Akasuki Experience the deliciousness of Manado’s culinary specialties, from legendary yellow rice to fresh seafood with a tempting spicy taste.
Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, is not only famous for its beautiful sea but also its culinary variety that is rich in flavor. Manado’s typical food is dominated by fresh seafood, spicy chili sauce, and special spices that make it so unique and delicious.
For those of you who plan to visit, make sure to taste the special culinary spread across various iconic Manado eateries. Here are recommendations for special culinary that you must try:
1. Tikala Coffee House
As one of the oldest coffee shops in Manado, over 50 years old, Rumah Kopi Tikala is the ideal place to enjoy a cup of Manadonese coffee.
The shop is famous for its black coffee and milk coffee that uses a mixture of condensed milk, creating a classic taste that is different from modern coffee shops.
Accompanied by typical snacks such as biapong (coconut and brown sugar filled buns), gabin, and panada, the coffee here is perfect for starting the day in a relaxed manner.
2. Tuna Jaw at RM Sahabat Nelayan
Manado is synonymous with tuna dishes, especially grilled tuna jaw which is a favorite menu. One of the best places to try it is RM Sahabat Nelayan.
Here, you can enjoy grilled tuna jaw complete with rice and kale, served with three types of Manadonese chili sauce: sambal roa, dabu-dabu, and grilled rica. Tuna jaw here is available in various sizes at affordable prices, starting from IDR 35,000 to IDR 55,000.
3. Tuna House
Tuna House Restaurant is already famous as a must-visit place to enjoy delicious tuna dishes. With five branches around Manado, Tuna House offers a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled tuna, woku belanga tuna, and fresh tuna sashimi.
Don’t miss its Typical Manado Food signature menu, grilled tuna breast served with spicy and fresh grilled rica chili sauce. Complete the dish with stir-fried papaya flowers or ferns for a complete dining experience.
4. Saroja Yellow Rice Restaurant
For yellow rice lovers, Saroja Yellow Rice Restaurant is a must-visit destination in Manado. This restaurant has been around since 1977 and even broke the MURI record for the most yellow rice sales.
A plate of yellow rice served here is served with shredded skipjack tuna, French fries, boiled egg, and Manadonese chili sauce. This restaurant is open from 5 am to 8 pm, so you can enjoy yellow rice at any time.
5. Banjer Tinutuan Porridge
Tinutuan porridge, or known as Manado porridge, is a great choice for breakfast or afternoon snack. One of the popular places to enjoy this porridge is in the Tikala Ares area.
Tinutuan porridge here is served with various vegetables such as water spinach, spinach, corn, sweet potato, and skipjack tuna, which gives it a delicious and healthy taste. You can also add additional side dishes such as fried nike, skipjack tuna fufu, or tofu to complete the dish.
6. Dego Dego Restaurant
Located on Jalan Wakeke, Rumah Makan Dego Dego is the right choice for Muslim tourists who want to taste Manadonese specialties.
One of the main menus served here is Bubur Tinutuan, which has a distinctive and unique taste. With a comfortable and clean atmosphere, Dego Dego is an ideal place to enjoy Manadonese cuisine without having to worry about its halal status.
7. King of Satay
If you are looking for satay with a typical Manadonese taste, Raja Sate is the place. Known as a friendly place for Muslim tourists, Raja Sate serves various satay menus with special spices that penetrate into the meat.
Located on Jalan Pierre Tendean, the satay here is famous for its rich spices that make anyone addicted.
8. Wisata Bahari Seafood Restaurant
fresh seafood with a stunning ocean view as a backdrop. Located on Jalan Wolter Monginsidi, the restaurant has views of Bunaken Island and Manado Tua Island, adding to the enjoyment of dining. Here, you can enjoy various dishes of fish, shrimp, squid, and crab cooked with typical Manado spices.
9. King Oci Restaurant
Raja Oci is a famous seafood restaurant in Manado and serves halal dishes with a distinctive Manadonese taste. Here, you can enjoy various seafood dishes with Manadonese chili sauce that is spicy and delicious.
One of the most popular dishes is grilled oci fish served with fresh dabu-dabu chili sauce. Located on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, this restaurant is the right choice for dinner with family.
10. Saroja Restaurant
Located on Jalan Diponegoro, Rumah Makan Saroja is the perfect place to taste Manado’s signature yellow rice. The yellow rice here is served with delicious shredded skipjack tuna, as well as a variety of side dishes to complement the dish.
This place has a cozy atmosphere and simple decoration that makes your dining experience even more enjoyable. Saroja Restaurant is the right choice for those of you who want to enjoy authentic Manadonese flavors.
Enjoying Manado’s culinary specialties is an experience that should not be missed when visiting North Sulawesi. From Typical North Sulawesi Food such as fresh seafood dishes to legendary yellow rice, every dish in Manado is rich in flavors that pamper the tongue.
With a variety of dining options spread across the city, Manado offers a complete and satisfying culinary experience for food lovers.
