Kuah Beulangong: Sacred Feast for Special Moments

Kuah Beulangong (also known as *Acehnese Mutton Curry*) is a legendary meat curry dish carrying highly sacred social values, serving as a symbol of togetherness and cooperation. Literally, the name "Kuah Beulangong" refers to the cooking method using a giant iron cauldron (*Beulangong*) measuring up to 1 meter in diameter. This dish, made from beef, buffalo, or mutton, is cooked with sliced young jackfruit (*bruek*) or young green bananas, resulting in a rich, red curry sauce loaded with spices.

The cooking of Kuah Beulangong is a cooperative ritual performed exclusively by village men. From gathering firewood, sacrificing the livestock, chopping spices, to stirring the curry in the giant cauldron under the supervision of a master cook (*syekh beulangong*), everything is done communally in mosque courtyards or open village squares. The curry spices are highly complex, featuring toasted grated coconut (*u neuheul*), ground coconut paste, coriander, dried chilies, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, releasing a powerful spice aroma. Traditionally, women are forbidden from cooking or touching the dish during its preparation in the giant cauldron.

Kuah Beulangong is served hot in large portions during the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid), weddings, harvest thanksgivings (*Khanduri Blang*), and major Islamic holidays, strengthening social bonds across all layers of society.

Location & Address: Aceh Besar, Pidie, and Banda Aceh Regencies (Centers of traditional feast dishes), Aceh Province, Indonesia. Google Maps

References & Sources: 1. Customary Council of Aceh (MAA). (2021). *Values of Togetherness and Presentation Procedures of Khanduri Kuah Beulangong*. 2. Sufi, Rusdi. (2004). *Customs and Traditions of Acehnese Society*. Banda Aceh: Aceh Cultural Office. 3. Intangible Cultural Heritage Report, Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia. (2018).