Acong Ota (Otak Otak) in Tanjung Pinang. Bintan Island

During my visit to Tanjung Pinang, I had the chance to see how otak otak is made at Acong Ota. While in Tanjung Pinang, I tried otak otak from only three different places. Out of the three, I prefer Acong Ota. But, I need to try more otak otak in Tanjung Pinang before recommending any.



Acong's otak otak is made with 100% fresh Mackerel fish which he put through a grinder to make into fish mince.



Acong blended fresh chicken eggs into the minced fish. The eggs will bind the fish meat and give it more body.



Fresh coconut milk and freshly grounded hot spices were added. That's a lot of spices 😱



Acong added chopped fresh sotong (squid) to the minced Mackerel fish. This mixture will give the otak otak more interesting texture.



Meanwhile, Acong's wife cut fragrant pamelo leaves into fine slivers.



Acong added the pamelo leaves into the mackerel fish, squid, eggs, coconut milk and hot spices. He then mixed everything in the tub by hand.



Acong mixed and beat the mixture by hand, in the same way handmade fishballs are made. Once thoroughly mixed, Acong packed them directly into plastic boxes.



These are then frozen and sold. Customers will buy these frozen otak otak in boxes and cook them by steaming before serving.



Acong also wrapped some of the otak otak with atap leaves.



The otak otak are cooked by slow grilling them over charcoal embers. Oh... heavenly... the aroma of charring atap leaves.. 😮



Acong's otak otak uses no flour fillers - its 100% Mackerel fish, squid, spices, pamelo leaves, eggs and coconut milk. Yet, Acong's otak otak have a tight body due to the binding effect of the eggs.

Acong's otak otak tasted moderately spicy with underlying natural sweetness from the fish, squid, and coconut milk. The embedded pamelo leaves gave Acong's otak otak a certain floral aroma and slight citrusy taste. A bit like Thai curry... you know... .



Acong's beautiful home is set on concrete stilts over the sea in Tanjung Pinang. I am so envious lah... 😂

If you want to get Acong's otak otak, give him a call ☎ +62 811 77 9922 or ☎ +62 852 6453 9922 and he will deliver your order on his Honda bike to your location in Tanjung Pinang.

Date: 23 Mar 2018

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