Indonesia is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage. Indonesian food is influenced by many different cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Dutch, and Malay. There are many delicious dishes that you can try, depending on your preference and taste. Here are some of the best food in Indonesia:
The 12 Best Must Try Food in Indonesia When You Visit
1. Sate Ayam / Sate Kambing (satay)
This is one of the most popular and widely available dishes in Indonesia. It consists of skewered pieces of chicken or goat meat, grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, and rice cakes.
2. Nasi Padang
This is a flavourful dish that originated from Padang, West Sumatra. It is a rice-based meal topped with various dishes, such as curries, chicken, fish, beef, and vegetables. The dishes are usually spicy and rich in coconut milk.
3. Gado-gado
This is a vegetable salad that contains boiled greens, tofu, tempeh, potatoes, eggs, and crackers. The salad is dressed with a spicy peanut sauce that adds a nutty and savoury flavour to the dish.
4. Rawon
This is a beef stew that has a distinctive black colour from the use of kluwak (Pangium) nuts. The stew is aromatic and spicy, with herbs and spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. The meat is tender and succulent, and the broth is usually eaten with rice.
5. Pempek
This is a fish cake dish that originated from Palembang, South Sumatra. The fish cakes are made from fish and tapioca flour, and come in various shapes and sizes. They are eaten with a sweet and sour sauce called cuko, noodles, and cucumber.
6. Rendang
This is a spicy beef dish that is cooked in coconut milk and spices for hours until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick and caramelized. It is considered one of the most delicious dishes in the world by many people.
7. Bakso
This is a meatball soup that is popular as a street food in Indonesia. The meatballs are made from beef, chicken, or fish, and are served in a clear broth with noodles, vegetables, and fried shallots. You can add chilli sauce, vinegar, or sweet soy sauce to enhance the flavour.
8. Nasi Goreng
This is the national dish of Indonesia, which literally means “fried rice”. It is a simple but satisfying dish that consists of rice stir-fried with eggs, meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It is usually topped with a fried egg and served with prawn crackers and pickles.
9. Soto
This is a traditional soup that can be found in different regions of Indonesia, with different ingredients and flavours. Some of the common varieties are soto ayam (chicken soup), soto betawi (beef soup with coconut milk), and soto madura (beef soup with turmeric and lime). The soup is usually accompanied by rice, boiled eggs, and fried garlic.
10. Martabak
This is a stuffed pancake that can be either sweet or savoury. The savoury version is filled with minced meat, eggs, cheese, and onions, and fried until crispy. The sweet version is filled with chocolate, cheese, peanuts, or bananas, and sprinkled with sugar. It is a popular snack or dessert in Indonesia.
11. Babi guling
This is roasted suckling pig with crispy skin and spices. It is a specialty of Bali and usually served with rice, lawar (a mix of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat), and sambal (a spicy condiment).
12. Mie goreng
This is fried noodles with meat, eggs, and vegetables. It is similar to nasi goreng but uses noodles instead of rice. It is a simple but satisfying dish that can be found everywhere in Indonesia.
These are just some of the many delicious foods you can find in Indonesia. If you want to explore more, you can check out these websites for more recommendations:
The 21 Best Dishes To Eat in Indonesia | Culture Trip
This website provides a list of 21 dishes that represent the
diversity and richness of Indonesian cuisine, from nasi goreng to rawon. It
also gives some background information and photos of each dish.
Indonesian Food: 11 Traditional Dishes You Should Eat |Rainforest Cruises
This website gives a guide to Indonesian cuisine, including
some common words and ingredients that you will encounter on the menu. It also
features 11 traditional dishes that you should try, such as soto, rendang, and
gado-gado.
Indonesian Food: 30 Dishes to Try in Indonesia | Will Flyfor Food
This website gives a comprehensive guide to Indonesian
cuisine, including its history, culture, and diversity. It also features 30
dishes that you should try, such as rendang, bakso, and nasi goreng. It also
provides some tips on where to find the best food in different regions of
Indonesia.
Food Scene in Indonesia
Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions, and this is reflected in its rich and varied cuisine. Some of the common ingredients used in Indonesian cooking are rice, noodles, coconut milk, spices, herbs, chilies, soy sauce, peanut sauce, and fish sauce.
Indonesian food is known for its bold and complex flavours, ranging from spicy, sweet, sour, salty, to savoury. Some of the most popular dishes in Indonesia are nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (grilled meat skewers), rendang (spicy beef stew), gado-gado (mixed vegetable salad with peanut dressing), soto (soup with meat and noodles), bakso (meatball soup), and nasi uduk (coconut rice).
Indonesia also has many regional specialties that showcase the diversity of its cuisine. For example, Padang food from West Sumatra is famous for its spicy and rich dishes that are served in small plates with rice. Bali food is influenced by Hinduism and features pork dishes such as babi guling (roast suckling pig) and lawar (minced meat salad). Javanese food is sweeter and milder than other regions and includes dishes such as gudeg (young jackfruit stew) and opor ayam (chicken in coconut gravy).
