Step back in time to prehistoric times with Indonesia's bushmeat markets.
To this day, the Minahasa people still maintain the custom of eating wild boar, bats, pythons, and snakes, just like their ancestors did when they lived in the dense forests, and they also hunt and sell the meat at the Tomohon market.
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The Tomohon Market is located on a volcanic plateau in northern Sulawesi province, Indonesia. It features a meat market run by the Minahasa tribe. Although they no longer live in the forests as they once did, the Minahasa still eat the same meats their ancestors consumed 6,000 years ago, such as wild boar, snake, and bat. |
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In the meat market of Minahasa, you'll find stalls overflowing with roasted dogs and bats. During Easter, there's even monkey and turtle meat in the market. The Minahasa eat them, much like the Western custom of eating turkey at Christmas. |
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Today, almost all Minahasa people are Christian. Throughout the 19th century, the Dutch colonialists abolished many tribal rituals such as headhunting and human sacrifice. In 1857, as many as 10,000 Minahasa people converted to Christianity in a single day. |
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Nevertheless, many aspects of the tribe's ancient culture have not faded away. Statues of leaders with magical powers still appear in the churches of Tomohon town. Although magic is forbidden, Minahasa sorcerers still secretly use animals for sacrifice in hidden caves. |
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The Minahasa people have strict rules regarding dog meat consumption. They do not eat dog meat in their own region. Dog thieves often travel to neighboring areas to steal dogs at night. According to vendors at the Tomohon market, over 35 years ago, they even sold meat from the rare kuskus (a nocturnal marsupial found only in Sulawesi). However, due to strong government intervention, that trade has ceased. |
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The most unique meat dishes at Tomohon Market are usually prepared at home rather than in restaurants. Python meat is marinated like chicken but costs twice as much. Minahasa-style dog meat is often eaten with galangal, chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and many other spices. Minahasa people often cook it with the bones and meat intact. Bat meat, cut into small pieces with its glossy black, rubbery skin and rich fat, is cooked in a curry that has a very appealing aroma. |
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The secret to Minahasa food's fame lies in its handcrafted sauces, made for generations. All Minahasa sauces begin with basic ingredients such as chili peppers, salt, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Some dishes, like leilem babi daun (pork with leilem leaves), have a unique flavor found only in Minahasa. |
According to VNE
