William Wongso, Culinary Expert
Recommendation: Bubur Tinutuan
Likupang’s most loved breakfast dish, Bubur Tinutuan is a rich, heavy-bodied rice congee that showcases the region’s best vegetables. Made with delectable ingredients like lemongrass, ginger-flavored water, and with vegetables like corn, pumpkin, cassava, water spinach, it’s also historically known as the jungle porridge. The dish was said to be born out of necessity by the soldiers hiding in the tropical jungles of North Sulawesi during the Japanese occupation.
What makes bubur tinutuan special is the gedi leaf, a specialty ingredient in Minahasan cuisine that looks like a mix of seaweed and spinach. The leaf adds a bitter yet pleasant character to the porridge and with its fellow aromatics, having a bowl of this wholesome congee is the perfect way to kickstart your day.
With all the colors, textures and flavors from the vegetables and spices, bubur tinutuan is often served at intimate family gatherings. In Minahasan culture, it’s also called bubur persaudaraan, or camaraderie porridge, making it a dish that everyone can’t help but love, especially for those with a milder palate.
Health & safety protocols to note
When you’re traveling around Indonesia, don’t forget that health and safety protocols are still strictly enforced. Major tourist destinations will have temperature checks and won’t let you enter without your masks. Vaccine certificates are also required upon entry across all establishments, so have it ready from your PeduliLindungi app.
Certain international travelers are allowed to enter Indonesia with strict regulations, so be sure to keep checking before you book your tickets and start packing. Domestic travel across the archipelago is open for vaccinated travelers, but remember to remain safe and be responsible for yourself and others.