bisnisrakyat.id - Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, is famous for its rich fish-based cuisine. As a city located on the banks of the Musi River, Palembang has abundant access to fishery products, which are then processed into various appetizing specialties. Here are some typical Palembang fish dishes that are not only delicious but also full of local flavors.

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1. Pempek

Pempek is Palembang's most famous culinary icon, becoming a symbol of the city. Made from a mixture of ground mackerel fish, sago flour, and simple seasonings, pempek has a chewy texture and savory taste.

Pempek comes in many shapes and variants, such as:

- Pempek kapal selam: Filled with chicken eggs on the inside.

- Pempek lenjer: Simple elongated shape.

- Pempek adaan: Round and deep fried without boiling first.

- Pempek kulit: Uses fish skin as the main ingredient.

Pempek is served with kuah cuko, a thick, dark brown sauce made from palm sugar, tamarind, garlic and chili. The cuko sauce gives a sour, spicy and sweet taste that complements the savory pempek.

2. Tekwan

Tekwan is a Palembang fish soup known for its light and refreshing flavor. Small balls of fish and sago are the star of this dish. Tekwan is served with a clear broth made from shrimp stock, giving it a distinctive and aromatic flavor.

Complements include rice noodles, sliced bengkuang, ear mushrooms, celery and fried onions. The warm soup of tekwan is perfect for cold weather or as an appetizer.

3. Model

Model is a dish similar to tekwan, but with the addition of tofu stuffed with fish batter. It also uses a savory and fresh shrimp broth. Model is usually served with vermicelli, sliced bengkuang and fried shallots, similar to tekwan.

There are two famous types of models:

- Tofu model: Uses tofu as the filling.

- Gendum model: Uses wheat bread as the filling.

4. Pindang Ikan

Pindang is a Palembang-style fish soup that has a sour, spicy, and sweet flavor. It usually uses shark-catfish, baung, or snakehead as the main ingredients. Pindang soup is made from spices such as shallots, garlic, chili, tamarind, and turmeric, which give it a distinctive aroma and yellow-brown color.

Pindang is often served with warm rice, sambal and fresh vegetables. This dish is very popular because of its fresh taste and rich spices.

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5. Burgo

Burgo is one of Palembang's traditional culinary delights made from rice flour and sago dough, which is cooked like a thin omelette, then rolled and sliced into small pieces. Burgo is served with a spiced coconut milk sauce, made from ground fish, garlic, turmeric, and other spices.

Burgo has a soft texture and a unique savory taste. It is usually enjoyed as breakfast by the local people.

6. Lakso

Lakso is a dish that is almost similar to burgo, but uses noodles as the main ingredient. Lakso noodles are made from a mixture of rice flour and sago, resulting in a chewy texture. They are served with a rich coconut milk gravy, often topped with a sprinkling of fried onions and chili pieces.

Lakso has a similar flavor to burgo, but the texture is more “biting” due to the use of noodles.

7. Kemplang

Kemplang is a Palembang cracker made from mackerel fish. The dough is molded flat, then baked until crispy. This roasting process gives it a distinctive flavor compared to regular crackers that are fried.

Kemplang is often served as a snack or complement to a meal, usually with Palembang's signature sweet and spicy chili sauce.

8. Lempok Ikan

Lempok ikan is a Palembang snack made from a mixture of fish, sago flour and simple spices. It resembles dodol, but with a distinctive savory fish flavor. Lempok Ikan is usually used as a snack or souvenir from Palembang.

9. Celimpungan

Celimpungan is a dish similar to tekwan, but the balls are larger and served with a yellowish coconut milk sauce. The gravy is made from coconut milk seasoned with turmeric, onions, and other spices, giving it a savory and slightly spicy taste.

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Last but not least,

Palembang fish dishes are a testament to Indonesia's culinary richness, rooted in local traditions and resources. Each dish has a unique story, flavor and way of serving, reflecting the rich culture of the Palembang people. If you are visiting Palembang, don't miss the opportunity to taste these culinary delights. Surely, every bite will provide an unforgettable culinary experience!