A short culinary guide to traditional dishes that showcase the unique flavours of Palu
Located on the western coast of Central Sulawesi, Palu offers more than just scenic bays and dramatic mountain views. The city is also home to a vibrant culinary heritage shaped by local traditions, coastal ingredients, and the distinctive flavours of the Kaili people.
For visitors travelling through Sulawesi, exploring Palu’s food scene is an excellent way to experience the city’s culture. From savoury rice dishes to traditional desserts wrapped in fragrant leaves, many of these local favourites are still widely enjoyed in traditional markets, roadside stalls, and humble eateries across the city.
Here are five local foods you should try when visiting Palu.
1. Putu with Sambal Duo
One of Palu’s most beloved traditional dishes is Putu, a simple yet satisfying combination of steamed sticky rice and freshly grated coconut. The rice is usually shaped into a compact cylindrical form, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Despite its simple ingredients, Putu delivers a delightful balance of flavours. The grated coconut adds a light sweetness, while the sticky rice provides a soft and chewy texture.
What truly elevates the dish is its pairing with sambal duo, a spicy condiment typically made with chilli, tomato and mixed with endemic anchovies (ikan duo/penja). The savoury heat of the sambal contrasts beautifully with the mild sweetness of the coconut.
Where to try it
- Kampung Nelayan
- Traditional markets around Palu
2. Uta Dada
Another iconic dish from Palu is Uta Dada, a rich coconut-based soup that is often compared to Indonesian opor or curry, though it has a distinctive local character.
The dish is traditionally prepared using free-range chicken that has been grilled first, giving the meat a smoky flavour before it is simmered in a fragrant coconut broth infused with local spices. The grilling process adds depth to the broth and creates a more complex flavour profile. While chicken is the most common version, some variations also use fish.
Uta Dada is typically served alongside ketupat (compressed rice cakes), making it a comforting and filling meal.
Where to try it
- Traditional markets such as Pasar Inpres and Pasar Lasoani
- Uta Dada Bawah Jembatan II Palu – Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai
- Warung Makan Ketupat Uta Dada Padanjese – Jl. Uwenompu Padanjese
3. Ayam Bakar Biromaru
For those who enjoy grilled dishes, Ayam Bakar Biromaru is a must-try speciality. Originating from the Biromaru area near Palu, this grilled chicken dish is known for its rich seasoning and distinctive coconut-based marinade.
The chicken is coated in a mixture of spices and coconut milk, then grilled until the skin develops a slightly caramelised texture. The result is a flavourful dish with smoky, savoury, and slightly creamy notes. Ayam Bakar Biromaru is often served with ketupat and a side of Uta Dada broth, creating a hearty combination that is popular among locals.
Where to try it
- RM Madamba – Biromaru
- Warung Makan Singgani – Palupi
4. Tetu
Among Palu’s traditional sweets, Tetu stands out for both its flavour and presentation.
This dessert is steamed inside a pandan leaf container shaped like a small boat, giving it a distinctive aroma and a rustic appearance. The batter is made from a mixture of rice flour, wheat flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
Once steamed, the result is a soft and slightly chewy cake with a rich caramel sweetness from the palm sugar and a gentle fragrance from the pandan leaves.
Tetu is commonly enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert, and it remains widely available in traditional markets across the city.
Where to try it
- Tetu Fresh – Jalan Balai Kota, near Lapangan Vatulemo
- Traditional markets around Palu
5. Lalampa
Often compared to lemper, another Indonesian rice snack, Lalampa has its own distinctive twist.
Like lemper, it is made from glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves, but Lalampa is grilled rather than simply steamed, giving it a subtle smoky aroma.
The filling usually consists of spicy shredded fish, commonly skipjack tuna or tongkol, seasoned with chilli and spices. The combination of smoky banana leaf, sticky rice, and savoury fish makes Lalampa a popular snack throughout Central Sulawesi.
It is a familiar sight in roadside stalls and small eateries.
Where to try it
- Biapong Lalampa Perempatan – Nunu Intersection, Jl. Sungai Lariang
- Kedai Kopi Raja Lalampa – Toboli Intersection, Jl. Trans Parigi–Palu
Credit: Endah Purwanti S
