The fish undergoes a special process of drying so that it becomes salty and completely dried out. The fish is crispy like chips. The bones are brittle to the point that the entire fish can be eaten--even the head and fins.
This all must sound disgusting, but actually I found it very tasty. I will miss these back in the States if I can't find them at some import store. They end up being similar to jerky. There is a fish flavor, but the processing makes it milder than canned tuna.
Indonesians like to eat these with sambal (chili sauce) very similar to chips and salsa in the States.
Below are pictures Stephanie took as proof that I ate the head. Actually, I ate the whole fish, though the fins are probably my favorite.
Steph, so glad you left a comment on my blog which led me to yours! Last time I saw you, you were still waiting to find out for sure if you'd be going to Indonesia. Life has changed a lot in the past year -- interesting and exciting. (Not sure those fish look tasty though.)
ReplyDeleteYummy! Although I never got into the heads.
ReplyDelete