Discover a variety of South Sulawesi specialties that are rich in spices and appetizing, from Coto Makassar to Sarabba, which will definitely make you addicted.

South Sulawesi is not only known for its natural beauty and rich culture, but also for its delicious cuisine. Typical foods from this region have a variety of flavors, ranging from sweet, spicy, to savory with abundant spices.

No wonder, dishes from South Sulawesi have succeeded in captivating many hearts and have become favorites for lovers of Indonesian cuisine. Here are 10 Typical South Sulawesi Foods that you must try:

1. Coto Makassar

Coto Makassar is one of the most iconic foods from South Sulawesi. This dish consists of offal and beef cooked in a thick, spice-rich sauce. The offal is boiled with water used to wash rice and ground peanuts, giving it a unique taste.

Usually, Coto is served with ketupat or burasa, a type of lontong typical of Makassar. Now, Coto Makassar can be easily found in various cities in Indonesia, not only in its original area.

2. Konro Soup

Konro Soup is a soup dish made from beef ribs with a blackish brown sauce made from kluwek. This dish has a strong spice flavor with the addition of coriander, making it one of the most popular traditional dishes in South Sulawesi.

Konro Soup is usually served with ketupat, but there is also a variant of Konro Bakar, where the ribs are grilled before being served with Konro sauce. Both the soup and grilled versions are equally delicious and filling.

3. Chalk

Kapurung is a traditional dish from Luwu, South Sulawesi, made from sago flour. This dish is served with fish or chicken and various vegetables, and the sauce has a delicious savory taste. Kapurung has a chewy texture similar to papeda from Maluku and Papua.

Even though it is a traditional food, Kapurung is now increasingly easy to find in various restaurants, not only in South Sulawesi but also in other big cities.

4. Nasu Palekko

Nasu Palekko is a typical Bugis food made from duck meat cut into small pieces. Duck meat is cooked with strong spices and given vinegar or lime to remove the fishy smell.

It tastes savory and spicy, perfect for those of you who like food with bold flavors. Nasu Palekko is often served with warm white rice and is a favorite among the Bugis people.

5. Buras or Burasa

Buras or Burasa is a typical South Sulawesi food which is similar to lontong, but smoother and softer. Buras is made from rice cooked with coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves, and served with a sprinkling of coconut seasoned with sugar, salt, and chili.

This dish is often served at special events such as thanksgiving and holidays, but it is also easy to find in traditional markets.

6. Epe Banana

Pisang Epe is a typical Makassar snack made from flattened and grilled plantains. “Epe” in Makassarese means “pinched,” which describes the process of making this snack.

Pisang Epe is usually served with liquid brown sugar, but now there are also various topping variations such as cheese, chocolate, or milk. This snack is often sold along Losari Beach and is a favorite among tourists.

7. Green Banana Ice Cream

Es Pisang Ijo is one of the most famous desserts from South Sulawesi. Steamed bananas are wrapped in green flour dough and served with thick coconut milk sauce and shaved ice.

This dish is usually topped with sweet red syrup, creating a fresh and delicious combination of flavors. Es Pisang Ijo is perfect for hot weather, and its affordable price makes it even more popular.

8. Grilled Parape Fish

Grilled Parape Fish is a very popular seafood dish from South Sulawesi. The fish used can vary, such as baronang or cepa fish, and is grilled with typical Makassar spices consisting of shallots, garlic, ginger, candlenuts, and tamarind water.

The spicy, sweet, and sour taste of the fish makes it a favorite choice for seafood lovers. Ikan Bakar Parape can be found in various seafood restaurants in Makassar.

9. The Bagadang Songkolo

Songkolo Bagadang is a typical Bugis dish made from black or white sticky rice served with roasted grated coconut and palm sugar. This food is usually served at night and is a favorite for those looking for a late night snack or breakfast. The savory and sweet taste of Songkolo Bagadang makes it an unforgettable food.

10. Sarabba

Sarabba is a traditional drink from Makassar made from ginger, palm sugar, coconut milk and egg yolk. This drink is very popular among the people of South Sulawesi, especially during cold weather or when someone is feeling unwell.

Sarabba is believed to have benefits to increase energy and warm the body. With a sweet and spicy taste, this drink is also often drunk to relieve flu or colds. South Sulawesi’s culinary specialties not only offer unique flavors and are rich in spices, but also illustrate the richness of the region’s culture.

From Typical Makassar Food like savory soups to sweet snacks, every typical South Sulawesi dish provides an unforgettable culinary experience. So, for those of you who want to explore the culinary delights of the archipelago, South Sulawesi is a culinary destination that should not be missed!