Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, the Karo Highlands of North Sumatra, Indonesia, offer a unique and tantalizing culinary experience. Rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored traditions, Karo cuisine is a delightful exploration of bold flavors and comforting textures. From savory meats to vibrant vegetables and unique spices, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey as we unveil the top 5 culinary must-tries in Tanah Karo that will leave your taste buds singing.
1. Babi Panggang Karo (BPK): The Iconic Roasted Pork with a Spicy Kick
No culinary exploration of Tanah Karo is complete without indulging in the legendary Babi Panggang Karo, or BPK. This signature dish features succulent pork belly marinated in a blend of indigenous spices, including Andaliman pepper (also known as Batak pepper), garlic, ginger, and turmeric. The pork is then slow-roasted over an open fire until the skin achieves a crispy, smoky perfection, while the meat remains tender and flavorful. What truly elevates BPK is its accompanying sambal (chili sauce), often made with Andaliman, bird’s eye chilies, and other local ingredients, delivering a distinctive citrusy and slightly numbing heat that is both addictive and uniquely Karo. Served with steamed rice and sometimes a side of clear vegetable soup, BPK is an absolute must-try for any visitor.
Why You’ll Love It: Crispy skin, tender and flavorful pork, unique spicy and citrusy Andaliman chili sauce, a true representation of Karo culinary heritage.
Where to Find It: BPK stalls and restaurants are ubiquitous throughout Tanah Karo, especially in Berastagi and Kabanjahe. Look for establishments with a visible roasting process for an authentic experience.
2. Arsik Ikan Mas: Spiced Carp Cooked in Banana Stems
Arsik Ikan Mas is a traditional Karo dish showcasing the ingenuity of local cooking techniques and the fresh flavors of freshwater fish. Fresh carp (ikan mas) is meticulously cleaned and stuffed with a flavorful paste made from ingredients like Andaliman pepper, galangal, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and torch ginger flower (kecombrang). The fish is then simmered slowly in banana stems with a minimal amount of water, allowing it to absorb the aromatic flavors of the spices and the subtle sweetness of the banana. The result is a tender and incredibly flavorful fish dish with a rich, slightly tangy sauce. Arsik is not just a meal; it’s a culinary tradition often served during special occasions.
Why You’ll Love It: Tender and flavorful carp, aromatic blend of spices, unique cooking method using banana stems, a traditional and culturally significant dish.
Where to Find It: Look for restaurants specializing in traditional Karo cuisine in Berastagi and surrounding areas. It’s also often prepared in local households.
3. Cimpa Unung-Unung: Sweet and Savory Steamed Rice Cakes
For a delightful taste of traditional Karo snacks, be sure to try Cimpa Unung-Unung. These small, cone-shaped rice cakes are made from glutinous rice flour mixed with grated coconut and palm sugar. The mixture is then wrapped in young banana leaves, giving them a distinctive aroma, and steamed until cooked through. Cimpa Unung-Unung offers a wonderful balance of sweet and slightly savory flavors, with a chewy and satisfying texture. Often enjoyed as a breakfast item or a mid-day snack, these little parcels of goodness are a true taste of Karo heritage.
Why You’ll Love It: Sweet and savory flavor profile, chewy texture, fragrant banana leaf wrapping, a traditional and popular Karo snack.
Where to Find It: Cimpa Unung-Unung can often be found in traditional markets (pajak) throughout Tanah Karo, as well as some local bakeries and food stalls.
4. Pagit-Pagit: A Bold and Bitter Delicacy for the Adventurous Palate
For the truly adventurous food lover, Pagit-Pagit offers a unique and intensely flavored culinary experience. This traditional Karo dish is a soup made with various bitter leaves, often including young papaya leaves, cassava leaves, or other locally sourced bitter greens. The bitterness is balanced with a rich broth, often containing meat (such as beef or buffalo) and a complex blend of spices, including the indispensable Andaliman pepper. Pagit-Pagit is known for its distinctive bitter taste, which is believed by locals to have health benefits and is certainly an acquired taste that offers a memorable and authentic glimpse into Karo culinary traditions.
Why You’ll Love It: Unique and intensely bitter flavor profile, rich and complex broth, a truly authentic and traditional Karo dish for adventurous eaters.
Where to Find It: Pagit-Pagit is more commonly found in traditional Karo restaurants and may require a bit more searching than other more mainstream dishes. Ask locals for recommendations on where to find an authentic version.
5. Tasak Telu: A Trio of Flavorful Vegetable Dishes
Tasak Telu, meaning “cooked three ways” in Karo, isn’t a single dish but rather a delightful combination of three distinct vegetable preparations, showcasing the versatility of local produce. This culinary concept typically features a medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in different styles, often including:
- Sayur Masak Lemak: Vegetables (like long beans, chayote, or young jackfruit) cooked in a creamy and mildly spiced coconut milk broth.
- Sayur Asam: Vegetables (like water spinach, corn, and melinjo fruit) cooked in a tangy and slightly spicy sour soup.
- Rincung: A dish made from thinly sliced young bamboo shoots, often stir-fried with spices and sometimes small pieces of meat or fish.
Tasak Telu offers a balanced and flavorful accompaniment to main dishes like BPK or grilled fish, providing a wonderful exploration of different textures and tastes within a single serving.
Why You’ll Love It: Variety of flavors and textures, showcases local seasonal vegetables, provides a balanced accompaniment to other Karo dishes, a unique culinary concept.
Where to Find It: Restaurants specializing in traditional Karo cuisine are the best places to find Tasak Telu. It’s often offered as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
Embark on a Culinary Adventure in Tanah Karo:
The culinary landscape of Tanah Karo is as diverse and captivating as its natural beauty. These top 5 culinary delights offer a glimpse into the unique flavors and traditions of this fascinating region. So, come hungry and be prepared to savor the authentic tastes of Tanah Karo, creating memories that will last long after your last bite.
