Manadonese food is famous throughout Indonesia for two things: the Minahasa eat absolutely anything, and the flavor of choice is very, very spicy. Sugar is used little if at all, with flavor added through lemon and herbs. Being Christian, the Minahasa also often marinate meat in alcohol and favor pork. More exotic protein options include bat, field rat and dog, the last of which is the obligatory centerpiece of any wedding ceremony or Christmas feast. Classic dishes include:
ayam rica-rica, grilled chicken topped with a fiery red chili-and-onion paste
ikan woku, fish simmered in herbs
babi tore, fried pork until crunch with a lot of chilli
perkedel milu, corn fritters
tinutuan (or bubur manado), a goopy porridge of rice, pumpkin, noodles and random vegetables — doesn't look very attractive, but it can be tasty (and, for once, not spicy)
Dutch settlement here has also brought in a few surprising influences, notably:
breneibon, a rich kidney bean soup
klappertart, a Western-style coconut cake
