bisnisrakyat.id - Padang Cuisine has become a culinary icon that is widely known in Indonesia and abroad. This dish is not only popular because of its deliciousness, but also because of the unique way of serving it and the variety of typical Minang flavors that are rich in spices. From cooking methods to dishes in Padang restaurants, there are many unique facts about this dish that make it even more special. Here are some interesting facts about Padang cuisine that you need to know.

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1. Complete dishes and full of choices.

One of the characteristics of Padang restaurants is the abundant serving. When you dine in, the waiter will serve all the menus directly at the table, and you only pay for the dishes you eat. This serving technique is known as serving, which allows customers to directly choose the food they want to enjoy without having to order one by one. From rendang, chicken curry, dendeng balado, to green chili sauce, Padang dishes are always colorful and appetizing.

2. Rendang, the most delicious dish in the world.

One of the world-famous Minang specialties is rendang. This beef-based dish cooked in coconut milk and spices was once named one of the most delicious foods in the world by CNN. Rendang has a tender meat texture with a rich taste because of the long cooking process. This long cooking process making the spices really soak in and the meat becomes very tender. It is no wonder that rendang is not only popular in Indonesia, but also throughout the world.

3. Rich in Spices

Padang cuisine is known for its abundant use of spices. Ingredients such as turmeric, Galangal, ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric leaves are some of the spices that are often used in various Padang dishes. The use of these spices not only enriches the taste but also provides a distinctive aroma that is very appetizing. In addition, these spices also have health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.

4. Padang Food Lasts a Long Time

One of the unique features of Padang cuisine is that it lasts quite a long time. This is because many Padang dishes, such as rendang and dendeng, are cooked for a long time until the spices are completely absorbed and the water evaporates. This cooking process makes Padang cuisine more durable and does not spoil easily even if stored without refrigeration. No wonder, rendang is often brought as provisions for long trips or as souvenirs from the land of Minang.

5. Abundant Portions of Rice

If you have ever eaten at a Padang restaurant , you must know that the portion of rice served is usually very abundant. This is a characteristic of Padang restaurants where customers are served large amounts of rice, which can then be complemented with side dishes and vegetables. Rice is the basic ingredient that supports the deliciousness of the rich side dishes. various spices. This also reflects the eating habits of the Minang people who like large and filling dishes.

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6. Wide Variety of Menus

In Padang restaurants, the menu served is very diverse. Although rendang is the main icon, there are many other dishes that are no less delicious, such as fish curry, chicken pop, green chili sauce, kalio, and cassava leaf vegetables. This variation makes Padang cuisine very flexible because everyone can find a side dish or vegetable that suits their taste. In addition, this wide variety of menus also reflects the richness of Minangkabau culture and cuisine.

7. Using Original Coconut Oil

One of the secrets to the deliciousness of Padang cuisine is the use of original coconut oil. This coconut oil gives a distinctive aroma and taste to Padang cuisine, which is difficult to imitate if using other types of oil. Coconut oil also helps the spices and herbs to penetrate the meat or other ingredients, making the dish even more delicious and aromatic. In addition, original coconut oil also contains healthy fats that are beneficial for the body.

8. Complicated and Traditional Cooking Techniques

Cooking Padang cuisine is not easy and requires patience and a long time. The intricate cooking techniques of Padang cuisine often involve constant stirring to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Rendang, for example, takes hours for the meat to become truly tender and the spices to fully absorb. Many Minang chefs still use the traditional method of cooking with firewood, which is believed to provide a more authentic flavor.

9. Use of Asam Kandis and Asam Gelugur

One of the typical spices in Padang cuisine that is rarely found in other cuisines is asam kandis and asam gelugur. These two ingredients provide a unique and fresh sour taste to dishes such as gulai and rendang. The use of asam kandis and asam gelugur also provides a preservative effect on food because their natural acids help slow down spoilage. These ingredients further add to the complexity of the flavors of Padang cuisine which are rich in a combination of savory, spicy, and sour flavors.

10. The Ever-Present Green Sambal

Padang cuisine is not complete without its signature green sambal. This green sambal is made from coarsely ground green chilies with shallots, garlic, and green tomatoes. This chili sauce provides a fresh spicy taste that complements the deliciousness of Padang side dishes that are rich in spices. This green chili sauce is also a characteristic of Padang cuisine that makes it different from other regional cuisines in Indonesia.

Conclusion

Padang cuisine is not only rich in flavor, but also full of uniqueness from the way it is cooked to the way it is served. Each Padang dish has a special story and technique that makes it so distinctive and special. With local ingredients rich in spices and traditional cooking techniques, Padang cuisine has succeeded in stealing attention not only in Indonesia but also internationally. So, when you enjoy Padang dishes, you also feel the uniqueness of authentic and delicious Minang culture.

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