Experience the deliciousness of Manado’s top culinary spots, serving authentic dishes with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Who hasn’t heard of Manado? This city, located at the northern tip of Sulawesi, is famous not only for the world-renowned beauty of Bunaken Island but also for its variety of irresistible local food and drinks.
With unique and diverse flavors, it’s no wonder Manado is a favorite culinary destination for holiday-goers. For those curious about Manado’s culinary scene, here are some well-known spots you must try.
1. Soto Rusuk Ko Petrus
If you’re a fan of hearty, warm soup, Soto Rusuk Ko Petrus is the perfect choice. Here, you can savor the famous Soto Rusuk Ba’, a highlight of Manado Specialties.
This dish, served with beef or pork ribs, has a rich and flavorful broth that provides an unforgettable culinary experience.
2. Rumah Kopi Gembira
Enjoying a cup of coffee with light snacks is always a pleasure, especially with family or friends. Rumah Kopi Gembira is the place to experience this.
It offers various options of black coffee or milk coffee, as well as local treats like biapong—steamed buns with sweet or savory fillings.
3. Tinutan Wakeke
A must-try Manado specialty is Tinutan, or what’s more commonly known as Manado porridge. Wakeke is one of the best places to taste it.
This porridge, made from rice, cassava, and pumpkin, is served with smoked skipjack tuna, dabu-dabu roa (spicy sambal), and nike fritters.
4. Colocolojo
For seafood lovers, Colocolojo is not to be missed. This restaurant serves a wide range of fresh seafood options, such as grilled fish and prawns, accompanied by the famous Manado dabu-dabu sambal.
With prices starting from IDR 20,000, you can enjoy delicious seafood without breaking the bank.
5. Kios Tanta Marta
Kios Tanta Marta, a legendary culinary spot in Manado since 1962, is famous for its bamboo shoot soup cooked with traditional Manado spices.
Visitors can also enjoy Manado porridge and other local specialties, each bite filled with nostalgia and authentic flavors.
6. Kios Pelangi Wakeke
It wouldn’t be right to visit Manado without tasting tinutuan, or Manado porridge, and Kios Pelangi Wakeke is a popular spot to enjoy it.
This porridge is made from rice mixed with vegetables like pumpkin, corn, gedi leaves, and basil. Other dishes include nike fritters, skipjack fried rice, and milu siram, all worth a try.
7. Rumah Makan Bakar Rica
Manado is also known for grilled fish served with spicy and refreshing dabu-dabu sambal. Rumah Makan Bakar Rica is an ideal spot to enjoy this, offering various grilled fish options, including tuna and gopora fish.
8. Warung Nasi Kuning Salma Saroja
Although yellow rice is common in Indonesia, Manado’s version has a unique twist, served on woka leaves that add a distinctive aroma.
One of the best spots to try it is Warung Nasi Kuning Salma Saroja, which serves yellow rice with spiced skipjack tuna, beef, and boiled eggs.
9. Frangipani Rumah Klapertart
After a hearty meal, it’s time for a sweet Manado dessert—klapertart. Frangipani Rumah Klapertart offers several flavors, like original, chocolate, and cheese. Other dessert options include cream pies, puddings, and fried banana goroho with sambal.
10. Rumah Makan Es Miangas
End your culinary adventure in Manado with something refreshing at RM Es Miangas, the city’s first ice shop established in the 1970s.
The must-try here is es brenebon (red bean ice), along with other options like palm sugar red bean ice, avocado and durian ice, fruit milk ice, and grass jelly ice.
Manado offers a unique and varied culinary experience, from hearty meals to sweet treats and refreshing drinks. Each dish has a story and special quality that makes it memorable.
Along with exploring Manado’s unique cuisine, don’t miss the chance to savor Makassar Specialties, which offer a delightful addition to your culinary adventure.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Manado, be sure to try the culinary delights listed above. Enjoy Manado’s flavors and feel the warmth of the local culture through its food. Happy culinary journey in Manado!
