Panada is an interesting Indonesian take on Spanish and Latin American empanadas. These deep-fried, crescent-shaped pastries consist of leavened dough and a fish-based filling. The Indonesian version is traditionally filled with a combination of skipjack tuna, onions, coconut milk, chili peppers, and other optional ingredients.

The name of this convenient snack unmistakably resembles Spanish empanadas—small pies that originated in Galicia, but which have become a staple in Latin American countries. However, it is believed that the origin of panada was influenced by the Portuguese, who were present in the area since the 16th century.

Regardless of its questionable background, panada has become a traditional Indonesian snack that is mostly associated with North Sulawesi and the city of Manado.