By D’Drift Team
BETONG, March 3: If you happen to be in Betong, do give puffer fish, Betong rojak and uniquely Betong fruit rojak a try.
Yes, it is true that puffer fish contains toxins which may lead to fatal poisoning when incorrectly prepared. However, in Sarawak, puffer fish has been consumed for years without any unfortunate incidents. It has been the diet for locals in Betong division for decades.
Puffers are seasonal, available only during April to September. However, local fishermen usually preserve the extra catch and turn them into a delicacy available all year round.
According to a grocery store operator, fresh puffer fish is typically served in curry and can only be prepared by those who have the knowledge to safely remove the toxic organs.
As for preserved puffer fish, there are at least two ways to prepare salted puffer fish. One is to soak it first for about two hours to remove extra saltiness before frying it. The fish will turn out to be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is then served with calamansi and chilli.
The other way of cooking it is to boil it with terung asam or Dayak egg plant to make it into a soup dish. Both ways, the grocery store operator said, will bring out the tastiness of puffer fish.
Another dish that visitors may like to try when in Betong is Betong rojak and fruit rojak.
Betong rojak is a traditional rojak with a Betong twist. Apart from the usual ingredients of cucumber, turnip, tofu, pineapple, there is the addition of slices of sweet potato flitters. The dish is then completed with a generous serving of traditional rojak sauce on top before another lavish sprinkles of ground peanuts.
Fruit rojak is a unique dish found only in coffeeshops in Betong. The unique dish is made up by sliced apple, pear, turnip, pineapple, and watermelon. Like Betong rojak, the ingredients are coated with the same thick rojak sauce, to be made complete by groundnut sprinkles.
For both dishes, the sauce’s richness balances the freshness of the various ingredients, making them both a satisfying and refreshing dish.
On a hot day, both Betong rojak and fruit rojak will leave any visitor feeling refreshed, energized, and satisfied as it did for the tired travellers like D’Drift Team members. — DayakDaily
