top of page
1B_The Story of Orang Laut.png

Ikan Sumpit Panggang

  • Writer: The Pulau Brani Project
    The Pulau Brani Project
  • Jun 26
  • 1 min read

Spit-Grilled Fish with Tamarind & Torch Ginger Glaze


ree

In the early mornings on Brani, fishermen would return with speared fish, sun still low over the water, fires already crackling. Ikan sumpit—named after the blowpipe-like spearfishing tool—were grilled over coconut husks, wrapped in banana leaves, and glazed with sour tamarind, fresh turmeric, and torch ginger. A dish of flame, patience, and salt air, cooked without a clock—only by smell and memory.


“Dulu kami tak ada dapur moden. Tapi pakai daun pisang, arang, dengan kelapa sawit saja dah cukup.”

—Mak Ngah Kamaliah, Telok Saga resident




Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

  • 1 whole rabbitfish (ikan baronang) or mackerel, scaled and gutted

  • 2 tbsp tamarind pulp + ¼ cup warm water

  • 1 tbsp grated turmeric (or ½ tsp powder)

  • 1 tbsp finely chopped torch ginger bud

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp palm sugar

  • ½ tsp sea salt

  • Banana leaves (or foil) for wrapping

  • Optional: sambal belacan or smoked sambal on the side



Instructions

  1. Soak banana leaves in hot water to soften.

  2. In a small pan, sauté garlic and turmeric in coconut oil until fragrant. Add tamarind water, sugar, salt, and chopped bunga kantan. Simmer into a sticky glaze.

  3. Score fish diagonally. Rub glaze all over and inside the cavity.

  4. Wrap fish tightly in banana leaf and secure with skewers or string.

  5. Grill over medium charcoal or on an open flame (about 5–6 mins per side), until leaf is charred and the fish is just cooked.

  6. Serve unwrapped at the table, letting the smoke aroma rise.


Sambal Pairing

  • Sambal Kerisik Hitam for smoky sweetness

  • Sambal Raja Laut for intensity


 
 
The Pulau Brani Project — Stay Close to the Island

Subscribe to our newsletter

The Pulau Brani Project
The Pulau Brani Project — A living archive of stories and community

STAY CLOSE
TO THE ISLAND,
WHEREVER YOU ARE.

Sign up to receive new stories, archival finds, and upcoming events from The Pulau Brani Project—right to your inbox.

The Pulau Brani Project — A rich history of Singapore's maritime heritage
The Pulau Brani Project — Homes on Brani Island

SHARE YOUR
OWN STORY

Your memories are part of the island. Whether it’s a family recipe, a photo, or a moment you still carry as a Branian, every story adds to the living archive of Pulau Brani. We’d love to hear yours.

The Pulau Brani Project — The people and community that still live on
bottom of page