Heavily influenced by early Dutch and Portuguese colonists you can find the best experience of Indonesia's authenticity in Jakarta. The spice trade brought ships from all over the world to Indonesia's Islands thus having a huge influence in how Asian cuisine was to developed. And yet many of the dishes you'll enjoy have very local differences in flavor and presentation. You feel this as you Island hop through your holiday.
There are hundreds of spoken languages throughout the Islands and that's expected of course. The bygone trade in spice added so much cultural turmoil to the lives of these people. But one constant you realize is the dependency on rice. It's a love affair for the people on these Islands and yet to the east their love turns to sweet potato and cassava.
Move around the Islands and you will see and feel this diversity. On Bali you may find many vendors and restaurants won't serve beef but on Sumatra it's pork that's off the menu.
And there is an etiquette to respect when it comes to dining. You may be given a spoon and fork but not a knife (it is good manners not to ask for one either). We would encourage you to eat with your hands. It's common to do so "when in Rome" and follow local tradition.
The main dishes are centered on the table with the plethora of smaller dishes positioned on the outside Below are our best street food recommendations to try when holidaying on Bali or traveling throughout Indonesia.
With over 17,000 Islands to its name, how could you not expect roasted fish? But not just any old roasting. With this healthy option the fish is marinated in a blend of soy sauce and coconut oil. Add in a variety of spices resulting in a dish that is not only juicy but tantalizingly aromatic. A tomato-based paste or sauce served with the fish enriches the flavoring of the grilled meat.
Widely popular throughout Indonesia especially Java for its simplicity and low price. The dish is a salad of light mixed vegetables with a flavorsome peanut sauce layered on top. The sauce usually comprises other ingredients including spices:
It can be served standing alone or with rice or as a side dish.
Found all over Asia but the origin points to Java. Yet the Indonesian Islands enjoyed culinary influence of the Middle Eastern traders. It's a barbeque but done with the authenticity of Indonesian tradition. Small pieces of diced meat seasoned and marinated before grilling.
Depending on which Island you are on you can expect the meat to be a choice of:
Often Satay will be served with a peanut sauce or soy sauce with rice cakes. Once you've been given your skewers, a word of advice: don't stray too far away from the vendor. There's a 100% chance you'll be going back for more.
Unbelievably delicious. But what is it, you ask? It's a sliced banana that is deep fried in coconut oil, pure and simple. This is a snack you will enjoy whilst out for a leisurely walk. Some vendors will dip the slices in honey first or batter or breadcrumbs. Or not but in any case, it remains tempestuous on your taste buds, in a nice way.
It's part of Indonesian life inside out. You cannot holiday on Bali and not try this for it would be an embarrassment on oneself. Be sure to ask for the savory dip to go with it.
This soup originates in Java but if you've traveled anywhere in Asia, you'll have come across it before. It's a very common and well-liked dish. The broth is served with:
Once more there are subtle differences where you are. You can expect to find ― in addition to the boiled eggs ― shallots, fritters and fish cakes as extras. But steamed rice is always served alongside the soup.
We've been told it's the national dish. Laiden heavily with rice ― most dishes come with rice ― and a multitude of other prized ingredients. Suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians. Seafood is found in place of chicken; Nasi Goreng is accompanied with mixed vegetables and spices.
There are shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, a little chili (as expected), and tamarind also. As with all vendors and restaurants the dish is made to order. Don't be shy about asking for a few extra things ― many locals ask for a fried egg with it.
Scrumptious. Every Island has its own variation of this dish. No two will taste identical. Our experience is we feel every cook and chef follows a family recipe handed down through the generations. Quite something.
Fermented soybeans quickly turned into an edible patty is a staple of the Islands for many and some consider it to be a delicacy. Usually added to another dish rather than eaten by itself, the Tempeh is sold raw wrapped in banana leaves.
Add to a salad or rice or noodles. You can ask for it to be fried or braised in palm sugar and coconut water or part of a vegetable stir fry. Ask for it just to enjoy authentic Tempeh as there is no other substitute found elsewhere in the world.
The people of Indonesia love their chicken but who could have imagined such a big deal would be made out of fried chicken legs? The taste you enjoy comes from the meat of a bird that was permitted to roam free. Lean meat that is healthy and it's this quality that's the big deal with locals. None of the chickens are fed on processed feed.
Fried in palm or coconut oil after being marinated in local spices, the meat is juicy and tender with a crispy outer skin that's got a crunchy snap. Every Island has its own variety so try them all as you hop from Island to Island.
Indonesia has always been a prized destination for the romantic and newlyweds. It has a little of everything. The sun and beaches. The natural world above and beneath the ocean waves. The food. Our guide we hope, has enlightened you to Indonesia's culinary best because Indonesia is a true treasure trove of innovation when it comes to the use of spice in cuisine. Few other cultures can lay claim to such prestige in expertise in our opinion.
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