Discover a variety of Acehnese culinary specialties that you must try, from Mie Aceh, Ayam Tangkap, to Sie Reuboh. Rich spice culinary that will tempt your taste buds!
Aceh, known as the “Veranda of Mecca”, not only has an interesting cultural and historical wealth, but also holds a variety of delicious culinary specialties.
Thanks to its strategic location as a gateway for international trade in the past, Acehnese cuisine is rich in the taste of thick and unique spices, with influences from various cultures such as India, Arabia, and Malay.
For those of you who visit Aceh, here are some Typical Acehnese Culinary delights that you must try.
1. Aceh Noodles
Mie Aceh is one of the most famous culinary icons from Aceh. This dish consists of thick yellow noodles served with thick and spicy curry sauce.
Available in two variants, namely fried Aceh noodles (dry) and boiled Aceh noodles (soup), both are usually served with sliced beef, goat, or shrimp, and sprinkled with fried onions and melinjo crackers.
The aroma of spices in the curry sauce and the biting spicy taste make Mie Aceh very appetizing, especially for fans of spicy food.
Acehnese noodles are usually served with pickled onions and lime slices to add freshness, creating a balance between spicy and sour flavors. For those of you visiting Aceh, tasting Mie Aceh from the legendary local stalls is a culinary experience that should not be missed.
2. Pliek U Soup
Kuah Pliek U is one of Aceh’s traditional dishes rich in spices and vegetables. This dish is similar to vegetable curry, but with the addition of Aceh’s signature ingredient, pliek u (leftover coconut from which the oil has been removed), which gives this dish a unique taste.
Pliek U soup consists of a mixture of vegetables such as papaya leaves, young jackfruit, long beans, and eggplant, cooked with typical Acehnese spices such as turmeric, galangal, and chili.
Kuah Pliek U is known as a very nutritious dish and is often served at big events or celebrations in Aceh.
Its rich and delicious taste makes it one of the most sought-after traditional culinary delights by culinary lovers, especially for those who want to experience the authenticity of Acehnese cuisine.
3. Catch Chicken
Ayam Tangkap is a unique dish that is very popular in Aceh. This dish consists of pieces of chicken fried crispy together with pandan leaves, curry leaves, green chilies, and shallots.
The characteristic of Ayam Tangkap is the use of aromatic leaves that are fried together with the chicken, thus giving a fragrant aroma and distinctive taste.
Ayam Tangkap is usually served with warm white rice and chili sauce, making it a very delicious dish to enjoy with family or friends.
Although the seasoning used is quite simple, the combination of spices and the right frying technique makes Ayam Tangkap one of the most popular dishes.
4. The Reuboh
Sie Reuboh is one of Aceh’s traditional dishes that has a long history. This dish is beef or goat meat cooked with vinegar and spices such as garlic, chili, ginger, and turmeric.
The process of cooking Sie Reuboh takes quite a long time, because the meat must be boiled until tender and all the spices have been absorbed.
The characteristic of Sie Reuboh is its sour-spicy taste, thanks to the use of vinegar as the main ingredient.
This dish is usually served as a main side dish with white rice and chili sauce. Sie Reuboh is often prepared in large quantities and can last a long time, making it a popular choice for large events in Aceh.
5. Acehnese Goat Curry
Goat curry is a dish that is widely found throughout Indonesia, but Acehnese Goat Curry has a different taste and is richer in spices.
Tender goat meat is cooked in thick coconut milk with a mixture of spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin, creating a savory and delicious taste.
Acehnese Goat Gulai is usually served with warm white rice or roti canai, which adds to the deliciousness of this dish. For those of you who like spiced dishes, Aceh Kambing Gulai is a must-try choice.
6. The Great Hall of the Holy See
Eungkot Keumamah is a traditional Acehnese dish made from dried tuna. This dish is also known as “wood fish” because of the hard texture of the fish after drying.
Eungkot Keumamah is usually cooked with spices such as chili, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and lemongrass, resulting in a savory and slightly spicy taste.
Eungkot Keumamah is one of the most popular dishes in Aceh because it lasts a long time, so it is often served as provisions when traveling long distances. This dish is often served with warm white rice and jackfruit vegetables, creating a perfect combination of flavors.
7. Roti Canai
Although roti canai is known as a dish originating from India, this bread has become an inseparable part of Acehnese cuisine. Roti Canai in Aceh is usually served with goat or chicken curry, creating a very delicious combination of flavors.
This bread, which has a crispy texture on the outside but is soft on the inside, is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Roti Canai can be found in many food stalls and restaurants in Aceh, and is often a favorite choice for tourists who want to enjoy Acehnese specialties inspired by foreign cultures.
8. Timphan Cake
After enjoying the main dishes, don’t miss tasting Kue Timphan, one of Aceh’s very popular traditional cakes.
This cake is made from sticky rice flour dough filled with banana, grated coconut, or brown sugar, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Its soft texture and sweet taste make Kue Timphan the perfect dessert.
Timphan Cake is usually served at important events such as Eid, weddings, or other big days in Aceh. The deliciousness and uniqueness of its taste make this cake one of the most popular traditional Acehnese culinary delights.
Conclusion
Aceh is not only rich in history and culture, but also has a variety of culinary specialties that must be tasted. From the legendary Mie Aceh to traditional dishes such as Kuah Pliek U and Sie Reuboh, each dish has a distinctive taste that reflects the richness of Aceh’s spices and culture.
For those of you visiting Aceh, make sure to try Lampung’s Culinary specialties and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience at Serambi Mekah.
