5 Papuan Foods that are Unique and Taste Good, Must Try!

The following article is translated from INDOZONE.ID 

For those of you who are visiting Papua for the first time, one of the agendas that should not be missed, especially if it is not hunting for its special food.

Even though the Papuan people consume sago as a staple food, not all cuisines there are made from sago.

Some of the typical Papuan foods actually come from the sea waters that surround the island of Papua.

There are many Papuan specialties that you can try if you visit the area on the island of Papua.

This typical food from Papua can be found easily there, so you can also use it as souvenirs to take home.

1. Papeda

Papeda Papua (pinterest)

Papeda is a typical food from Papua in the form of sago porridge which has a sticky texture and white color.

In terms of taste, papeda tends to be bland, that's why it's always served with fried fish and yellow gravy.

Generally, papeda is served using gata-gata chopsticks to bind the chewy papeda.

2. Lontar Cake

Lontar Cake Papua (Instagram/@kue.lontar)

Well, if you are looking for a snack in Papua, you must buy a lontar cake which tastes sweet and delicious.

The lontar cake has a shape similar to a milk pie, only the size is larger because it uses a large mold as well.

Historically, this cake was called rontart because it was brought by the Dutch. However, because it is difficult to pronounce, the Papuan people call it lontar cake.

3. Sago caterpillar

Satay Sago Caterpillar West Papua (Instagram/@belanga.id)

So far, we know that sago is a staple food commonly eaten by the Papuan people.

However, it turns out that there is another Papuan food taken from the sago tree, the name is sago caterpillar.

Maybe for those who are not used to it, it will be amused to see sago caterpillars, but for the people of Papua, this food is legit and tasty.

Moreover, sago caterpillars contain protein, amino acids, and omega-3 which are good for body health.

To enjoy it, sago caterpillars can be processed by frying, roasting, making soup, or making satay.

4. Fish Wrap

Papuan food, fish wrap (Instagram/@rujakbumega)

Other typical Papuan foods that must be tried, especially if it's not wrapped fish which at first glance resembles Pepes.

The difference is, wrapped fish uses taro leaves as a wrapper, while Pepes uses banana leaves.

To remove the sap on taro leaves, sea fish is seasoned with salt and spices to add flavor.

Once wrapped, the fish can be directly grilled over low heat until the meat is cooked.

5. Cheating Shrimp

Cheating Shrimp Papuan food (Instagram/@dolanjajanofficial)

This typical Papuan food is called cheating shrimp because it has a body like a shrimp in general, but has large claws like a crab.

So, you could say cheating shrimp is the result of an affair between a shrimp and a crab.

The good news is that cheating shrimp has a softer and sweeter taste, so there is no need to add a lot of seasoning.

Cheating prawns are usually processed by burning and served with warm rice, papaya flower vegetables, and colo-colo chili sauce.

To be able to taste this culinary, you can get it at Goa Togece Kampung Parema, Wesaput District, Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency.

Similar article, please read: Papuan Traditional Foods You Should Know

Those are the recommendations for typical Papuan foods that are famous for being delicious and must be tried for tourists. Which one do you like the most?