Tum ayam

Tum ayam is a traditional Balinese dish consisting of seasoned chicken wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. The preparation of tum ayam involves marinating minced or finely chopped chicken with a blend of aromatic Balinese spices and herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, garlic, shallots, and chili peppers, along with grated coconut, lime leaves, and sometimes shrimp paste for added depth of flavor. This mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves, which are folded into small packets and secured with bamboo sticks or toothpicks. The packets are then steamed or grilled, allowing the banana leaves to impart a subtle, earthy aroma to the chicken while keeping it moist and flavorful. The cooking process infuses the chicken with the rich blend of spices, creating a dish that is aromatic, savory, and slightly spicy. Tum ayam can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger Balinese feast, often accompanied by rice and other traditional Balinese side dishes.