Discover a variety of Kerinci culinary specialties such as semah fish curry, red bean ondol-ondol, and potato dodol which are rich in flavor and perfect to enjoy while traveling.

Kerinci, a region famous for the beauty of Mount Kerinci and Lake Kerinci, also has a variety of culinary specialties that are a shame to miss.

Kerinci cuisine is heavily influenced by cultural diversity, including a touch of West Sumatran spiciness and Javanese influences that emerge from past history.

When visiting Kerinci, take the time to taste the local specialties which are not only delicious, but also reflect the rich traditions of this region.

Here are some Typical Kerinci Foods that you must try:

1. Semah Fish Curry

Semah fish curry is the dish most sought after by Mount Kerinci climbers after completing their journey. Semah fish is a freshwater fish that has a thick and soft meat texture.

This curry is made with rich spices such as cayenne pepper, shallots, garlic, galangal, and ginger mixed with coconut milk, resulting in a spicy, savory taste that is mouth-watering.

Semah fish are often found in the Batang Merangin River and Lake Kerinci. In some places, this fish can grow up to one meter long. The deliciousness of semah fish meat processed into curry makes it one of tourists’ favorite dishes.

2. Red Bean Ondol-ondol

Red bean ondol-ondol is a typical Kerinci snack, especially in the Kayu Aro area. This dish is influenced by Javanese cuisine, brought by tea plantation workers during the Dutch era.

Made from red beans processed with brown sugar and grated coconut, then formed into balls and fried until brown. The texture is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delicious combination of sweet and savory.

For those of you looking for a typical snack while in Kayu Aro, this red bean ondol-ondol is the right choice that you must try.

3. Pitcher Plant Lemang

Lemang is a typical Sumatran food that is also found in Kerinci, but there is a unique difference in how it is made. In Kerinci, lemang is wrapped in a pitcher plant, a plant that grows abundantly in the Kerinci Seblat National Park area.

The process of making it is the same as lemang in general, namely using sticky rice mixed with coconut milk and then steamed.

Using the pitcher plant as a wrapper makes the aroma and taste of the lemang more fragrant and savory. Lemang kantong semar is usually enjoyed with curry or peanut sauce, and is often served at traditional events in Kerinci.

4. Batokok jerky

Although this food originates from Minang, dendeng batokok has been adapted by the Kerinci people with local flavors. The main difference lies in the use of Kerinci red chilies, not green chilies like in West Sumatra. Dendeng batokok in Kerinci also uses deer meat, besides beef.

The process of making it is quite unique, namely the meat is pounded until tender, then seasoned with a mixture of chili and other spices. Its spicy savory taste with a strong aroma of spices makes dendeng batokok one of the dishes favored by locals and tourists.

5. Durian Sticky Rice

For durian lovers, sticky rice durian typical of Sungai Penuh Jambi is a must-try dish. Made from sticky rice cooked with durian, this dish offers a combination of sweetness from durian and savory taste from sticky rice.

The secret of the deliciousness of sticky rice durian lies in the quality of the durian used, making the texture of this dish soft and legit.

This durian sticky rice is often served as a dessert enjoyed on various occasions, especially when durian is in season in the Sungai Penuh area.

6. Kawo Powder Water

Air Sebuk Kawo is a typical drink from Kerinci that has been around since the Dutch era. This drink is made from young shoots of coffee trees that are dried and brewed with hot water.

It has a distinctive taste and is believed to restore stamina, so many climbers of Mount Kerinci consume it before or after climbing.

This drink is perfect to enjoy in the morning or in the cool afternoon, while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Kerinci.

7. Potato Dodol

One of the unique snacks from Kerinci is potato dodol. Different from dodol in general which is made from sticky rice, this dodol uses granola potatoes as the main ingredient.

Granola potatoes are chosen because of their dense and pest- free quality, producing a dodol that is legit and not sticky like traditional dodol.

Potato dodol is available in various flavors, such as palm sugar, durian, pandan, and pineapple. This snack is often used as a souvenir by tourists visiting Kerinci.

Kerinci not only offers stunning natural beauty, but also a variety of culinary delights that are rich in flavor. Typical Bengkulu Food, each dish has a story and tradition attached to it, providing an unforgettable culinary experience for anyone who tastes it.

From the tempting semah fish curry to the delicious potato dodol, these Kerinci specialties are an additional reason to visit this charming region.

If you are around Mount Kerinci, take the time to taste the authentic and delicious local food. Enjoy the delicious local flavors that will surely pamper your tongue and add a deep impression of your trip.