Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia

1. Ketan Kacang Panjang

Savory cassava and long bean cake, a staple in local markets. Experience the unique texture and flavor of this dish.

Local Ingredients: Made from locally sourced cassava and long beans
Affordable Street Food: An inexpensive, delicious meal for the budget-conscious traveler
Authentic Experience: Taste a traditional dish enjoyed by locals daily

Coconut-infused steamed rice with chicken or fish in rich seasoning. Enjoy this aromatic dish at local warungs (eateries).

Unique Flavor Profile: Infused with the fragrance of pandan leaves and coconut milk
Traditional Cooking Technique: Cooked using a traditional steaming method
Versatile Meal Option: Can be paired with various side dishes, such as fried tempeh or vegetables

Conical-shaped rice stack surrounded by a variety of local dishes. A visually stunning and flavorful dish to savor.

Cultural Significance: Symbolizes prosperity and unity in Dayak culture
Communal Dining Experience: Typically enjoyed with family or a large group, fostering social connections
Exquisite Presentation: Impressive display of local dishes artfully arranged on top of the rice cone

Soft, sticky rice cakes filled with palm sugar or peanuts. Grab a bite from street vendors for a sweet treat.

Delicate layer cake made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. Try this sweet treat at local pastry shops.

Aesthetic Appeal: Layered design creates a visually stunning presentation
Unique Flavor: Infused with the sweet taste of coconut milk and pandan leaves
Cultural Connection: Traditional recipe originating from Kapal Tibu, a Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan

Thin, crepe-like rice cake topped with palm sugar or coconut milk. Found in local markets and street vendors.

Quick Snack Option: Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack
Versatile Toppings: Topped with various ingredients such as peanuts, grated coconut or cheese
Traditional Recipe: Inherited from Malay culture in Indonesia

Chicken noodle soup with a twist – enjoy the spicy broth and soft noodles at local eateries.

Soft tofu cubes served in a soy sauce-based broth with boiled eggs. A simple yet delicious dish.

Refreshing and spicy salad made from green papaya, chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts.

Grilled skewers of marinated meat served with a peanut sauce. A must-try at local warungs (eateries).

Tasty and Filling: Juicy, flavorful, and filling
Versatile Dish: Can be found with various types of meat, such as chicken, beef, or fish
Traditional Street Food: Iconic Indonesian street food enjoyed by locals and tourists

Spicy seafood curry made from various types of fish and prawns in a creamy coconut milk base.

Rich Flavor Profile: Infused with aromatic spices and herbs
Hearty Meal Option: Perfect for a hearty, filling meal
Cultural Significance: Traditional dish prepared using a wooden boat (kapal) as a cooking vessel

Fish cake shaped like a boat and served with spicy sambal. A unique dish to try in Pontianak.

Tender chicken stewed in a rich peanut sauce with bamboo shoots and taucu (fermented soybean paste). A must-try at local eateries.

Layer cake made from tapioca flour and coconut milk. Try this sweet treat at local pastry shops.

Aesthetic Appeal: Layered design creates a visually stunning presentation
Unique Flavor: Infused with the sweet taste of coconut milk and tapioca
Cultural Connection: Traditional recipe originating from Kapal Ubi, a Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan

Grilled skewers of marinated beef served with a peanut sauce. A must-try at local street vendors.

Tasty and Filling: Juicy, flavorful, and filling
Versatile Dish: Can be found with various types of meat, such as beef, chicken, or fish
Traditional Street Food: Iconic Indonesian street food enjoyed by locals and tourists