Ikan Asar, The Famous Smoked Fish of Papua & Maluku

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - If you are visiting Jayapura, Papua, or Maluku, there is one local seafood dish worth trying: ikan asar. Its savory flavor and distinctive smoky aroma make it a well-known culinary specialty in the region.

According to indonesiakaya.com, ikan asar is similar to standard smoked fish but uses a different smoking cooking technique. While smoked fish is generally placed directly above the smoke source, ikan asar is positioned diagonally beside the embers, allowing the heat and smoke to penetrate the flesh more evenly.

The name asar is closely linked to the way the fish is prepared. In some local explanations, asar is another term for smoke, while another story connects the name to the fish’s ability to stay preserved from one Asar prayer time to the next. Some sources also suggest that the term may simply reflect a difference in pronunciation, as asar is used for “smoke” in parts of eastern Indonesia.

The most commonly used fish include skipjack and other varieties of tuna. Fish with firm flesh are preferred so they can retain their shape during the smoking process, while other types of fish, such as snapper and barracuda, can also be used.

Before being smoked, the fresh fish is cleaned and gutted. It is then placed beside the embers in a smoking area and left for around two to five hours, depending on the size of the fish and the type of firewood used.

Once cooked, ikan asar is ready to eat. It can be enjoyed with steamed rice and sambal, or used in other dishes such as ikan asar rica-rica or preparations made with coconut milk.

Ikan asar can also be an edible souvenir, as it can last for several days. The dish can be found at a number of traditional markets and fish-selling areas around Jayapura and also Maluku.

With its traditional smoking technique and savory flavor paired with a distinctive smoky aroma, ikan asar offers a taste of Papua's rich seafood culture. So, if you get the chance to visit Jayapura and Maluku, be sure to give this local specialty a try.