Discover the deliciousness of various Makassar specialties, from Coto Makassar to Es Pisang Ijo, for a culinary experience that is rich in flavor and unforgettable.

Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, is famous for its diverse and rich culinary wealth. Makassar’s specialties are known for their rich spices and strong herbs, creating a distinctive and appetizing taste.

If you have the opportunity to visit Makassar, don’t miss the chance to taste these 10 specialties that will make your culinary journey in this city unforgettable.

1. Coto Makassar

Coto Makassar is an iconic dish from the city that you must try. Made from pieces of beef and offal boiled until tender, this dish is served with a thick sauce seasoned with spices. The sauce is made from various special spices such as coriander, garlic, and cumin which give it a rich taste.

Coto Makassar, a delightful example of Typical Makassar Food, is usually enjoyed with burasa, a typical Makassar ketupat, which is cut into small pieces for easy serving. The combination of tender meat and rich sauce makes Coto Makassar the perfect food for lunch or dinner.

2. Konro Soup

Konro Soup is a beef rib soup dish served with a thick black sauce made from keluak and spices. It tastes savory and rich, perfect to be eaten with warm rice.

Besides the soup version, there is also grilled konro, where beef ribs are grilled and served with a delicious spicy peanut sauce. The soft texture of the rib meat blends perfectly with the spices in the broth, making it one of the most sought-after dishes in Makassar.

3. Basic Pallu

Pallu Basa is similar to Coto Makassar, but with slight differences in the ingredients and how it is served. Pallu Basa sauce is thicker because it is added with fried coconut which gives it a unique taste.

Additionally, this dish is often served with free-range chicken egg yolk as a topping, which adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you like soupy food with a strong spice taste, Pallu Basa is the perfect choice.

4. Hammer

Palu Butung is a typical Makassar dessert made from ripe plantains, served with thick coconut milk sauce made from rice flour, sugar, and pandan. This dish can be served warm or cold, depending on your taste.

In the es Palu Butung version, this dish is served with shaved ice and refreshing sweet syrup, making it a perfect choice to quench your thirst on a hot day.

5. Sarabba

Sarabba is a traditional drink typical of Makassar which is made from a mixture of ginger, egg yolk, palm sugar, coconut milk, and a little pepper powder. This drink is very effective for warming the body and increasing stamina.

Perfect to enjoy at night or during cold weather, Sarabba is a favorite choice for those who want to experience the warmth of traditional Makassar spices in one cup.

6. Barongko

Barongko is a sweet food made from a mixture of bananas, eggs, coconut milk, and sugar wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed. The texture is soft and the taste is sweet with a distinctive banana aroma.

Barongko is often served as a dessert at special events and celebrations in Makassar. With a sweet and soft taste, Barongko is a delicious snack to enjoy anytime.

7. The road

Jalangkote is a typical Makassar snack that is similar to pastel, but has a thinner and crispier skin. The filling consists of sliced carrots, potatoes, bean sprouts, eggs, rice vermicelli, and noodles.

Jalangkote is usually eaten with a spicy and fresh vinegar sauce dip. The combination of the savory taste of the filling and the crispy skin makes jalangkote a snack that is suitable for all occasions.

8. Epe Banana

Pisang Epe is a typical Makassar snack made from grilled kepok bananas that are then pinched until flat. The grilled bananas are then doused with sweet palm sugar sauce and served with grated coconut.

Pisang Epe has a sweet and savory taste, making it a perfect snack to enjoy in the afternoon while enjoying the view of Losari beach.

9. Green Banana Ice Cream

Es Pisang Ijo is a refreshing sweet snack consisting of bananas wrapped in green dough made from rice flour and pandan. The wrapped bananas are then served with sumsum porridge, red syrup, coconut milk, condensed milk, and shaved ice. It tastes sweet, fresh, and is perfect for dessert or a snack on a hot day.

10. Chalk

Kapurung is a traditional Makassar dish made from sago flour shaped like small meatballs. Kapurung is served with a savory peanut sauce and is usually accompanied by green vegetables, chicken, fish or seafood. Its unique taste and chewy texture make kapurung a dish that is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

Makassar offers a variety of traditional dishes rich in flavor and spices. Each Makassar specialty reflects the culture and culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations, providing an unforgettable culinary experience for anyone who tastes it.

If you visit Makassar, be sure to try these 10 signature dishes for an authentic, flavorful experience of Typical South Sulawesi Food.