Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Pekanbaru, Indonesia, Pekanbaru, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pekanbaru, Indonesia

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1. Nasi Uduk Siak

A traditional Riau dish made with coconut milk-infused rice and served with various sides such as fried chicken and pickled vegetables. Try it at Warung Nasi Uduk Siak.
  • Authentic: Prepared by locals, using traditional recipes.
  • Unique Taste: Incorporates a unique blend of spices and aromatic ingredients.
  • Variety of Sides: Enjoy an assortment of accompaniments with your rice dish.

2. Rempah Tumpang

A local delicacy where rice is layered inside a hollowed-out banana trunk and cooked over charcoal. Find it at Jalan Imam Bonjol.
  • Cooking Method: Prepared in a unique, eco-friendly way using a banana trunk.
  • Taste Profile: Offers a smoky flavor due to the cooking method.
  • Sharing Experience: Ideal for groups, as each tumpang is large enough for multiple people.

3. Kue Lapis Legit

Layered cake made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. Experience it at Pasar Lama Pekanbaru.
  • Traditional Ingredients: Made using traditional ingredients like glutinous rice flour.
  • Texture and Flavor: Features a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich coconut flavor.
  • Atmospheric Market: Enjoy the local market atmosphere while purchasing your kue lapis.

4. Ayam Penyet Riau

Deep-fried chicken served with sambal and steamed rice. Try it at Ayam Penyet Ikan Bakar Sagor.
  • Spicy Sauce: Served with a spicy, flavorful sambal.
  • Crispy Texture: The chicken's crispy exterior contrasts with the tender interior.
  • Traditional Recipe: Following a recipe unique to the Riau region.

5. Satay Riau

Riau-style satay, known for their rich, peanut sauce. Try them at Satay Khas Riau.
  • Peanut Sauce: Distinctive, thick, and flavorful peanut sauce.
  • Variety of Meats: Available in beef, chicken, or mutton options.
  • Street Food Vibes: Enjoy these skewered delights in a lively street food setting.

6. Ayam Taliwang

Spicy grilled chicken from Lombok served with rice and vegetables. Experience it at Ayam Taliwang Pekanbaru.
  • Hot and Spicy: Known for its intense, flavorful spiciness.
  • Grilled to Perfection: The chicken is grilled over charcoal until tender and juicy.
  • Unique Culinary Influence: A taste of Lombok's famous cuisine in Pekanbaru.

7. Pempek Cap Tikus

Fish cake made from batter-fried fish paste and served with spicy sauce. Try it at Pasar Benteng.
  • Unique Texture: The chewy, stretchy texture is a unique characteristic.
  • Spicy Sauce: Served with a flavorful and slightly spicy sauce.
  • Local Market Experience: Purchase your pempek cap tikus from the bustling Pasar Benteng.

8. Nasi Kerabu Siak

Blue-colored rice served with various side dishes like fried chicken and fish. Find it at Warung Nasi Kerabu.
  • Unique Color: The blue color is derived from butterfly pea flowers.
  • Taste Profile: Features a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Variety of Sides: Enjoy an assortment of accompaniments with your rice dish.

9. Ayam Pongteh

Slow-cooked chicken in a thick peanut and taucu (fermented soybean) gravy. Enjoy it at Ayam Pongteh Siti Aisyah.
  • Flavorful Sauce: The thick, rich sauce is a blend of peanuts and fermented soybeans.
  • Slow-cooked: Cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Local Favorite: A beloved dish among locals and visitors alike.

10. Lakssa Riau

Riau-style laksa made with rice noodles, coconut milk, and various spices. Try it at Warung Lakssa.
  • Rich Flavor: The rich, creamy flavor comes from the coconut milk.
  • Spice Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to your preference.
  • Unique Toppings: Features a variety of unique toppings like peanuts, prawns, and lime.

11. Bubur Sumsum

Sweet rice porridge with coconut milk, served with a variety of toppings like peanuts and palm sugar. Try it at Pasar Benteng.
  • Creamy Texture: The creamy texture comes from the coconut milk.
  • Sweet and Savory: Offers a balance between sweet and savory flavors.
  • Local Market Experience: Purchase your bubur sumsum from the bustling Pasar Benteng.

12. Pucuk Udang Goreng

Fried shrimp fritters made from shrimp heads and served with a spicy sauce. Try it at Pasar Benteng.
  • Unique Ingredient: Made using shrimp heads, providing a different flavor profile.
  • Crispy Texture: The fritters have a crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • Spicy Sauce: Served with a flavorful and slightly spicy sauce.

13. Es Pisang Ijo

Green-colored sweet cassava balls served in ice-cold coconut milk. Try it at Pasar Benteng.
  • Unique Color: The green color is derived from pandan leaves.
  • Cold and Refreshing: Ideal for hot, tropical days in Pekanbaru.
  • Local Market Experience: Purchase your es pisang ijo from the bustling Pasar Benteng.

14. Ketan Mancis

Glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of sweet toppings like palm sugar and peanuts. Try it at Pasar Benteng.
  • Unique Texture: The sticky, melt-in-your-mouth texture is a unique characteristic.
  • Sweet and Savory: Offers a balance between sweet and savory flavors.
  • Local Market Experience: Purchase your ketan mancis from the bustling Pasar Benteng.

15. Telur Puyuh Goreng Sambal Matah

Fried quail eggs served with a spicy Balinese-style sambal matah. Try it at Warung Bali.
  • Balinese Influence: A taste of Balinese cuisine in Pekanbaru.
  • Spicy Sambal Matah: Served with a flavorful and spicy sambal matah.
  • Fried Eggs: The crispy, golden fried eggs add texture to the dish.
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