Manado

Manadonese food is famous throughout Indonesia for two things: the Minahasa eat absolutely anything, and the flavor of choice is very, very spicy. Sugar is used little if at all, with flavor added through lemon and herbs. Being Christian, the Minahasa also often marinate meat in alcohol and favor pork. More exotic protein options include cats, forest rats, fruit bats, and dogs, the last of which is the obligatory centerpiece of any wedding ceremony or Christmas feast. Classic dishes include:

ikan mas bakar rica, grilled spicy fish cooked in traditional style, using a piece of coconut shell as a way of cooking. Grilled together with chilli, that poured in the fish while cooking.

ikan mas goreng, fish fried till the soft bone is crunchy.

ayam rica-rica, grilled chicken topped with a fiery red chili-and-onion paste

ikan mas woku balanga, fish simmered in herbs

babi tore, fried pork until crunch with a lot of chilli

perkedel milu, corn fritters

tinutuan or bubur manado, a goopy porridge of rice, pumpkin, noodles and random vegetables — doesn't look very attractive, but it can be tasty and, for once, not spicy

Dutch settlement here has also brought in a few surprising influences, notably:

brenebon bruine bonesoep, a rich red kidney bean soup

klappertaart, a Western-style coconut cake

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Fresh grilled fish

Is served every morning in a small warung near the harbour dock to bunaken. the place is very basic, but don't mind the look. just ask around for warung ikan bakar and hope someone helps you.