Flavours of Sumbar (West Sumatra) - herbs, spices, culinary heritage By: Writer on-the-go/ FavWrite of Favstyle Magazine
June 9th, 2026 Minang food hardly needs an introduction, for it speaks for itself. To wander through eateries in Padang and Bukittinggi is to step into a living gallery of flavours, aromas, and traditions. The Minang people take immense pride in their cuisine, which is rooted in culture and history. Their dishes are layered with herbs and spices, each ingredient chosen not only for taste but also for meaning. Star anise, cloves, cinnamon, galangal, lemongrass, turmeric and all kinds of onions are staples, giving every meal its distinctive fragrance and character. It is huge business for crackers making in West Sumatra It is little wonder that in the early days of Dutch colonization, West Sumatra (or Sumatra Barat = Sumbar) was hailed as a jewel of Asia. Traders and colonizers alike were captivated by its abundance of spices, coffee beans, and natural treasures. That heritage continues to thrive today, infused into every dish of Minang cuisine. Padang is blessed with an abundance o...