
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Manado, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia
1. Pizza Manado
A unique twist on pizza, with local seafood toppings like tuna and shrimp. Try it at Warung Pizzaria Manado.
- Seafood Toppings: Features local seafood that cannot be found in regular pizzas.
- Unconventional Ingredients: Offers a fusion of traditional and modern cuisine.
- Popular Choice: One of the most sought-after dishes in Manado's food scene.
2. Tumpeng Manado
A conical stack of yellow rice served with various side dishes like curry and sambal. Savor it at Warung Tumpeng Gobar.
- Unique Shape: The cone-like structure is a traditional symbol of gratitude in Minahasa culture.
- Variety of Side Dishes: Each bite offers a different flavor combination from the side dishes.
- Cultural Significance: A popular dish during celebrations and special occasions in Minahasa culture.
3. Manado Gurame
Freshwater catfish cooked in a unique blend of spices. Experience it at Warung Bombo Tumpa.
- Local Fish Species: Utilizes the locally-caught, freshwater catfish that is not commonly found elsewhere.
- Spice Blend: Features a special blend of local spices that gives it a distinct flavor.
- Cooking Technique: The fish is first cooked in banana leaves, enhancing its taste and aroma.
4. Manadomak Assam Maniso
A traditional Minahasa dish made with young jackfruit in tamarind broth. Enjoy it at Warung Makan Manado.
- Tamarind Broth: The tangy tamarind flavor sets it apart from other dishes.
- Local Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-sourced jackfruit and herbs.
- Cultural Significance: An essential dish in Minahasa culinary traditions.
5. Ambon-Manado Seafood
Fresh seafood platter showcasing the best catches from Ambon and Manado. Visit Pasar Ikan Batu for a taste.
- Fresh Catch: Offers the freshest seafood, directly from the local fisheries.
- Variety of Seafood: Features a wide range of seafood from both Ambon and Manado.
- Local Market Experience: Provides an authentic experience of shopping in a bustling local market.
6. Tumpeng Pecik
A smaller version of Tumpeng Manado, perfect for individual servings. Try it at Warung Tumpeng Pecik.
- Portable Size: Ideal for solo travelers or those looking for a smaller portion.
- Same Unique Shape: Retains the traditional cone shape of Tumpeng Manado.
- Versatile Sides: Can be customized with various side dishes according to preference.
7. Manado-Style Coto Makassar
A beef soup with tripe and coconut milk. Find it at Warung Makan Coto Manado.
- Local Twist: Incorporates local flavors to give a unique take on the popular Makassar dish.
- Hearty Meal: Filling and satisfying, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, tripe, and coconut milk creates a rich, savory flavor.
8. Manado-Style Sate
Grilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut sauce. Try it at Pasar Bajau.
- Local Marinade: Uses a unique blend of local spices for the marinade.
- Peanut Sauce: The creamy, flavorful peanut sauce complements the grilled meat perfectly.
- Local Market Experience: Enjoy the dish in a bustling local market for an authentic experience.
9. Es Pisang Ijo
Green banana ice cream served with red beans and coconut milk. Enjoy it at Es Campur Kwala.
- Unique Color Combo: The contrasting green (banana) and red (beans) colors make it visually appealing.
- Refreshing Treat: A perfect cooling dessert in the tropical Manado weather.
- Local Twist: The use of green banana and red beans adds a unique twist to traditional shaved ice desserts.
10. Mie Manado
Spicy noodles with seafood or chicken. Savor it at Warung Makan Mie Manado.
- Spice Level: Can be adjusted to suit various spice tolerances.
- Seafood or Chicken Option: Offers both seafood and chicken versions, catering to different dietary preferences.
- Hearty Meal: A filling meal that is perfect for any time of the day.
11. Warung Blimbing Manado
A popular restaurant known for its extensive menu offering a variety of local dishes. Visit for an authentic culinary experience.
- Wide Selection: Offers an impressive range of traditional Minahasa dishes.
- Culinary Hub: A one-stop destination for trying multiple local dishes in a single sitting.
- Consistent Quality: Known for maintaining high standards of quality and taste.
12. Mie Tek-Tek
Spicy noodles with a unique chewy texture made by pulling the noodles. Try it at Warung Mie Tek-Tek.
- Chewy Texture: The chewy, stretched noodles are a unique characteristic of this dish.
- Spice Level: Can be customized to suit various spice tolerances.
- Tasty and Filling: The flavorful noodles make for a tasty and filling meal.
13. Es Kacang Merah
Red bean ice cream served with cubes of avocado. Enjoy it at Es Campur Gobar.
- Unique Color Combo: The contrasting red (beans) and green (avocado) colors make it visually appealing.
- Refreshing Treat: A perfect cooling dessert in the tropical Manado weather.
- Local Twist: The addition of avocado adds a unique twist to traditional shaved ice desserts.
14. Warung Noodle House Manado
Another popular restaurant known for its exceptional noodles. Visit for a taste of Manado's famous noodle dishes.
- Noodle Specialist: Specializes in various types of noodle dishes.
- Culinary Hub: A one-stop destination for trying multiple noodle dishes in a single sitting.
- Consistent Quality: Known for maintaining high standards of quality and taste.
15. Manado-Style Laksa
Spicy noodle soup with seafood or chicken. Find it at Warung Makan Laksa Manado.
- Spice Level: Can be adjusted to suit various spice tolerances.
- Seafood or Chicken Option: Offers both seafood and chicken versions, catering to different dietary preferences.
- Hearty Meal: A filling meal that is perfect for any time of the day.