Joanna James
The Riau Archipelago in Indonesia features the stunning isle of Bintan and within its borders are many treats that would certainly grab one's attention. Its local food scene is one such treat.
Instant noodles retain a special place in the hearts of the locals and for the foreign visitor, the region of Bintan would afford plenty of opportunities to savour such delightful and appetizing creations. Indomie refers to a kind of noodle dish that is often accompanied by a mix of vegetables, sausages, and a fried egg which is placed on top to complete the dish. Indomie Goreng is a popular choice of this dish which can be easily had should one be curious to check out the food stalls of Pujasera and Warung Yeah.
Delve into the authentic cuisines of Indonesia by savouring a Hidang style Nasi Padang at any Nasi Padang restaurant in the Bintan region. The term 'hidang' which is in fact a mini buffet offering comprises a series of well-prepared and carefully thought out dishes. Amongst the main varieties that one can expect to sink one's teeth into would be Rendang Padang which is a dish of slow-cooked beef or mutton whilst a flavourful serving of Gulai which is a spicy & thick coconut gravy that often sees some variety of meet featuring at its very core. Should you be wondering as to how best to enjoy this offering, look out for Plaza Lagoi's Lamak Basamo or Tanjung Pinang's Sederhana Nasi Padang.
A staple at Bintan's Spice Restaurant; Ayam Goreng Kalasan is thus named after its place of origin which is in Kalasan, Yogyakarta. A notable ingredient is the bumbu seasoning which is added in a way that it seeps into the braised chicken meat long before the time arrives for it to be served with steamed rice, sweet basil, sambal bajak, and cucumber. In fact, sambal bajak is what adds to the zest and appeal of the dish as this hot sauce which is put together from fish sauce, chilli peppers, shrimp paste, and vinegar ensures that your tastebuds are satisfied to their fullest.
Should scenes of grilled meat coupled with dipping sauces be to your fancy, then look no further than settling down to a good helping of Sate. In Indonesia, one will encounter many varieties of this delicacy and in short, travellers like yourself staying in Bintan will have the opportunity to delight in grilled meat and a peanut & soy dipping sauce to make for one amazing culinary journey that one would long to be a part of on countless occasions.
Remaining on the subject of grilled specialties that you would encounter when in Bintan, Otak-Otak is a grilled form of fish cake that is served in banana leaves. The dish is made up of grounded seafood which can contain fish, prawns or squid, coconut milk, garlic, and scallions. This mixture is then bound in tapioca starch to enhance its presentation.
Meaning 'Roast Chicken,' Ayam Bakar is one of the primary dishes in all of Bintan that one must invest in long before one's travels draw to a close in this part of Indonesia. What adds to the appeal of this variant of roast chicken is the marinating technique and especially, the Bumbu Kecap spice mix that features prominently in its preparation. A sweet and spicy dipping sauce of sambal kecap is always presented alongside this dish to complete this absorbing and fulfilling encounter with one of Bintan's household names in terms of food and beverage. A good way to experience such creations will be to reside at Bintan hotels the likes of The Residence Bintan.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
