Batak Toba Culinary – North Sumatra that holds its own beauty and picturesque views is well-known for its legendary Lake Toba. Planning for a future trip to Lake Toba to witness its own beauty with your eyes? Then you should be planning on a culinary experience as well, t-mates.
As the population of Lake Toba is dominated by the Batak people, it is no secret that Lake Toba is a home to signature delicate dishes that have their own authenticity. The chance of experiencing the captivating view of Lake Toba is even better while tasting mouth-watering signature local dishes.
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The Inviting Batak Toba Signature Dishes
Are you ready for your Batak Toba culinary experience? Hold tight to your seat as we will dive deeper into our list. Make sure to get a taste of these flavorsome signature dishes when you step your feet around Lake Toba, t-mates.
1. The savory, Arsik
The well-known Arsik, an Indonesian spicy cooked goldfish dish of the Batak Toba and also Mandailing people of North Sumatra. The kind of dish where sweet, spicy, savory and acidity all blends perfectly in one.
The uniqueness lies in how the locals cook Arsik, the fishes are directly taken from the deepness of Lake Toba. Well, it then marinated with shallots, garlic, fresh turmeric root, ginger, chilli, and lime juice. Let it steamed for hours until you can finally get a taste of its richness of spices!
2. The heartwarming, Chicken Napinadar
Only presented in special Batak ceremonies, Chicken Napinadar is another dish full of spices. Often presented in special occasions only, Chicken Napinadar is rarely served in any food stalls or restaurants, but you can find one around Lake Toba.
What’s unique about Chicken Napinadar? Yes, the sauce is made from the chicken blood itself! The sauce is patiently made from Andaliman (Batak speciality pepper) and minced garlic that is mixed with the chicken blood. Don;t worry t-mates, it won’t taste as bloody as it sounds 😉
3. The sweet one, Lapet
Moving on to our next dish on the menu, a dessert! A traditional Batak cake that is usually moulded in pyramid shapes and tightly wrapped in banana leaves. Sweetness is what you will find as Lapet is simply made from grated coconut and rice flour.
When it comes to strolling around in Lake Toba, Lapet cake is easily found nearly in every corner of Lake Toba.This steamed cake is such a perfect dessert for an afternoon tea to be enjoyed while mesmerizing at the picturesque vista of Lake Toba.
4. The everyone’s favorite, Grilled Pork
Yes, it is no doubt everyone’s favorite here around Lake Toba, the grilled pork or babi panggang. It takes a while to get your head around, as the Toba grilled pork comes with a bowl’s of pig’s blood mixed with spices.
This signature grilled pork is adored by locals and has become nationally famous amongst the pork lovers. Grab a plate, scoop in the rice, take some cooked cassava leaves, and eat with your bare hand the way the locals do, it’s one of the best ways to indulge yourself in Batak culture.
5. The legendary, Dali Ni Horbo
Do you believe that Batak has its own traditional cheese? Interesting, isn’t it? This signature food is made from buffalo milk and then processed into white cheese. Dali Ni Horbo is usually served as a part of the main course at annual ceremonies for the Batak people.
The locals said that Dali Ni horbo provides additional benefits to our bodies as it is processed using traditional Batak spices. You can easily find Dali Ni Horba in traditional shops around Lake Toba, t-mates.
6. The tasty green, Pounded Sweet Potato Leaves in Coconut Milk
When it comes to vegetables, this greenery dish is everyone’s favorite and is easily found everywhere around Lake Toba. It is usually served as a side dish and is eaten with warm rice and grilled pork or Arsik.
The process of making this vegetable is quite easy and you can even try it at home, t-mates. Just mix the boiled sweet potato leaves with garlic, onion and rimbang fruit then pound it gently until it is perfect to eat.
Get a Taste of Batak Toba Culinary!
Now, you have it all on your list of what to taste when you are visiting Lake Toba, t-mates. It’s time for you to decide when will your Lake Toba trip will be. Book your cheap flights from Jakarta to Padang only at tiket.com 😉
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