Introduction to Batagor and Siomay
Indonesia is known for its diverse and delicious street food, and two of the most popular dishes are Batagor and Siomay. These dishes are widely served by street food vendors and can be found in almost every city in Indonesia. Batagor is a combination of two Indonesian words – Bakso Tahu Goreng – which means fried tofu meatballs, while Siomay is a steamed fish dumpling wrapped in a thin layer of wheat flour.
Origin of Batagor and Siomay
The origin of Batagor and Siomay can be traced back to the Chinese influence on Indonesian cuisine. Both dishes are believed to have originated from Chinese meat dumplings or wontons. However, over time, Indonesians have altered the recipe and added their own unique flavour to the dishes, making them distinctly Indonesian.
How to Make Batagor
Ingredients:
- 250g of fish paste
- 100g of tapioca flour
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 10-12 tofu pieces
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix the fish paste, tapioca flour, garlic, egg white, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Take a piece of tofu and fill it with the fish paste mixture.
- Fry the stuffed tofu in hot oil until golden brown.
- Serve hot with peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce.
How to Make Siomay
Ingredients:
- 250g of fish paste
- 100g of tapioca flour
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 10-12 tofu pieces
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix the fish paste, tapioca flour, garlic, egg white, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Take a piece of tofu and fill it with the fish paste mixture.
- Fry the stuffed tofu in hot oil until golden brown.
- Serve hot with peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce.
Variations of Batagor and Siomay
While the traditional Batagor and Siomay are made with fish paste, tofu, and wheat flour, there are several variations of these dishes that you can try. For example, you can use chicken or shrimp paste instead of fish paste to make Batagor or Siomay. You can also add vegetables like carrots or cabbage to the filling to make it more nutritious and flavourful.
Best Places to Try Batagor and Siomay
While Batagor and Siomay are widely served by street food vendors in Indonesia, there are also many restaurants that specialize in these dishes. Some of the best places to try Batagor and Siomay in Indonesia include:
- Batagor Kingsley in Bandung
- Siomay Kari di Teko in Jakarta
- Siomay Cililitan in Jakarta
- Batagor Riri in Jakarta
- Siomay Enak Bu Asih in Surabaya
The Health Benefits of Batagor and Siomay
Batagor and Siomay are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Fish paste, which is the main ingredient in these dishes, is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart health. Tofu, which is used to wrap the fish paste, is a great source of protein and can help reduce cholesterol levels. Wheat flour, which is used to make Siomay, is a good source of dietary fibre, which can help with digestion.
Conclusion
Batagor and Siomay are two of the most popular street foods in Indonesia. These dishes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you are in Jakarta, Surabaya or Bandung, you can easily find a street vendor or restaurant that serves Batagor and Siomay. So, the next time you are in Indonesia, don’t forget to try these mouth-watering dishes.