The food scene in Indonesia is not only limited to traditional dishes, but also includes modern and fusion cuisines that cater to different tastes and preferences. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines that offers a wide range of dining options, from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants. Some of the trendy and innovative restaurants in Jakarta are Locanda Food Voyager (serving global cuisines with local ingredients), Nusa Gastronomy (showcasing Indonesian culinary heritage with modern techniques), and Attarine (offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with Indonesian twists).
Indonesian food is a feast for the senses and a delight for the palate. If you ever visit Indonesia, you will be amazed by the variety and quality of its food scene.
Food Festivals in Indonesia
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Ubud Food Festival
This is an annual culinary festival held in Ubud, Bali, that showcases the best of Indonesian food and local produce. It features prominent chefs, live cooking demonstrations, presentations, workshops, food tours, markets, and more. It is a great opportunity to taste a variety of dishes from different regions and cultures of Indonesia, as well as learn about the history and stories behind them. The festival also promotes sustainability, innovation, and social impact in the food industry.
Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival
This is a festival that combines fashion and food in one exciting event. It is held in Jakarta every year and features fashion shows, exhibitions, competitions, bazaars, and culinary festivals. The culinary festival offers a wide range of food options, from traditional Indonesian cuisine to international delicacies. You can also enjoy live music, cultural performances, and entertainment while indulging in the food.
Jember Fashion Carnival
This is a festival that celebrates the creativity and diversity of Indonesian fashion and culture. It is held in Jember, East Java, every year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. The festival features a spectacular parade of colourful costumes and floats that represent various themes and inspirations. The festival also includes a food festival that showcases the local specialties and delicacies of Jember and its surrounding areas.
Lampung Krakatau Festival
This is a festival that commemorates the eruption of Krakatau volcano in 1883 and its impact on the culture and environment of Lampung province. It is held every year in August and features various activities such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, competitions, seminars, and tours. The festival also includes a food festival that highlights the unique and delicious cuisine of Lampung, which is influenced by Sumatran, Javanese, Balinese, and Chinese cuisines.
Dieng Culture Festival
This is a festival that celebrates the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Dieng Plateau in Central Java. It is held every year in August and features various events such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and rituals. The festival also includes a food festival that offers a variety of dishes made from local ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and tempeh.
*Do research if the festivals are still being organised or have changed their names before going.
10 Restaurants in Indonesia with better than 4.5 rating on Google Review (more than 500 reviews)
Plataran Menteng | Indonesian Restaurant
Jl. HOS. Cokroaminoto No.42, RT.6/RW.4, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350, Indonesia
www.plataran.com/plataran-menteng
Lara Djonggrang | Indonesian restaurant
Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No.4, RT.3/RW.2, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350, Indonesia
www.tuguhotels.com/restaurants/jakarta/laradjonggrang
Nusa Indonesian Gastronomy | Indonesian restaurant
Jl. Kemang Raya Kemang No.81, RT.2/RW.2, Bangka, Kemang, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730, Indonesia
Mozaic | French restaurant
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Kaum | Indonesian restaurant
Bali - Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Jakarta - Jl. Dr. Kusuma Atmaja No.77, RT.10/RW.4, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
OKU | Japanese restaurant
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.1, Menteng, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-indonesia/restaurants-bars/oku
Warung Nia Balinese Food & Pork Ribs | Balinese restaurant
Kayu Aya Square, Jl. Kayu Aya No.19-21, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
Tugu Kunstkring Paleis | Indonesian restaurant
Jl. Teuku Umar No. 1, RT.1 / RW.1, Gondangdia, Menteng, DKI Jakarta
www.tuguhotels.com/restaurants/jakarta/kunstkring
de Soematra | Restaurant
Jl. Sumatera No.75, Gubeng, Kec. Gubeng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60281, Indonesia
Ling-Ling's Bali | Asian fusion restaurant
Jl. Petitenget No.43B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80316, Indonesia
*Do check on food and prices before heading down.
These are just some of the best food in Indonesia that you should try. There are many more dishes that you can explore and enjoy in this amazing country. For delicious food, you can say ini enak!
*Some of the information on this post / website may have changed since the time of writing.
"Indonesian food is a feast for the senses
With spices,
herbs, and sauces in abundance
From nasi goreng to rendang, from soto to satay
There’s something for everyone, no matter the day
Indonesian food is a reflection of its culture
With
influences from India, China, and Arabia
From gado-gado to bakso, from martabak to pempek
There’s diversity and harmony, in every bite you take
Indonesian food is a celebration of life
With traditions,
rituals, and festivals in strife
From ketupat to opor ayam, from tumpeng to lapis legit
There’s joy and gratitude, in every dish you eat
Indonesian food is a poem in itself
With flavours, aromas,
and textures in wealth
From sambal to kecap, from tempeh to krupuk
There’s poetry and artistry, in every dish you cook"