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

1. Pecal Gombo

A traditional Manado dish made with cassava leaves and tapioca flour, served with coconut milk. Try it at Warung Sate Pecal Gombo.

Unique Ingredients: Features the locally-sourced cassava leaves and tapioca flour
Traditional Cooking Technique: Uses a traditional Manado cooking method of steaming the dish in banana leaves
Creamy Texture: Enjoy the creamy texture provided by coconut milk

A colorful cone-shaped rice dish served with various side dishes such as chicken curry and fried fish. You can find it at Warung Tumpeng Gajah Mati.

Cultural Significance: Represents prosperity and blessings in Minahasa culture
Colorful Presentation: Features a colorful, cone-shaped design that is visually appealing
Delicious Variety: Offers a delicious combination of flavors with its various side dishes

A popular street food made from meatballs, noodles, and broth. Don't miss it at Pasar Merek Market.

Street Food Experience: Enjoy the authentic Manado street food experience
Delicious Meatballs: Features tasty, tender meatballs made from a secret recipe
Spicy Broth: Experience the zest of Manado's traditional spices in the broth

A local dish made from chicken simmered in coconut milk and spices. Visit Warung Tahur Manuk for an authentic taste.

Rich and Creamy: Enjoy the rich, creamy texture of the dish
Hearty Meal: Perfect for a filling meal due to the use of chicken and coconut milk
Traditional Minahasa Recipe: Prepared using a traditional Minahasa recipe

A traditional dessert made from bananas steamed in coconut milk. You can find it at Pasar Merek Market.

Sweet Treat: A sweet and delicious treat to end your meal
Local Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced bananas and coconut milk
Soft Texture: Enjoy the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the steamed banana

A unique type of satay made from fish or chicken, served with a spicy peanut sauce. Try it at Warung Sate Manado.

A local sea snack made from dried fish. Visit Pasar Kailiano for a variety of choices.

Local Specialty: A popular and unique Manado specialty
Preserved Snack: A preservation method that allows for easy transportation and storage
Salted Taste: Enjoy the salty, tangy flavor of the dried fish

A traditional Manado dish made from cassava leaves and coconut milk. Visit Warung Uli Uli for an authentic taste.

Healthy Option: Made from healthy ingredients like cassava leaves
Traditional Cooking Technique: Prepared using a traditional Manado cooking method of steaming the dish in banana leaves
Creamy Texture: Enjoy the creamy texture provided by coconut milk

A fluffy bread filled with sweet or savory fillings. Grab some at the local bakeries around town.

Fluffy Texture: Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture of the bread
Variety of Fillings: Available in a variety of sweet and savory fillings to suit your taste
Traditional Pastry: A traditional Manado pastry with a long history

A type of satay made from tuna fish. You can find it at Pasar Merek Market.

A traditional Minahasa dessert made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. You can find it at Pasar Merek Market.

Sweet Treat: A sweet and delicious treat to end your meal
Local Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced glutinous rice flour and coconut milk
Soft Texture: Enjoy the soft, melting texture of the dessert

A local seafood dish made with coconut milk and spices. Try it at Warung Papalang.

Hearty Meal: Perfect for a filling meal due to the use of seafood and coconut milk
Rich and Creamy: Enjoy the rich, creamy texture of the dish
Traditional Minahasa Recipe: Prepared using a traditional Minahasa recipe

A noodle dish made with spicy seasonings and various toppings such as shrimp, squid, and chicken. Try it at Warung Mie Manado.

Spicy Flavor: Features the unique, spicy flavor of Manado cuisine
Variety of Toppings: Offers a variety of toppings such as shrimp, squid, and chicken
Noodle Dish: A popular noodle dish in Manado Light

A sweet dessert made from bananas, coconut milk, and palm sugar. You can find it at Pasar Merek Market.

Sweet Treat: A sweet and delicious treat to end your meal
Local Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced bananas, coconut milk, and palm sugar
Soft Texture: Enjoy the soft, melting texture of the dessert

A refreshing dessert made from green bananas and ice. You can find it at street vendors around town.