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🥩
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥600kcal
💪42gProtein
🌾14gCarbs
🥑42gFat
🌿5gFibre
⚖️400 gServing

* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.

Caril

How to order / say it
Say it Caril — [kah-REEL]
Order I'd like the Caril Dili, please.
Locally Hakarak sosa Caril Dili, favor ida.
Say locally

A coconut-based curry with local spices.

Why try it?

Caril Dili is a testament to the trading and cultural exchanges in Dili, drawing influences from neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia, resulting in a unique, fragrant curry that reflects the city's diverse palate.

How it tastes

Rich in coconut milk, the curry is well-balanced with a combination of lemongrass, galangal, and chili. This curry is creamy and aromatic, offering a lush flavor profile with a mild spicy kick.

Origin & History — first documented: 1950

Developed during the colonial period in the 20th century, Caril Dili fused local ingredients with cooking techniques introduced by traders. It quickly became a favorite among locals due to its versatility and comforting flavors.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 400 g chicken
  • 🥛 250 ml coconut milk
  • 🌿 2 stalks lemongrass
  • 🌿 20 g galangal
  • 🧂 2 chili
  • 🧄 1 onion
  • 🧂 1 tsp turmeric
  • 🧂 1 tsp salt

Method

  1. 1 Sauté onion, lemongrass, and galangal.
  2. 2 Add chicken and spices.
  3. 3 Stir in coconut milk and simmer until cooked.

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All Asia recipes — Timor-Leste — Dili — Caril
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