Located in North Sulawesi, Likupang is known for its pristine beaches, clear blue seas, and unspoiled natural beauty. But beyond its coastal charm, this tropical paradise hides another treasure — a rich culinary heritage that reflects the heart of Wonderful Indonesia.
From spicy seafood to comforting local snacks, Likupang’s traditional dishes showcase the harmony of land and sea. Each recipe is a celebration of the region’s natural ingredients and the community’s cultural roots. For travelers seeking more than just sightseeing, Likupang offers an unforgettable culinary adventure waiting to be savored.
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IkanWokuBelanga – A Burst of Coastal Flavor
A Signature Dish of North Sulawesi
If there’s one dish that defines Likupang, it’s Ikan Woku Belanga. This flavorful fish stew is cooked with turmeric, lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies — creating a vibrant yellow broth bursting with spice and fragrance. Traditionally cooked in a clay pot (belanga), the dish captures the essence of the sea and the warmth of Sulawesi’s cuisine.
Served with steamed rice, it’s a comforting yet exciting meal that perfectly embodies the taste of Wonderful Indonesia.
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CakalangFufu – The Smoked Tuna Delight
A Culinary Icon from the Northern Coast
Cakalang Fufu is smoked skipjack tuna, one of North Sulawesi’s most famous specialties. The fish is seasoned, dried, and smoked using coconut husks, giving it a deep, smoky aroma and a slightly salty taste. Locals often shred it and stir-fry it with chili and lime, creating Cakalang Rica-Rica, a fiery side dish that pairs beautifully with rice.
It’s not just food — it’s a cultural identity, connecting generations of fishermen and families who depend on the sea.
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Bubur Manado (Tinutuan) – The Comforting Local Porridge
A Healthy Start to Your Likupang Morning
A trip to Likupang isn’t complete without a bowl of Tinutuan, also known as Bubur Manado. This traditional vegetable porridge combines pumpkin, corn, cassava, and leafy greens into a warm, hearty meal.
Unlike typical porridge, Tinutuan has no meat — making it perfect for vegetarians. Topped with fried shallots, sambal, and salted fish, it’s a dish that warms both heart and soul, representing the nurturing spirit of Wonderful Indonesia.
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Sambal Roa – The Fiery Soul ofLikupangCuisine
A Taste That Defines the Region
No North Sulawesi meal is complete without Sambal Roa — a spicy chili paste made from smoked roa fish. It delivers a punchy mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that perfectly complements almost any dish, from rice to fried bananas.
This sambal is more than a condiment; it’s a way of life. In Likupang, every household has its own secret recipe — a proud symbol of culinary creativity passed down through generations.
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Panada – A Tasty Snack with Portuguese Roots
A Fusion of Culture and Flavor
Panada is Likupang’s answer to empanadas — a deep-fried pastry stuffed with spicy tuna, influenced by Portuguese traders centuries ago. The crisp golden crust and flavorful fish filling make it a favorite street food and a must-try for visitors exploring Wonderful Indonesia.
Panada’s blend of European technique and local ingredients perfectly reflects the diversity that defines Indonesian cuisine.
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Pisang Goroho – The North Sulawesi Banana Treat
A Snack That Balances Sweet and Savory
Pisang Goroho is a unique banana variety native to North Sulawesi, usually served fried and enjoyed with spicy sambal roa. Unlike sweet bananas, this one has a firm, savory taste, making it a delightful snack or side dish.
Simple yet addictive, Pisang Goroho shows how Likupang’s locals can transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
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BrenebonSoup – A Hearty Colonial-Era Classic
A Legacy Dish from Dutch Influence
Derived from the Dutch word bruine bonen (brown beans), Brenebon Soup combines red beans, smoked meat, and local spices. It’s a hearty, savory soup enjoyed during cooler evenings in Likupang.
Served with steamed rice, the soup reflects centuries of cultural exchange between the locals and European settlers — another example of how Wonderful Indonesia blends history and taste in every meal.
Culinary Adventures Beyond the Plate
Where Culture, Tradition, and Flavor Meet
Likupang’s cuisine is more than a collection of recipes — it’s a living story of its people, geography, and heritage. Every dish connects diners to the rhythms of coastal life, where the sea, farms, and forests come together in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re enjoying smoky Cakalang by the beach or sipping hot Brenebon in a local warung, each bite brings you closer to understanding the heart of Wonderful Indonesia — diverse, passionate, and full of flavor.
Conclusion
For culinary explorers, Likupang is a hidden paradise waiting to be tasted. Its traditional foods reveal the depth of North Sulawesi’s culture and its connection to the sea. So the next time you visit, skip the resort buffet — and instead, eat where the locals do. Because in the kitchens of Likupang, every meal tells a story — one that captures the true essence of Wonderful Indonesia.
