10 Typical Batak Foods that Offer Unique Flavors

Typical Batak Foods that Offer Unique Flavors

Explore the deliciousness of various Batak specialties that offer unique flavors from processed fish to sweet snacks rich in spices, making for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Batak cuisine is known for its rich flavors and strong spices. The Batak people, who originate from North Sumatra, have a unique culinary heritage, often using local ingredients that give an exotic touch.

From fish dishes to sweet snacks, Batak cuisine reflecting the richness of culture and traditions that have been going on for a long time. Here are ten typical Batak foods that you must try:

1. Dali Ni Horbo

Dali ni horbo is one of the most famous Bataknese foods and is often considered one of Indonesia’s culinary wonders. Known for its tofu-like texture, this dish is made from fresh buffalo milk that is processed in a traditional way.

The process begins by boiling the buffalo milk mixed with salt water and papaya leaf juice. Experiencing this traditional cooking method is one of the fascinating Things to do in Batak culture. The process of settling the milk produces a soft texture that resembles silken tofu.

This food is usually served in small pieces and eaten as is without the need to fry it. Its soft and melt-in-the-mouth taste makes it very popular, especially when served with other Batak specialties such as arsik.

In addition, the content of animal protein, vitamins, and minerals contained in dali ni horbo makes it rich in benefits.

2. Itak Gurgur

Itak gurgur is a typical Batak snack that is very simple but has an appetizing taste. This food is made from itak flour dough (glutinous rice), mixed with grated young coconut, granulated sugar, and hot water.

After the dough is mixed well, it is formed into balls and steamed. The name “gurgur” comes from the word meaning “burning”, because in the past, this food was considered a source of energy for Batak fighters in facing the invaders.

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Although it comes from simple ingredients, itak gurgur has a sweet and legit taste. This food is often served during family events or as a dish in a banquet. Its delicious taste and chewy texture make it a favorite among the Batak people.

3. Lapet

Lapet is a typical Batak food that is often found at traditional events or celebrations. Made from rice flour, grated ripe coconut, and brown sugar, lapet is shaped like a square pyramid wrapped in banana leaves.

The process involves steaming the dough, which produces a fragrant aroma from the banana leaves and coconut. Lapet has a savory and sweet taste, with a chewy texture.

This food is usually served with hot tea or coffee and is a perfect companion when relaxing or gathering with family. The uniqueness of lapet is the use of banana leaves as a wrapper, which gives it a distinctive taste that is difficult to find in other foods.

4. Ombus-Ombus

Ombus-ombus is a typical Batak snack that is also made from rice flour, grated coconut, and brown sugar, but the way it is served is slightly different.

In ombus-ombus, brown sugar is placed in the middle of the dough, then wrapped in flour and grated coconut dough before being wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Once cooked, ombus-ombus will give off a sweet taste that matches the softness of the rice flour dough.

This food is often served in Batak traditional events, and is known as “hembus-hembus”, which refers to the warm feeling that comes out when eating it.

Ombus-ombus is one of the foods that is not only delicious but also full of values of togetherness, because the process of making it is often done by mutual cooperation by the Batak people.

5. Sihobuk Nuts

Sihobuk Nuts
Foto: Google Maps/Insan Penggerak

Sihobuk peanuts come from Sihobuk Village, North Sumatra, and are a typical Batak food that can only be found in this area. The nuts used are carefully selected types of nuts, resulting in a more savory and delicious taste than nuts in general.

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These peanuts are soaked in a pickled seasoning, then roasted using hot sand in a wok, resulting in a crunchy texture. The taste of sihobuk peanuts is very distinctive, with a deep savory flavor.

These nuts are usually served as snacks or souvenirs typical of Batak, and are a favorite for many people who visit the Sihobuk area.

The uniqueness of the way these nuts are made and their special taste makes them one of the typical Batak dishes that are worth trying.

6. Arsik

Arsik is a typical Batak cuisine made from freshwater fish, such as carp, tilapia, or mujair. The fish is cooked with various spices, including andaliman, which is a typical Batak spice with a spicy taste that gives a warm sensation when eaten.

Arsik can be served with a rich sauce or in dry form, but both have a distinctive and appetizing aroma. This food is often served in traditional events or as a main dish in family gatherings.

Its spicy, savory, and fresh taste makes arsik one of the most beloved foods by the Batak people.

7. Natinombur

Natinombur is a Batak dish made from freshwater fish, cooked with a variety of spices and coconut milk. The fish is then grilled until cooked.

In the past, this food was a staple for fishermen who worked around Lake Toba, and was usually eaten while they were resting on the edge of the lake.

Natinombur is known for its rich spice flavor and soft fish texture. This dish is usually served with warm rice and is perfect to accompany lunch time. The uniqueness of natinombur lies in its simple way of cooking but still provides an extraordinary taste.

8. Naniura

Naniura is a Batak specialty similar to sushi, but uses raw fish as its main ingredient. The fish is mixed with various Batak spices, including acid from vinegar or starfruit, which helps the fish ripen naturally.

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The fresh, sour taste makes naniura a refreshing dish, and is perfect to eat in hot weather. This food is an important part of Batak tradition, and is often served at traditional events or family celebrations.

Its uniqueness lies in the use of raw fish processed with natural spices, giving it a fresh and distinctive taste.

9. The Saksang

Saksang is a typical Batak food made from pork or sometimes dog meat. The meat is cooked with its own blood, which gives it a unique taste and deep flavor.

This cooking process has its own philosophy, where meat and blood are considered as one inseparable unit, therefore creating a more delicious taste.

Saksang is usually served at traditional events or important celebrations in Batak society. This food has a spicy and savory taste, with a tender meat texture. Saksang is one of the most iconic foods in Batak culture.

10. Gomak Noodles

Mie Gomak is a typical Batak noodle dish made from large noodles, often called “Mie Besar” by the Batak people. The name “gomak” itself comes from the process of making these noodles which are digomak-gomak (held).

The cooked noodles are then doused with a typical Batak spiced sauce, which includes andaliman and other spices, creating a delicious and rich taste.

Gomak noodles are often used as a dish for family events or get-togethers. Its spicy, savory, and slightly sour taste makes these noodles one of the most popular foods among the Batak people.

Batak cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors, from spicy, savory, to sweet, reflecting the diversity of Batak culture and traditions. With the use of local ingredients and special spices, Batak cuisine is not only delicious but also full of meaning and philosophy.

For those of you who are interested in exploring the uniqueness of Indonesian cuisine, tasting Typical Melayu Food is an experience not to be missed.

Each dish has a deep story and tradition, and provides an extraordinary taste sensation. So, when will you try these 10 mouth-watering Batak specialties?

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