Arsik fish is a traditional food originating from North Sumatra. This one food is made from basic ingredients of goldfish cooked with special spices to produce a distinctive taste and is different from other fish-based dishes.
Arsik fish is one of the most famous traditional foods in North Sumatra, especially in the Toba Samosir and North Tapanuli areas.
The Origin of Arsik Fish
Arsik fish is a traditional food originating from the Toba Batak community in the Toba Samosir and North Tapanuli areas, North Sumatra. It is said that this food has been around since time immemorial and has been passed down from their ancestors from generation to generation. In the tradition of the Batak people, this food is not just ordinary food, but also has its own values and philosophy in it.
Arsik fish is usually served for certain traditional ceremonies. In customary presentation, there are special procedures for serving this one food, so it should not be done carelessly so as not to lose the sacred value in it. Even so, this does not mean that this food should not be consumed on a daily basis. We can also enjoy this Arsik fish at any time without having to wait for a traditional ceremony to be held. But of course the essence in it will be different.
Privileges and uniqueness of Arsik Fish
One of the uniqueness of this Arsik Fish dish is the basic ingredients it uses, namely goldfish. The goldfish used are usually without their scales removed, but only the stomach is cleaned. In addition, in this Arsik Fish dish, there are usually several spices that are only found in the mountainous areas of North Sumatra, namely Andaliman and Asam Cikala. This is what certainly makes the taste of this Arsik Fish even more distinctive and special.
Arsik Fish Processing
The basic ingredients commonly used in Arsik Fish cooking are goldfish. However, there are also several types of fish that can be used as alternatives in making this Arsik fish, including tuna, mackerel, and snapper. To prepare it, the fish is cleaned before cooking. How to clean it is quite unique, unlike other fish dishes. Arsik fish is usually only cut open and cleaned of the stomach, while the scales do not need to be removed.
To get rid of the fishy smell in fish, usually use lime and tamarind. The use of this cikala acid in addition to eliminating the fishy smell, can also create a delicious aroma in fish
so that it can add to the taste of the Arsik Fish dish.
Meanwhile, the spices used for cooking include chilies, shallots, garlic, kecombrang flowers, and various spices such as hazelnut, galangal, turmeric and others. Do not forget to also use andaliman, which is a type of spice such as pepper which is widely available in several areas in North Sumatra. This Andaliman, apart from providing a spicy taste, also creates a distinctive taste in this one food.
In the processing process, after the fish has been cleaned, then the fish is smeared with spices that have been mashed until blended. Then cooked with water and some seasonings to taste. In addition, some complementary ingredients are usually added, such as cassava leaves, long beans and others. Arsik fish is usually cooked over medium heat so that the spices can infuse, then wait until the water runs out. After the water runs out, the Arsik Fish dish is ready to be served.
The Taste of Arsik Fish
Arsik fish cuisine has a unique taste and is different from fish dishes in general. How could it not, as previously explained, this one dish is cooked with complete spices and herbs to produce maximum flavor. Besides that, the use of andaliman and cikala acid in this dish will certainly give a very distinctive taste and aroma. Not only that, the texture of the fish that is intact and still flaky in this fish dish will certainly provide an interesting experience when we eat it.
Arsik Fish Culinary
As one of the traditional foods, Arsik Fish cuisine is also quite popular in North Sumatra until now, especially in the Toba Samosir and North Tapanuli areas. Because of its unique taste and delicious food, this one is also sold in several food stalls on the side of the road and in stalls in tourist areas. Price and taste issues are usually relative, so we have to look a lot for the right recommendations to enjoy this one special food.
Well, for those of you who are visiting or traveling to the North Sumatra area, of course the taste is incomplete if you haven’t tasted this Arsik Fish dish. So don’t miss it!
That was the introduction of “Traditional Food Arsik Fish from North Sumatra”. Hopefully this will be useful and increase your knowledge about traditional food in Indonesia. Do you want to try traditional Indonesian culinary delights? Please visit on a tour to Indonesia.
