Discover the culinary delights of Kerinci specialties such as semah fish curry, lemang kantong semar, and potato dodol, which are mouth-watering and perfect to accompany your adventure.
Kerinci, besides being known for its stunning natural beauty such as Mount Kerinci and Lake Kerinci, also has a very alluring traditional cuisine. Visiting Kerinci will not be complete without tasting various typical foods that are rich in flavor.
The cuisine here is heavily influenced by various cultures, from the spiciness of West Sumatra to the nuances of Java that come from past history, when many tea plantation coolies were brought to Kayu Aro from Java.
Here are some typical Kerinci dishes that you must try when you are in this area.
1. Semah Fish Curry
If you are a climber who has just finished a journey from Mount Kerinci, semah fish curry is the right dish to restore energy. Typical Jambi Food, semah fish, which lives in the Batang Merangin River and Lake Kerinci, is a type of freshwater fish with thick and soft flesh.
This curry is cooked with coconut milk and spices such as cayenne pepper, ginger, galangal, shallots, and garlic, creating the perfect spicy savory taste.
Uniquely, the semah fish can grow up to one meter in length in some places. The dense and delicious texture of the meat makes this dish a favorite of tourists who come to Kerinci, especially after climbing the mountain.
2. Red Bean Ondol-ondol
Red bean ondol-ondol is a typical snack from Kayu Aro which is strongly influenced by Javanese cuisine. This is a snack made from red beans which are widely grown in the area.
After the red beans are boiled and coarsely ground, this ingredient is then mixed with brown sugar and grated coconut, formed into small balls, then fried until golden brown.
This snack has a crunchy texture on the outside but soft on the inside, with a sweet taste that is appetizing. Red bean ondol-ondol is the right choice for those of you who want to enjoy traditional snacks while relaxing around the Kayu Aro tea plantation.
3. Pitcher Plant Lemang
Lemang is a very popular traditional food in Sumatra, and in Kerinci, it has a unique version. Here, lemang is wrapped using pitcher plants that grow in the Kerinci Seblat National Park area.
The use of pitcher plants as a wrapper provides a distinctive aroma that makes this lemang more fragrant and savory than ordinary lemang.
Lemang kantong semar is made from sticky rice mixed with coconut milk, then steamed until cooked. Lemang is often enjoyed with peanut sauce or curry, and is usually served at traditional events such as the Kenduri Adat Sko which is held every year.
4. Batokok jerky
Although dendeng batokok originates from Minangkabau, this food has been adapted by the Kerinci people with the addition of local flavors. If in West Sumatra dendeng batokok usually uses green chilies, in Kerinci, this dendeng is cooked with local red chilies which are spicier.
Apart from beef, dendeng batokok in Kerinci often uses thinly sliced deer meat, then pounded until tender before being seasoned with a mixture of chilies and spices. This dish has a delicious spicy and savory taste, making it a perfect choice for spicy food lovers.
5. Durian Sticky Rice
For durian lovers, sticky rice durian is a dish that should not be missed. This dish is made from sticky rice cooked with coconut milk, then served with fresh durian flesh. The combination of savory sticky rice and sweet durian creates a blend of flavors that is very pleasing to the tongue.
This durian sticky rice is usually served as a dessert at various events or sold in traditional markets when durian season arrives. The uniqueness of this dish lies in the quality of the durian used, which greatly determines its deliciousness.
6. Kawo Powder Water
This traditional drink has been known since the Dutch colonial era and is still a local favorite. Air Sebuk Kawo is made from young shoots of the coffee tree that are dried and then brewed with hot water, similar to making tea.
This drink is believed to have properties to restore stamina and keep the body fresh. No wonder many climbers of Mount Kerinci consume it before or after climbing.
Its distinctive and slightly bitter taste makes Sebuk Kawo Water suitable to be enjoyed in the morning or cool evening.
7. Potato Dodol
One of the favorite souvenirs from Kerinci is potato dodol. Unlike dodol in general which uses sticky rice, this typical Kerinci dodol is made from granola potatoes grown in mountainous areas. Granola potatoes are known for their dense texture and higher quality.
Potato dodol has a texture that is not too sticky but still legit, with a sweet taste that comes from a mixture of palm sugar.
In addition to the original flavor variant, potato dodol is now available in various flavors, such as durian, pandan, and pineapple, which makes it increasingly popular among tourists.
Kerinci’s culinary specialties not only offer delicious flavors, but also reflect rich local traditions and culture. From the spicy and savory gulai ikan semah to the unique lemang kantong semar, each dish of Typical Bengkulu Food has its own story and history.
If you plan to visit Kerinci, be sure to try these specialties and bring home souvenirs that will make you miss Kerinci forever.
