Indulge in the delicious array of iconic and mouthwatering Padang dishes, from rendang to sate Padang, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!
Padang cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. Who can resist the rich, flavorful spices, generous portions, and diverse dishes? Padang’s signature cuisine has become a favorite not only in its home region of West Sumatra but also throughout Indonesia and internationally.
It’s no wonder that Padang restaurants can be found everywhere, from small towns to major cities. Here are ten of the most iconic Padang dishes that are sure to leave you craving for more.
1. Rendang
Who doesn’t know rendang? This dish is often crowned as one of the most delicious foods in the world.
As a signature Typical Padang Food, rendang is made from beef cooked in coconut milk and a blend of spices such as chili, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and other seasonings.
The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to fully absorb into the meat, resulting in a tender texture and complex taste.
Rendang is more than just food; it is a symbol of the rich cultural and culinary traditions of the Minangkabau people.
2. Sate Padang
Sate Padang stands out from other types of satay in Indonesia. Small pieces of beef are skewered and grilled to perfection, but the real highlight of Sate Padang is its thick yellow sauce, made from rice flour, spices, and beef broth.
The sauce is rich, spicy, and savory, creating a perfect pairing with the tender, aromatic beef satay. It’s usually served with rice cakes (lontong) and sprinkled with crispy fried shallots.
3. Gulai Tambusu
Gulai Tambusu is a unique dish consisting of cow intestines stuffed with a mixture of tofu and eggs, then cooked in a rich yellow curry sauce.
The sauce is made from coconut milk and spices like turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass, giving it a savory and mildly spicy flavor.
The combination of the soft tofu filling and chewy intestines creates an unforgettable dining experience.
4. Dendeng Balado
Dendeng Balado is thinly sliced beef, fried until crispy, and then topped with sambal balado (a chili-based sauce).
The sambal is made from a mixture of red chilies, shallots, garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice, creating a spicy, tangy, and fresh taste that pairs perfectly with the crispy beef. This dish is great as a side dish with rice or as a spicy snack.
5. Gulai Ikan

Padang is also famous for its seafood dishes, one of which is Gulai Ikan. Various types of fish, such as tuna, snapper, or grouper, are cooked in a curry sauce made from thick coconut milk and spices like turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves.
Gulai Ikan offers a savory, spicy, and fresh flavor, making it a favorite choice at Padang restaurants.
6. Ayam Pop
Ayam Pop is a unique Padang dish unlike any other chicken dish. The chicken is first boiled with minimal seasoning, such as garlic and salt, resulting in a light yet delicious flavor. After boiling, the chicken is briefly fried, leaving the skin slightly crispy but still white.
Ayam Pop is typically served with a spicy and tangy red sambal, enhancing the overall flavor of this dish.
7. Gulai Tunjang
For offal lovers, Gulai Tunjang is a must-try. Tunjang refers to the cow’s feet, which are cooked in a thick, spiced curry sauce.
The long cooking process makes the tunjang incredibly tender, and the spices fully absorb into the meat. Its chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor make Gulai Tunjang a special addition to any meal.
8. Soto Padang
Soto Padang is a variation of soto (Indonesian soup) that differs from those found in other regions. It features crispy fried beef served in a clear, flavorful broth made from beef stock mixed with spices like lemongrass, lime leaves, and cloves.
Soto Padang is usually served with vermicelli noodles, fried potato patties, and fried shallots, adding to its rich flavor.
9. Pangek Ikan
Pangek Ikan is a traditional Padang fish dish similar to pepes (steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves), but it is cooked without the leaves.
The fish, usually carp or tuna, is cooked in a yellow spice mixture and coconut milk, creating a distinctive savory and spicy flavor.
Pangek Ikan offers a combination of tender fish and rich, spiced seasoning, making it a standout dish in Padang cuisine.
10. Kalio
Kalio is the stage before rendang fully dries out. This dish has more sauce and is thicker compared to rendang.
Though the cooking process is shorter, the flavor is still rich and packed with spices. Kalio can be made from beef, chicken, or even offal and is often a choice for those who prefer a saucier dish with the signature taste of Padang cuisine.
If you have the opportunity to visit West Sumatra, don’t miss the chance to try these authentic dishes straight from their source.
While many Padang restaurants outside of Sumatra offer similar delicious flavors, enjoying these dishes in the Minang heartland provides a more authentic experience.
You can even witness firsthand the traditional cooking methods used to make rendang, gulai, and other dishes with unique techniques and traditional tools.
With so many delicious and enticing dishes to choose from, it’s no surprise that West Sumatra Food remains a favorite among food lovers.
From the legendary rendang to the rich flavors of kalio, every bite of a Padang dish takes you on an unforgettable culinary adventure. So, when was the last time you dined at a Padang restaurant?