Explore a variety of South Kalimantan specialties with authentic flavors, from ketupat kandangan to laksa, which are mouth-watering and rich in local culinary traditions.
South Kalimantan is known not only for its natural wealth, but also for its diverse culinary heritage. The typical food from this region is a perfect blend of culinary traditions from the Dayak, Kutai, Bugis and Javanese tribes, plus local touches that create a unique taste.
From main dishes to traditional snacks, South Kalimantan’s culinary specialties are always able to pamper the tongue of anyone who tries them.
Here are 10 Typical South Kalimantan Foods that you should not miss when visiting this area:
1. Ketupat Kandangan
One of the most famous dishes from South Kalimantan is Ketupat Kandangan. This dish originates from Kandangan, and its uniqueness lies in the use of snakehead fish as the main side dish.
The snakehead fish is grilled until cooked and then served with a savory coconut milk sauce, poured over ketupat.
The combination of tender fish and coconut milk sauce creates a delicious taste and is rich in spices. Ketupat Kandangan is often served during big celebrations, such as Lebaran or family events.
2. Manday
Manday, or often also called mandai basanga, is a unique food made from cempedak fruit skin. The cempedak skin is preserved first, then fried or sauteed to produce a crispy texture and savory taste.
Manday is usually served as a side dish in various dishes, adding a delicious crunchy sensation. This food is a favorite among local people because of its simplicity and distinctive taste.
3. Humbut Alley
Gangan Humbut is a typical South Kalimantan dish that serves beef ribs cooked with bamboo shoots. Gangan Humbut has a savory coconut milk sauce with strong spices, creating a delicious and rich dish.
This dish is usually served with lontong or ketupat, and often appears at big events such as weddings and the month of Ramadan.
4. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is a legendary dish from South Kalimantan known for its distinctive spice flavors, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
This soto is usually served with shredded chicken, potato croquettes, boiled eggs, and ketupat pieces. The light but spice-rich broth makes Soto Banjar a favorite for tourists who want to taste traditional Banjarmasin food.
5. Tatak Wall
As one of the traditional cakes typical of Banjar, Amparan Tatak is often a favorite dessert. Made from rice flour, coconut milk, and banana, this cake has a soft texture and a distinctive sweet taste.
Unlike nagasari cake which is wrapped in banana leaves, amparan tatak is served in a pan and cut into triangles or squares. This cake is often served at family events or traditional celebrations.
6. Banjar Sour Soup
Banjarese Sour Gangan is a variation of a unique sour vegetable dish typical of South Kalimantan. Unlike most sour vegetables, this sour gangan is bright yellow due to the use of turmeric.
The sour and savory sauce is often combined with haruan fish or patin fish, making it a refreshing dish when served with warm rice. This food is widely loved as a home-cooked dish and is now increasingly popular in various local restaurants.
7. Lontong Orari
Lontong Orari is a must-try dish when visiting South Kalimantan, especially in Banjarmasin City. Uniquely, this lontong is triangular in shape, different from lontong in general which is cylindrical in shape.
Lontong Orari is usually served with thick coconut milk sauce and various side dishes such as snakehead fish, boiled eggs, and vegetables. This dish can be enjoyed at any time, whether as breakfast, lunch or dinner.
8. Time to time
Kalangkala is a traditional food made from the kalangkala fruit, a unique fruit that is only found in the interior forests of Kalimantan.
This fruit has a soft texture similar to avocado and is processed into vegetables with clear broth that is given a little salt and chili to taste. Kalangkala is often served as a side vegetable with rice, chili sauce, and fried fish, providing a fresh and natural taste.
9. Tatak Bridge
Although it has been mentioned before, Amparan Tatak cake is worth mentioning twice because of its diverse variants.
In addition to bananas, this cake can also use jackfruit as a filling. This cake is often served in traditional events and is a favorite choice among local people because of its sweet and legit taste.
10. Banjar Laksa
Laksa Banjar is a typical Banjarmasin dish made from ketupat kandangan combined with thick coconut milk sauce. This dish is topped with toppings such as shrimp, boiled meat, and eggs, which makes it even more delicious.
Banjar Laksa is prepared using a traditional recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation and is widely sold in local food outlets, making it easy for tourists to find and taste.
These are ten typical South Kalimantan foods that you must try when you visit this area. Each dish reflects the richness of local culture and traditions that have existed for a long time.
From heavy meals like Ketupat Kandangan to sweet cakes like Amparan Tatak, South Kalimantan offers a variety of culinary choices ready to pamper your tongue. Don’t miss the chance to taste the deliciousness of Typical Banjarmasin Food when you are in this city.
