Timorese food · Street food
Pisang goreng
Banana fried in batter: a crisp, sweet snack sold at street stalls.
Last verified: Checked against a Timorese cookbook and published food sources
By David
Quick answer · as of October 2026
Pisang goreng is banana dipped in a light batter and deep-fried until crisp. It is an Indonesian snack that is popular in Dili, sold from street stalls in the afternoon and eaten as a snack or dessert.
- Type
- Street food
- Origin
- Indonesian
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian
- Also called
- fried banana
On this page
What is Pisang goreng?
A Portuguese-language Dili food guide describes pisang goreng as a popular Indonesian-origin snack made with banana, sugar, egg and wheat flour, sometimes with cinnamon: crispy, but greasy.
Wikipedia notes it is common across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
How it is made
- Ripe bananas are coated in batter and deep-fried in hot oil.
Where to try it
Street stalls and markets in Dili and larger towns, usually in the afternoon.
See all restaurants and cafés in Timor-Leste.
Tips
- Buy it fresh from the fryer: it goes soggy quickly.
More Timorese dishes
Frequently asked questions
Is pisang goreng vegetarian?
Yes. The batter is usually made with flour, sugar and egg, so it is vegetarian but not always vegan.
When can I buy pisang goreng?
Street stalls and markets in Dili and the larger towns usually fry it in the afternoon. Buy it hot, as it goes soggy quickly.
Sources
Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.
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