Cuisine in Timor-Leste

Signature dishes

Bibinca

Sweet sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves

Region: nationwide
Main ingredients: glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar

Batar Da'an

Corn and beans stewed in coconut milk, a common staple food

Region: inland areas
Main ingredients: corn, mung beans, coconut milk

Ikan Sabuko

Mackerel marinated with tamarind and lemongrass and grilled

Region: coastal areas
Main ingredients: mackerel, tamarind, lemongrass, chili

Ai-Manas

A versatile spicy sauce made with chopped chili, lime, and salt

Region: nationwide
Main ingredients: chili, lime, salt

Feijoada Timorense

Portuguese-style stew of pork and beans

Region: Dili
Main ingredients: pork, red kidney beans, garlic

Karil de Galangal

Coconut curry with galangal aroma

Region: Ermera
Main ingredients: chicken, coconut milk, galangal

Katupa

Steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves, served at celebrations

Region: nationwide
Main ingredients: rice, coconut milk

Taptai

Sweet and sour dessert made from fermented cassava

Region: highlands
Main ingredients: cassava, yeast, sugar

Leus Ceala

Young chicken roasted whole with herbs, a home-cooked dish

Region: Manufahi
Main ingredients: chicken, basil, garlic

Tukar

Wild boar and taro steamed in banana leaves, traditional mountain food

Region: Ainaro
Main ingredients: wild boar, taro, banana leaves