Rich and spicy, ‘nasi Padang’ leaves diners wanting more

Mon, December 9, 2019 / 04:38 pm

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A Padang restaurant on Jl. Kapt. Pattimura in Medan, North Sumatra, boasts the rumah gadang style through its distinctively shaped roof. Rumah gadang is the customary house of the Minang people. JP/Andri Ginting
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Wall décor portraying the Great Mosque of West Sumatra is seen at a Padang restaurant on Jl. Kaswari in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting
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A restaurant staff member cooks food to be served at a Minang-style restaurant in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting
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Gulai nangka (jackfruit soup cooked with coconut milk) is a common dish in Padang eateries. JP/Andri Ginting
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Two children in school uniform enjoy food at a Padang restaurant in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting
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American guests have a meal at a Padang restaurant in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting
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Nasi Padang is spread out on the dining table, comprising steamed rice, beef, chicken and fish dishes, as well as sambal and vegetables. JP/Andri Ginting
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A restaurant staff member prepares to serve drinks at a Padang restaurant in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting
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Nasi Padang is available for takeaway, too, wrapped in paper layered with banana leaves. JP/Andri Ginting
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Itab (48) is the second generation running the Gumarang Jaya restaurant, a Minang-style restaurant established in 1986 in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting
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A small Padang-style eatery on Jl. Kaswari in Medan, North Sumatra. JP/Andri Ginting

Andri Ginting

Almost all Indonesians know nasi Padang (Minang-style rice with various side dishes) from West Sumatra. This authentic Indonesian spread is very popular and easy to get – and it is gaining recognition worldwide.

A Padang-style restaurant serves different kinds of protein and vegetables cooked in a distinct style, such as rendang (slow-cooked meat in coconut milk and spices), dendeng batokok (spicy beef jerky), ikan balado (fish cooked with sambal), ayam pop (fried, pressure-cooked chicken), soto Padang (aromatic beef soup) and gulai nangka (jackfruit soup cooked with coconut milk). These dishes become even more appetizing with green sambal as condiment.

Easy to find in many places of Indonesia, Padang restaurants are linked to the tradition of the Minang people. Leaving home to live in faraway places, many Minang people have tried their hand at opening Padang restaurants away from home.

Padang food is of bold flavor, as it is well-seasoned and generous in the use of Indonesian spices. Almost all protein and vegetables are cooked with thick coconut milk, resulting in rich, delicious flavors. They could also be spicy, but leaving diners wanting more.

The Gumarang Jaya restaurant is a Padang restaurant in Medan, North Sumatra. Established in 1986, the restaurant is popular for its fried free-range chicken. All of its tables are full during lunchtime.

Padang food is also popular with many foreigners. When they come to visit, they would take time to stop by the restaurant. One of their favorite dishes is rendang. [mut]