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Dili (Timor-Leste)
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Main course
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
400kcal
35gProtein
9gCarbs
25gFat
3gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Allergens
🐟 Fish
Ikan Pepes
How to order / say it
Say it
Ikan Pepes — [ee-KAHN PEH-pes]
Order
I'd like to order Ikan Pepes Dili, please.
Locally
Hakarak sosa Ikan Pepes Dili, favor ida.
Say locally
A spicy and aromatic fish dish wrapped in banana leaves.
Why try it?
Ikan Pepes Dili showcases the local fishing culture and the Timorese love for fresh, fragrant ingredients. This dish represents the traditional cooking methods passed down through generations in Dili.
How it tastes
The fish is infused with aromatic spices, offering a slightly spicy and salty taste with a hint of citrus from lemongrass and kaffir lime. The steaming process in banana leaves keeps it tender and moist.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Ikan Pepes has its origin in the mid-19th century as local fishermen in Dili began steaming their catch with available spices to preserve the fish. Over time, it evolved to become an iconic dish, celebrated in local markets and eateries.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🐟 400 g fish fillets
- 🥕 2 leaves banana leaves
- 🌿 1 stalk lemongrass
- 🧂 1 tsp turmeric
- 🌿 4 leaves kaffir lime leaves
- 🧂 1 chili
- 🥛 100 ml coconut milk
- 🧄 50 g shallots
Method
- 1 Blend spices and coconut milk.
- 2 Marinate fish with spice mixture.
- 3 Wrap fish in banana leaves and steam.
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