Mouthwatering Udang Selingkuh of Wamena City, Papua Province
Not all tourists are interested in Wamena’s culinary. Well, it is because they don’t know their option yet. Here is the reference. The region has a popular food called Udang Selingkuh! In terms of name, it means “the unfaithful shrimps”. No one has the real information regarding the history of the name, though. What people know is that the food tastes great and it has an interesting appearance. No wonder, it becomes more popular these days among visitors and tourists. Even foreigners often come to Wamena in order to enjoy it!
Getting Udang Selingkuh
In order to get Udang Selingkuh, tourists have two options. First, they can order from where they stay (either a resort or hotel). This method is efficient but costs more money. As an alternative, they should explore Wamena City and find some good eateries and order the food there. Not only this method is cheaper, but it gives them a more satisfying nuance. They can eat with the locals, after all. Another method is considered the most troublesome one. It is because tourists need to reach nearby shores and catch those shrimps directly with the help of the locals. It gives the best experience to them, though.
More about Udang Selingkuh
Some tourists may wonder why the locals gave such name to that food. Well, according to some villagers, it is because the shrimps have the big claws that are similar to those of lobsters. Despite the unclear information, the food remains popular among both locals and tourists. Thanks to the delicious taste and nutritious protein. In fact, it has become Wamena’s prime source of protein for those who live there.
Aside from learning the history, tourists can also join the locals when it comes to fishing or hunting the shrimps. Usually, these people would look in the Baliem River. The number is decreasing these days, though. This explains why tourists may look for the shrimps in other places including Tigi, Tage, and Paniai Lake. The good news is tourists are allowed to join the activity and catch some. They are allowed to bring these shrimps home!
When it comes to the taste, it is both savory and sweet. Most villagers cook it and eat the shrimps directly without any side dishes, actually. However, some of them include eggs and fried rice for the best eating experience. Also, due to the size, some tourists even call it the mini lobster of Wamena!
Nearby Attractions
- Wamena Botanical Garden
- Mumi Jiwika
- Patung Salib Wamena
- Tirta Wijaya Temple
How to Get There
From Sentani Airport in Jayapura City, tourists only need to spend about 30 minutes to fly to Wamena Airport. The flight definitely becomes longer if they come from Soekarno – Hatta International Airport at Jakarta City. Approximately, it takes around 10 hours and 15 minutes to reach Wamena. So, what is next to do? After arriving at the destination, tourists can simply head to the recommended eateries where they can get Udang Selingkung. The help of a tour guide would be useful, therefore.
Where to Stay
- Rainbow Hotel
- Cartenz Hotel
- Baliem Pilamo Hotel
