Banjarmasin, the capital city of South Kalimantan, is one of Indonesia’s culinary hotspots. Here the food scene is all about bold flavours, with delectable dishes steeped in tradition that are a true celebration of local culture and mouth-watering ingredients – perfect for adventurous foodies looking to try something deliciously unique!
Here’s our pick of the top 8 Banjarmasin dishes, which are an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the city:
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1. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is a fragrant chicken soup that’s like a warm hug for your soul! This base of this aromatic treat features a clear broth infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. It’s served with rice cakes (lontong), boiled eggs, shredded chicken and topped with crispy fried shallots for a delightful crunch. Soto Banjar is usually served with fresh lime wedges, sambal (spicy chilli sauce), and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) on the side, allowing you to adjust the flavour to your liking. For some extra bite, add perkedel (potato fritters) or crispy crackers for the perfect finishing touch!
2. Ketupat Kandangan
This traditional dish combines ketupat (rice cakes) with a creamy, savoury fish curry made with rich coconut milk. The fish, usually either smoked haruan (snakehead fish) or patin (catfish), is simmered in a aromatic coconut broth infused with spices like turmeric, lemongrass, galangal and garlic. The rice cakes are a labour of love, cooked for hours inside woven coconut leaves until they’re firm and ready to soak-up all that delicious curry goodness! The result? Generous ladles of spiced curry poured over large, juicy pieces of fish for a deliciously hearty, flavour-packed meal.
3. Nasi Itik Gambut
Get ready for a plate full of goodness with Nasi Itik Gambut! This dish features steamed rice paired with juicy, spice-infused duck which has been slow-cooked, braised or roasted to crispy perfection. Authentic spices like turmeric, ginger and garlic are infused into the meat, giving the duck a succulent aroma and flavour. Served with fluffy steamed rice, a generous portion of duck and a side of sambal and veggies, this dish is a tasty celebration of the region’s love of duck meat, where it is often served for special occasions or festive celebrations as a deliciously decadent treat!
4. Â Iwak Pakasam
Iwak Pakasam (also known as Iwak Basamu) is an authentic fermented fish dish from South Kalimantan. With a zingy sour taste thanks to its traditional fermentation process, this tangy dish has been a long-time staple in many Banjarese households for generations. Typically, freshwater fish like tilapia, haruan (snakehead fish), or patin (catfish) are stir-fried along with shallots, garlic and chillies, resulting in a taste explosion! Served with fluffy rice, sambal and fresh veggies, this is a combo that packs a punch, bringing a bold and delicious burst of flavour to your plate!
5. Manday
Manday is a traditional Banjarese dish from South Kalimantan, made from fermented rattan shoots and is commonly enjoyed as a side dish or snack. This quirky cuisine is a local favourite that boasts a distinctively bitter flavour from the cempedak (a type of jackfruit), offering a chewy texture that’s often deep-fried or grilled. The fibrous shoots, combined with a spicy chilli kick, creates a delightfully complex taste sensation, showcasing the Banjar people’s resourcefulness and flair at transforming local ingredients into something truly special!
6. Sate Tulang
Sate Tulang is a tasty twist on the more classic satay you’ll find throughout Indonesia. Despite its name, which means “bone satay”, this dish is actually made up of tender chicken cartilage, skin and small pieces of meat all skewered and spiced to perfection. With a fiery mix of traditional spices, including chilli, turmeric, garlic, coriander and shallots, Sate Tulang is a firm Banjarmasin street-food favourite. Enjoy it with steamed rice or lontong (compressed rice cakes) and for those who like it hot, kick-up the heat with extra sambal – if you dare!
7. Kue Bingka
For those who crave a sweet treat, Kue Bingka is an authentic sweet cake beloved by the Banjar people of South Kalimantan. Made with just eggs, sugar and flour, this cake can also be transformed with variations including cassava, pumpkin, sweet potato, coconut milk and pandan leaf for that extra yum that’s sure to win you over! Thanks to its creamy coconut milk richness and melt-in-your-mouth custard-like texture, Kue Bingka is a go-to delight for special occasions such as Ramadan, as well as a year-round favourite for family feasts and tea-time munchies!
8. Apam Barabai
Discover Apam Barabai, a traditional steamed rice cake that’s a true taste of South Kalimantan! Made from fermented rice flour and creamy coconut milk, this soft, chewy treat is a sweet slice of tradition. Whilst it can be eaten plain, you can also dress it up with some grated coconut or a drizzle of palm sugar syrup. Apam Barabai isn’t just a scrumptious snack, it’s a reflection of the rich culinary heritage of the Banjar people and a must-try at local markets and festive occasions!
