Discover the most delicious Acehnese dishes that offer authentic and flavorful spice blends.
Aceh, a province located at the westernmost tip of Indonesia, is known not only for its natural beauty and rich history but also for its captivating culinary diversity.
Acehnese cuisine is characterized by its bold use of spices, creating unique flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. If you’re visiting Aceh, here are some of the most delicious Acehnese dishes you must try.
1. Mie Aceh
One of the top Things to do in Aceh is savoring the region’s famous dish, Mie Aceh. This flavorful meal consists of thick yellow noodles cooked with Acehnese spices such as shallots, garlic, chilies, cumin, cardamom, and curry.
Mie Aceh is typically served with beef, chicken, or seafood such as shrimp and crab, making it a must-try culinary experience for anyone visiting Aceh.
There are two serving styles: fried and with broth. Fried Mie Aceh has a slightly dry texture but is full of flavor, while the broth version offers a rich, spicy, and savory soup.
It is often topped with crispy fried shallots, emping (melinjo crackers), and pickles, adding the perfect finishing touch to the dish.
2. Kuah Pliek U
Kuah Pliek U is a traditional Acehnese dish rich in spices and natural ingredients. It is essentially a type of vegetable curry made with the main ingredient pliek, processed dried coconut flesh.
The curry is cooked with vegetables such as cassava leaves, long beans, and eggplant, enhanced by a blend of Acehnese spices.
This dish has a savory and slightly spicy taste with a strong aroma of spices. Kuah Pliek U is often served with white rice and is a favorite choice for lunch or dinner. If you want to experience the authentic flavors of Aceh, Kuah Pliek U is a must-try.
3. Ayam Tangkap
Ayam Tangkap is a unique Acehnese dish that you must try. This dish features pieces of chicken fried with spices such as shallots, garlic, green chilies, curry leaves, and pandan leaves.
The uniqueness of Ayam Tangkap lies in its presentation, where the fried chicken is served with crispy fried leaves that give off an aromatic fragrance.
The chicken is crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, with a savory flavor. Ayam Tangkap is usually served with warm rice and sambal, making it a popular favorite among Acehnese cuisine lovers.
4. Gulai Kambing Aceh
Gulai Kambing Aceh is a traditional Acehnese goat curry that is highly popular. This dish is made from tender goat meat cooked in a thick coconut milk sauce infused with strong spices like coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
What makes Gulai Kambing Aceh stand out is the distinctive blend of spices used and the thick, rich texture of the sauce.
The tender goat meat and flavorful broth make this dish an excellent choice when paired with warm rice. This dish is commonly served during large gatherings or religious celebrations in Aceh.
5. Sate Matang
Photo: X/Celah Awan https://x.com/CelahAwan_
Sate Matang is a famous satay from the Matang region in Bireuen, Aceh. This dish features skewers of goat or beef, marinated in a rich blend of Acehnese spices such as garlic, coriander, and cumin, then grilled to perfection.
What makes Sate Matang unique is that it’s served with a rich soto broth, creating a delicious combination of grilled meat and spicy, flavorful soup. It’s often served with rice cakes or rice, with sambal and fried shallots as side dishes, making it a must-try for satay lovers.
6. Eungkot Keumamah
Eungkot Keumamah, also known as “ikan kayu” or dried fish, is a unique Acehnese fish dish. It is made from dried tuna that is re-cooked with spices like chilies, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and curry leaves. The drying process gives the fish a denser texture and richer flavor.
Eungkot Keumamah has been around since the Aceh war era because it is long-lasting and easy to carry. Today, it remains a favorite dish in Aceh, especially as a side dish for rice during important occasions.
7. Roti Cane
Roti Cane is a traditional Acehnese bread influenced by Indian cuisine. Made from flour dough that is flattened and fried, Roti Cane is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It is typically served with a flavorful goat curry or chicken curry, making it a satisfying and hearty meal.
In Aceh, Roti Cane is often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner and is loved by many for its unique texture and delicious taste. If you’re a fan of bread-based dishes, Roti Cane is a perfect choice.
8. Sie Reuboh
Sie Reuboh is a signature dish from Aceh Besar, made from beef or buffalo cooked in vinegar and a special blend of spices like shallots, garlic, chilies, and tamarind. This dish has a tangy, spicy, and savory flavor, making it a delightful companion for warm rice.
The uniqueness of Sie Reuboh lies in its traditional cooking method, where the meat is simmered until the flavors fully absorb, resulting in tender meat with a rich taste. Sie Reuboh is typically served during important events or religious holidays in Aceh.
Conclusion
Aceh offers a wide variety of delicious dishes rich in bold spices. From the iconic Mie Aceh to traditional dishes like Kuah Pliek U and Ayam Tangkap, each Acehnese dish has its own unique flavor that you must try.
Similar to exploring Tourist Attractions in Lampung, a culinary journey through Aceh is an unforgettable experience. For culinary enthusiasts, visiting Aceh is an opportunity to enjoy some of the best culinary heritage in Indonesia, blending tradition with rich flavors.
