Mie Aceh is a bold and aromatic noodle dish originating from Aceh, the northernmost province of Sumatra, Indonesia, where the culinary landscape is deeply influenced by the region’s historical role as a trading hub, blending Indian, Arab, and Chinese flavors into a uniquely rich and spicy dish.
This beloved specialty is made with thick yellow wheat noodles that are stir-fried or served in a deeply spiced, curry-like broth infused with an intense blend of garlic, shallots, chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and curry powder, creating a dish that is both fiery and deeply fragrant.
Typically, Mie Aceh is enriched with an array of proteins such as beef, goat, shrimp, or crab, accompanied by fresh vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and bean sprouts, which add texture and a slight sweetness to balance the heat of the spice mix.
Regardless of its preparation style, Mie Aceh is traditionally served hot with a final touch of garnishes that enhance its complexity, including crispy fried shallots for a savory crunch, emping crackers for a light bitterness that contrasts the spices, fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing bite, and a squeeze of lime that brightens the dish with a hint of acidity.