewy texture. The intricate production process requires special skills to achieve the perfect taste.
5. Bakwan Pontianak
Source: IDN Times Kaltim
Bakwan Pontianak is a savory snack made from rice flour, eggs, and vegetables. It is fried until crispy and offers a unique, delicious taste when enjoyed with chili sauce or Pontianak's signature peanut sauce.
Pontianak offers a wide range of culinary specialties brimming with flavor and history. When you visit this city in the heart of West Kalimantan, make sure not to miss out on savoring all these delightful dishes!