Pepes ikan

Pepes ikan is a dish that is made by wrapping a whole fish, or occasionally pieces of fish, in banana leaves. The fish is generously coated in a spice paste that typically includes ingredients such as turmeric, candlenuts or macadamia, tomatoes, shrimp paste, palm sugar, lemon basil, tamarind, lemongrass, and chili peppers.

It is then neatly wrapped in banana leaves, and the parcels can be steamed or grilled. The fish is served in the leaf, and it is typically accompanied by lime or lemon wedges on the side. Variations of ikan pepes are found throughout East Timor and Indonesia, but the most popular variety is ikan pepes mas, made with carp.