No vacation is complete without a few gastronomic experiences; eating and drinking is a big part of relaxation and celebrations after all. Since you are coming to Bintan to enjoy yourself, trying out foods that are specialities in this part of the world should be in your vacation plan. There is much to eat here on this Indonesian island, including food with some Chinese influence as well, so be sure to check them out. If you are wondering what to eat in Bintan, we are going to help you list out some unique foods that are very much part of local culture here.
1. Gonggong
A large part of what you should go to eat in Bintan is seafood, and among all the Bintan seafood you can choose from, make it a point to try Gonggong at least once. These sea snails are the Asian counterparts of escargot, and to eat them you need to fish out the flesh from within the shell with a toothpick. Once you successfully get the flesh out, all you need to do is dip it in the provided sauce and place it into your mouth. Let the savoury taste of the snail and the subtle sweetness in the sauces then overtake your tongue! Find this delicious delicacy in a majority if not all of Bintan’s seafood restaurants.
2. Sour and Spicy Fish (Ikan Asam Pedas)
This dish is not particularly unique to Bintan, as you can also find it in Malaysia and Singapore. However, it’s worth a try here anyway to try the Indonesian take to this delicately-spiced dish that will make your mouth water at the sight and smell of it. As Bintan is known for its seafood, this delicacy, when bought here, usually comes with scrumptiously fresh pieces of fish making the gastronomic experience that much more pleasant.
3. Lakse
Want some noodles with your Bintan seafood curry? Then opt for Lakse (or Laksa, as you may know it) for a filling and comforting meal. This Peranakan-influenced dish is usually served with sago flour noodles, that offer a slightly chewier bite than regular noodles, dipped in seafood curry that gives this dish an aroma to die for. There are dry variants of this noodle as well that more resemble fried noodles. Try this Indonesian version of a local Singaporean favourite, if not for the taste, then at least for comparison purposes.
4. Otak-otak
If there’s only one thing you add to your ‘what to eat in Bintan’ list, let it be otak-otak. Made from fresh fish that is made into a fish cake after being mixed with spices and tapioca, this delicacy is best eaten as a snack or side dish. In Bintan, you may also find a version of otak-otak that is made with squid instead of fish; this version is typically spicier. Pair the otak-otak (always served wrapped in a banana leaf) with peanut sauce or broth of any kind, or feel free to eat it with rice. Treat your tastebuds with this tantalising treat!
5. Other Indonesian Staples
There are certain foods you can get anywhere in Indonesia, and naturally, you can get those in Bintan too. Since you are already making a trip here, you may as well eat all the authentic Indonesian food you can get your hands on. Nasi goreng, mi goreng, nasi padang, sate, bakso, and gado-gado are some things you should gorge on to your heart’s content; relish the flavours that Indonesia has to offer and come back from your vacation feeling amazing.
If you are staying at Club Med Bintan Island, look out for these local staples on the menu of our on-site restaurants and be sure to give them a try! There’s much to see, eat, and do in the beautiful island of Bintan, so plan a trip here and mark it on your calendar. Those coming from Singapore can even get here via ferry, so what are you waiting for? Book your stay with us now!