Discover the deliciousness and uniqueness of Riau’s souvenirs, from pineapple chips to smoked fish in a jelly. Bring home memories from Pekanbaru with a variety of delicious and unique Malay souvenirs.
Visiting a place is always more memorable if you bring home a souvenir, and Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau Province, is no exception.
The city offers a variety of souvenirs, both in the form of traditional foods and handicrafts that illustrate the richness of Riau’s culture. Here is a list of 10 typical Riau souvenirs that you must bring home as gifts for family and friends.
1. Pineapple Chips
Pineapple chips are one of the most popular souvenirs from Riau, especially from the Kampar area which is famous for its pineapple plantations. Pineapples are processed into chips by drying and frying, producing a crispy and sweet snack.
Typical Riau Food like pineapple chips has a light and durable texture, making them perfect as souvenirs for long trips. In addition, the fresh, sweet taste of pineapple combined with its crunchiness makes these chips hard to miss.
2. Bagansiapiapi Roasted Peanuts
Kacang Pukul is one of the traditional snacks originating from Bagansiapiapi, and is now a favorite souvenir from Pekanbaru.
Made from quality peanuts that are processed by beating until smooth, this snack has a solid texture with a distinctive sweet taste.
At first glance, Kacang Pukul is similar to ting-ting peanuts, but with a different unique taste. You can get this snack easily in various souvenir shops in Pekanbaru.
3. Bugi Lopek
Lopek Bugi is a traditional cake from Riau made from sticky rice and grated coconut. This cake is wrapped in banana leaves that give it a natural fragrant aroma.
Lopek Bugi has a soft texture and a legit sweet taste, making it a perfect snack while relaxing or as a dish at traditional events. If you are looking for an authentic and traditional souvenir, Lopek Bugi is the right choice.
4. Smoked Patin Fish
Smoked Patin Fish is processed patin fish that is smoked until dry, creating a delicious aroma and taste. This smoking process makes patin fish last longer and can be used as an ingredient in delicious dishes, such as gulai lemak or sambal.
Its savory and chewy taste makes Salai Patin Fish a typical Riau souvenir that is often sought after by tourists. You can find smoked patin fish in many souvenir shops in Pekanbaru.
Smoked Selais Fish
The selais fish is one of Riau’s typical freshwater fish that is processed by smoking, creating a unique and distinctive taste.
This smoking process makes the selais fish durable and suitable as a souvenir. You can process the smoked selais fish into various delicious dishes such as curry or fried chili sauce.
This souvenir is perfect for fans of typical Indonesian food who want to bring home the taste of Riau.
6. Riau Pattern Batik
Not only food, Pekanbaru also offers souvenirs in the form of batik cloth with typical Riau Malay motifs. Riau Batik Pattern has elegant motifs and usually uses bright, stunning colors.
This batik is made traditionally using the canting technique, making it a highly valued handicraft. You can find Riau Pattern Batik in various forms, such as cloth, clothes, and accessories, which are suitable as souvenirs for family or friends.
7. Durian Softener
For durian lovers, Lempuk Durian is a typical Pekanbaru souvenir that should not be missed. Lempuk Durian is a dodol made from real durian, with a chewy texture and a distinctive sweet and legit taste.
Although lempuk durian can also be found in several other cities in Sumatra, the version from Pekanbaru remains a favorite because of the quality of the durian used. Lempuk durian is attractively packaged, making it practical to take home and as a souvenir.
8. Kemojo Cake
Bolu Kemojo is a traditional cake from Riau that resembles a kenanga flower. This cake is made from a mixture of flour, coconut milk, sugar, and eggs, with a sweet taste and soft texture. Bolu Kemojo is often served at traditional events or celebrations in Riau, but it is also a popular souvenir for tourists. Its delicious taste and attractive shape make Bolu Kemojo a perfect gift for the family.
9. Starfruit Dodol
Dodol Kedondong is a culinary innovation that uses kedondong fruit as its main ingredient. This fruit, which is usually found in rujak mixes, is processed into dodol with a fresh combination of sour and sweet flavors.
Dodol Kedondong has a chewy texture and unique taste, making it a typical souvenir that is not widely found elsewhere. If you are looking for something different, dodol kedondong is the right choice.
10. Rising Cake
Bangkit Cake is a dry cake made from sago flour, and is named “bangkit” because of its size that expands when baked. This cake has a very soft texture and a light sweet taste, making it very popular with many people.
Bangkit Cake is often served during big celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, and is very suitable as a typical Pekanbaru souvenir because of its cute shape and delicious taste.
With a variety of unique and delicious souvenirs, Typical Pekanbaru Food, especially Pekanbaru, makes it the perfect destination for food lovers and handicraft enthusiasts. Make sure to bring home some of these souvenirs to make your trip to Pekanbaru even more memorable!