By Indonesia Gastronomy Network
Written by Reno Andam Suri (Rendang Traveler)
Rumah GadangIndonesia Gastronomy Network
The superior dish
In Minang culture, the placing of food has particular philosophical meaning. Even more so in ceremonies or celebration like weddings, or inauguration of a leader. A rendang dish would be placed as the icon amongst other dishes.
The house is called Rumah Gadang
A big feast with certain set of adat rules is usually held at a Rumah Gadang, the feast is known as Makan Beradat.
The Culture Around Rendang by Erison J KambariIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Makan Bajamba
Bajamba eating represents good values such as togetherness, paying attention to others needs and importantly not being selfish. Happy feelings, happy stomach.
The Culture Around Rendang by Erison J KambariIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Makan Bajamba
These are dishes being served at Jamuan Makan Bajamba. It represents the land (beef/ox rendang), the air (poultry), the water (fishes and vegetables). Each of these dishes cooked in different ways, such as asam padeh, rendang, sayur and also sanjai idi (cassava).
The Culture Around Rendang by Erison J KambariIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Makan Baronjong
Jamuan Makan Baronjong is a way of serving the food outdoors, due to the many guests invited and there is not enough space inside the Rumah Gadang. Each set of dish is covered by embroidered red and brown cloth.
Jamuan Makan Barapak
Jamuan Makan Barapak setting is to place various dishes over a white cloth, these would be laid out on the floor. Each guest would have set of multiple dishes which is why there are so many plates.
Rendang is placed at the head of the Makan Barapak spread
Samba godang or large rendang is made of a large chunk of meat. Each weigh from 250 gr to 1 kg of beef or ox. The dish is considered the champion of the dish and any Jamuan Makan Barapak is incomplete without Samba godang.
