Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Manado, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia

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

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.