Published On: July 4, 2023

Author: Isabel Liang

 

Here are 5 fun facts about otak-otak that may surprise you!

 

FACT 1: Otak-otak originated from South Sumatra, a province in Indonesia

Nevertheless, the recipe has spread to countries like Malaysia and Singapore, both of which have adapted the recipe to suit their taste buds. While recipes do vary regionally and amongst locals themselves, here are some general similarities and differences between the Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean version of the otak-otak:

 

FACT 2: The most popular fish used to make otak-otak in Singapore is the Ikan Tenggiri (Spanish Mackerel)

Using a white fish like mackerels and milkfish is generally preferred as it is the traditional ingredient used in making this dish, preserving its authenticity. Nevertheless, fishes such as the grouper, red snapper, threadfin, tuna, and even the more expensive featherback fish are commonly used as well!

 

FACT 3: The Peranakan variety of the otak-otak is yellow

The use of more fresh turmeric and less chilli peppers gives the Peranakan variety, known as Otak-otak Nyonya, its yellowish appearance! Additionally, unlike the otak-otak we have mentioned so far, the Otak-otak Nyonya includes one extra ingredient - wild betel leaves. After the ingredients are pureed, they are wrapped with banana leaves. They are then steamed, rather than grilled over charcoal fire. Steaming these otak-otak leaves them with a soft and wet texture that melts in your mouth! Yummy!

 

 

FACT 4: There are at least 4 other dishes that resemble, but are not named, otak-otak

 

 

To start us off, we have the Sata from the Malaysian state of Terengganu. It is a traditional fish cake made with spiced sardines, coconut, ginger, onions, and chilli peppers. The mixture is wrapped with banana leaves into a pyramid shape and cooked on a grill. Its name, which means ‘straight’, is derived from its grilling method where several sata-sata are skewered onto bamboo sticks in a straight line and grilled. 

 

 

Secondly, from the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan, we have the Tupig, a rice cake made from a mixture of slightly fermented glutinous rice, coconut milk, muscovado sugar, and young coconut strips. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves in a cylindrical shape and baked on charcoal. It has a sweet and smoky flavour. 

 

 

Next, we have the Botok, a Javanese dish made with a mixture of grated coconut flesh, chilli, salt, pepper, lemon basil, and Indonesian bay-leaf. While fish, egg and vegetable are usually added to the mixture, other ingredients such as tofu, crab, and even freshwater snails and bee larvae can be added to make their respective botok-botok! The mixture is wrapped tightly with banana leaves and steamed, giving the dish a slightly sweet taste. 

 

 

Last but not least, we have the Paprykarz szczerciński (or Polish paprikash), a canned fish spread originating from Poland that is made with tomato paste, rice, ground fish and vegetable oil. It is seasoned with onion, salt and paprika or powdered chilli pepper, and has a sweet, mildly fishy taste. This dish is typically served cold on bread.

 

FACT 5: The name ‘otak-otak’ is derived from the traditional Indonesian dish’s resemblance to brains

The Pelembang otak-otak is made from a mixture of ground fish meet and tapioca starch, giving it a white-grey appearance, and a soft and squishy texture, which is similar to mashed-up brains. Thus the name ‘otak-otak’ (or ‘brains’ in English) was born!

 

BONUS FACT: In 2009, otak-otak were used to smuggle songbirds into Singapore

In August 2009, an Indonesian man was caught smuggling fifty Oriental white-eye songbirds at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal inside what appears to be a box of otak-otak. The man had claimed that he was carrying the otak-otak to give to a friend in Singapore. However, the truth was discovered when an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer heard the chirping of the birds as the man lifted his plastic bag containing the otak-otak. The man was jailed for three weeks for smuggling the songbirds without a permit from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).

 

Did these facts make you drool? Share these fun facts with your family and friends over a meal of otak-otak and look like a true-blue Otak-u!

Topic:  History

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