Indonesia is known as a culinary paradise, offering a rich variety of flavors from Sabang to Merauke. Each region has its own unique specialties, and Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, is no exception, renowned for its blend of Malay, Chinese, and Dayak cultural influences.
From savory and sweet dishes to refreshing treats, Pontianak’s culinary offerings showcase distinctive flavors that are hard to forget. If you’re visiting Pontianak, be sure to try these legendary halal culinary specialties of Pontianak. Take note and add them to your must-try list!
Recommended Pontianak Culinary Specialties
Pontianak is a city with a wide variety of culinary delights that are popular among travelers from across the country.
Some of Pontianak’s signature dishes have even become iconic local specialties that visitors consistently seek out when they come to the city. If you're planning a trip, be sure to try these recommended halal and legendary Pontianak culinary favorites.
1. Choi Pan
Choi Pan is one of Pontianak’s most famous culinary specialties. Similar to a dumpling, it features a thin rice-flour wrapper filled with vegetables such as jicama, garlic chives, taro, or bamboo shoots.
After being steamed, choi pan is typically served with crispy fried garlic and chili sauce. Its savory flavor and soft texture make it a perfect choice for either breakfast or a snack.
2. Petrus Ice Cream
Petrus Ice Cream is another legendary treat in Pontianak. Known for its smooth texture and distinctive classic flavors, it is traditionally served in a coconut shell. Flavor options include chocolate, vanilla, red bean, and durian, among others.
3. Pengkang
Another must-try Pontianak specialty is pengkang. This traditional dish is made from glutinous rice stuffed with seasoned dried shrimp, wrapped in banana leaves, and then grilled.
Shaped into small triangles, pengkang is known for its enticing smoky aroma. It is commonly enjoyed with spicy, savory sambal kepah (clam chili sauce), which enhances its rich flavor even further.
4. Lek Tau Suan
Lek Tau Suan is a popular warm dessert in Pontianak. It is made from split mung beans that are cooked until soft and then served in a thick, sweet gravy.
In Pontianak, Lek Tau Suan is commonly paired with cakwe, creating a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. This dessert is especially enjoyable in the morning or on a rainy day.
5. Bubur Pedas
Despite its name, which is spicy porridge, Bubur Pedas is not necessarily as spicy as you might expect. It is made from toasted rice that is cooked with a variety of vegetables, spices, and peanuts.
This Pontianak specialty offers a savory taste, a rich aroma of spices, and nourishing ingredients. It is also a treasured culinary heritage of the Malay community in West Kalimantan.
6. Sotong Pangkong
Sotong Pangkong is a well-known evening snack in Pontianak, especially during the month of Ramadan.
The dish consists of dried squid that is pounded until tender, then grilled and served with either peanut sauce or a sweet-and-spicy sauce. Its chewy texture and distinctive flavor make it highly addictive, leaving many people wanting more.
7. Lempok Durian
For durian lovers, Lempok Durian is a Pontianak specialty that should not be missed. It is made from durian flesh cooked with sugar until it becomes dense and chewy, similar to dodol.
It has a rich sweetness and a strong durian aroma. Lempok is often purchased as a signature Pontianak souvenir because it has a long shelf life and is easy to bring home.
8. Kiam Ko Kwe
Kiam Ko Kwe is a traditional rice-flour cake known for its savory and slightly salty flavor. It has a chewy texture and is commonly served with fried shallots or other toppings. This snack is quite popular in Pontianak as a breakfast dish or a light bite throughout the day.
9. Fried Banana with Kaya Jam
Fried bananas can be found throughout Indonesia, but the Pontianak version has a distinctive twist, in which it is served with kaya jam.
In Pontianak, the bananas are typically fried until crispy and paired with smooth, sweet kaya jam. The combination of savory and sweet flavors makes it a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.
10. Jorong-Jorong
Jorong-Jorong is a traditional Pontianak snack wrapped in banana leaves. It has a soft texture and a pleasantly sweet and savory flavor.
Made from rice flour and coconut milk, this delicacy is often served at family gatherings and can frequently be found in traditional markets.
11. Pasung
Pasung is a traditional cake wrapped in banana leaves and shaped like a cone. Its batter is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. When enjoyed, it offers a balanced sweetness complemented by the fragrant aroma of banana leaves.
12. Burung Punai
Despite its name, Burung Punai is not made from actual birds. It is a traditional cake commonly prepared for special occasions. Known for its unique shape, this cake features a sweet flavor and a soft, delicate texture.
13. Ce Hun Tiau
Ce Hun Tiau is a refreshing dessert drink that is perfect for enjoying on a hot day. It typically contains long rice-flour noodles, grass jelly, red beans, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and shaved ice.
Its sweet, refreshing, and filling qualities make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Be sure not to miss this treat when visiting Pontianak!
14. Bakmi Kepiting
If you're looking for one of Pontianak’s most popular culinary specialties, Bakmi Kepiting is a must-try. This dish features springy noodles topped with generous portions of crab meat, often served with broth or additional accompaniments.
15. Sapo Tahu Seafood
Seafood Sapo Tahu is a comforting hot dish consisting of soft tofu, vegetables, and a variety of seafood served in a rich, savory thick sauce.
This menu item is commonly found in family-style restaurants throughout Pontianak. Its light yet flavorful taste pairs perfectly with a serving of warm steamed rice.
Those are some of the must-try culinary specialties of Pontianak that you shouldn’t miss. If you have the opportunity to visit the city, be sure to sample these legendary local dishes and desserts.
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