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Bubur Pedas Sambas , The Timeless Taste of Togetherness

Hello everyone. For the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed posting foodie content and dish reviews, especially for Indonesian audiences to learn more about our local cuisine. However, fellow bloggers from around the world are also very welcome to explore our national treasures, local dishes, and the stories behind them.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of our flavorful culinary heritages from Sambas, West Kalimantan, Indonesia a dish that brings warmth, unity, and memories in every spoon: Bubur Pedas, or spicy porridge.


Let’s discover it together

A Dish Born from Tradition
Where is Sambas? 
Sambas is a historic regency located in the northern part of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, near the border with Sarawak, Malaysia. Known for its Malay cultural roots, lush tropical landscapes, and rich river systems, Sambas is one of the oldest cultural regions in Borneo.

The area is famous for its traditional foods, royal heritage, and warm community traditions. Although not as widely known as major Indonesian cities, Sambas offers a unique blend of history, nature, and authentic local cuisine making it a hidden gem for anyone who wants to explore the true heart of Kalimantan.

In the heart of Sambas, West Kalimantan, lies a humble yet extraordinary dish known as Bubur Pedas a porridge that speaks the language of tradition, unity, and comfort. Although “pedas” means spicy in Indonesian, this dish is not necessarily fiery hot. Instead, it gets its name from the rich blend of herbs and spices that create a warm, comforting, and unforgettable aroma.

Sambas, West Kalimantan,INDONESIA On Map

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Bubur Pedas is believed to have originated from the Malay community in Sambas, where it has been passed down through generations. It’s a dish that reflects the spirit of gotong royong working together because it’s often prepared in large batches during community events, Ramadan, or festive gatherings. Everyone contributes: some chop vegetables, others roast rice or prepare spices. It’s not just cooking it’s togetherness in action.


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The Signature Flavor of Sambas
Bubur Pedas (often spelled Bubbor Padas in local dialect) is a very special and beloved traditional dish from Sambas, West Kalimantan. Despite the name “pedas” meaning spicy, it’s not always overwhelmingly hot the “spicy” part usually refers to the rich blend of herbs and spices used, not just chili.

It’s a savory rice porridge made with ground rice cooked together with finely chopped vegetables such as fern tips (paku), long beans, bamboo shoots, sweet potato leaves, and various local greens. The mixture is enriched with ground roasted rice, which gives it a distinct nutty flavor and thicker texture compared to ordinary porridge.

The aroma comes from a mix of local herbs and spices lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, ginger, and garlic all cooked together in coconut milk or water. Traditionally, it’s served with fried anchovies (ikan teri), roasted peanuts, and fried shallots on top.

Bubur Pedas isn’t just food; it’s a symbol of togetherness, often cooked in large batches during Ramadan, community gatherings, or traditional celebrations in Sambas and nearby regions like Sarawak, Malaysia, where the recipe has also become popular.

A Symphony of Ingredients and Flavor
What makes Bubur Pedas truly special is its unique preparation. The base starts with roasted rice that is ground until fine, giving the porridge a thicker, nuttier texture. This is then cooked with fresh vegetables fern tips, long beans, bamboo shoots, cassava leaves, and sweet potato leaves along with aromatic spices like lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, ginger, and garlic.

When simmered together, the ingredients create a warm, earthy, and herbal flavor that’s unlike any other porridge in Indonesia. To finish it off, it’s topped with fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, and crispy shallots a delightful combination of crunch, aroma, and taste.

More Than Just a Meal
For the people of Sambas, Bubur Pedas is more than food it’s a symbol of unity, care, and gratitude. It’s a reminder of simpler times when families gathered to share one big pot of porridge after a long day of fasting or during community celebrations.

Even today, many families in Sambas and even across the border in Sarawak, Malaysia continue this tradition. Each household might have its own version, slightly different in ingredients or taste, but the heart of the dish remains the same: sharing warmth and kindness through food.


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My Own Experience
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of enjoying Bubur Pedas once again and it reminded me why this dish never fades from memory. The moment the first spoon touched my tongue, I could taste the harmony of roasted rice, fresh greens, and that subtle hint of spice. The aroma alone brought back childhood memories and the comforting feeling of being home.

I took two photos at below

A plastic container filled with Bubur Pedas Sambas, showing chopped vegetables, herbs, and roasted rice in a savory broth, placed on a lace table cover beside a bowl of rice and fried tofu. Photo by Asep Haryono

A serving of Bubur Pedas Sambas enjoyed at home  rich with vegetables, herbs, and roasted rice, paired with warm rice and fried tofu for a complete local meal. Photo by Asep Haryono


A close-up view of Bubur Pedas in a plastic container, highlighting the colorful mix of leafy greens, spices, and chunks of vegetables in its signature herbal broth. Photo by Asep Haryono

A close-up look at Bubur Pedas  showcasing its fresh greens, aromatic spices, and hearty texture that make this Sambas specialty so distinctive and comforting. Photo by Asep Haryono



As I captured the above photos for my blog at above,

I realized something Bubur Pedas isn’t just delicious; it’s a living story of Sambas itself. It’s proof that simplicity, when touched by love and heritage, can become timeless.


Why Bubur Pedas Will Always Matter
In a world that keeps changing, Bubur Pedas stands as an evergreen treasure of West Kalimantan. It’s a dish that connects generations, reminding us that food is more than just nourishment it’s identity, memory, and pride.

So, the next time you visit West Kalimantan, don’t miss the chance to taste Bubur Pedas. Let it tell you its story one spoonful at a time.

Have you ever tasted something like Bubur Pedas before? Share your story or memory about this unique dish in the comments or tag me on social media with your own Bubur Pedas moment! Let’s celebrate this Sambas treasure together 

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