South Kalimantan Indonesia Travel Guide
Banjarese cuisine (Masakan Banjar) features influences from Malay, Javanese, Chinese, and South asian flavors, reflecting the city's history as a trading port.
The cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, especially river fish, and a rich array of local spices, resulting in aromatic, often spicy, and deeply flavorful dishes.
Indonesians typically eat with a spoon and fork. Dining without cutlery is common for street food or traditional settings.
Dishes are often shared among groups, allowing everyone to sample a variety of flavors.
Don't use your left hand for eating or passing food, as local custom considers it unclean.
A fragrant chicken or beef soup with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, served accompanied by rice vermicelli and potato cakes.
Widely available at local eateries across the city.
Yellow rice cooked with coconut milk and turmeric, often served with various accompaniments like shredded chicken, egg, and chili paste.
A popular breakfast dish found at many street vendors and warungs in the mornings.
Steamed rice cakes having a rich, spicy, curry-like sauce featuring smoked snakehead seafood or chicken cooked in coconut milk.
Find at specialty warungs and seafood restaurants.
Es Cendol (rice flour jelly dessert), Es Teh (iced tea), and Jus Alpukat (avocado juice, often with chocolate syrup).
Wadai (Kue) are traditional Banjarese cakes like Wadai Cincin, Amparan Tatak, and Bingka. Apam Barabai (steamed rice cake) is also popular.
True fine dining is limited, but upscale restaurants are within 4-LUXURY hotels like the Golden Tulip or Swiss-Belhotel.
Numerous options for Indonesian and Banjarese cuisine. Establishments like RM Lontong Orari provide comfortable meals.
Warungs (small local eateries) and Kaki Lima (street food stalls) provide genuine, delicious, and highly affordable meals.
A diverse selection of street food options in the evenings, a popular spot for dinner and snacks.
Expect a lively atmosphere.
These markets mainly sell fresh produce in addition to offer prepared snacks and local delicacies.
Authentic local retail experience.
Duta Mall and Transmart Carrefour have several Indonesian and some international fast food.
Certain large hotels may provide basic Western dishes.
Few restaurants dish out Chinese or Japanese dishes, mostly within malls.
The broadest selection of international meals frequently resides in major hotel dining rooms.
Local staff may have limited English. Be patient and use simple, direct phrases.
Practice sayings like "saya vegetarian" (I am vegetarian).
Use translation apps to convey specific dietary restrictions. Consider carrying a Translation card for serious allergic reactions.
Visual aids can also be helpful.
Kosher options are extremely limited or non-existent in Banjarmasin.
For severe allergies or complex dietary needs, consider packing some staple products or snacks.
Formal cooking classes specifically for Banjarese cuisine are limited for tourists.
Arrange food tours with local guides to explore markets and street food, gaining understanding of local ingredients and preparation methods.
Connecting with locals might provide opportunities for informal cooking demonstrations or shared meals.
Experience a meal on a floating restaurant or during a slow river cruise, truly capturing Banjarmasin's identity.
A memorable way to dine.
Engage with vendors at markets to learn about ingredients and preparation methods firsthand.
Increase your appreciation of the local cuisine.
Venture beyond tourist spots to discover authentic warungs and street food vendors.
Be adventurous and sample a wide array of Banjarese dishes and snacks.
Many culinary experiences are tied to the rivers, from floating markets to riverside restaurants.
While a rich culinary destination, travelers with strict dietary needs (especially vegan or severe allergies) should prepare ahead due to language barriers and common ingredients.
