Batagor

Batagor is a beloved street food from Indonesia, especially popular throughout Southeast Asia. Originating from the Sundanese region, this dish features crispy fried fish dumplings served with a rich peanut sauce. Traditionally, batagor is made from minced tenggiri fish, but other seafood varieties like tuna, mackerel, and prawn are also commonly used. The fish paste is encased in wonton skins or tofu, then deep-fried to golden perfection.

When you buy batagor from street vendors, it often comes accompanied by fried tofu and otak-otak fish cakes. These are generously topped with peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, chili paste, and a squeeze of lime juice. The result is an irresistibly crispy and crunchy snack that complements the flavors of the sauces beautifully.

Batagor is a familiar sight in Indonesian cities, particularly in Bandung, West Java, where it holds a special place in local cuisine. The dish has Chinese Indonesian roots and is believed to have evolved from siomay, a steamed dumpling. The key difference? Batagor is fried, giving it that delightful crunch.

Legend has it that batagor was invented in Bandung in 1968 as a way to repurpose unsold bakso meatballs. What started as a clever solution quickly became a staple of Indonesian street food. Today, most batagor vendors are Sundanese, continuing the tradition.

Over the years, batagor has inspired some tasty variations. One popular twist is batagor kuah, where the fried dumplings are served in a clear, flavorful broth. This soup is made by simmering chicken broth with seasonings like pepper, sugar, salt, leek, and celery. Chili sauce, tomato sauce, and lime juice are often added for an extra kick.

People love batagor for its savory taste, crispy texture, and the sweet-savory peanut sauce that accompanies it. Plus, it's budget-friendly. As of 2018, a serving from a street vendor typically costs around 10,000 Indonesian rupiah, which is less than one US dollar.

So next time you're in Indonesia, make sure to try some batagor. It's a delightful taste of Sundanese culinary tradition that you won't want to miss!