Indonesian cuisine is one of must-to-try things when exploring
the archipelago country situated between Asia and
Australia continents. Each island and community has their own special
unique attractions. You won’t only find the limitless tourism
spots, but are also invited to explore more what the societies have to
offer. Besides entertaining eyes with local culture’s richness, you
also need to give yourself special treat by tasting the originally
Indonesian cuisine.
Characteristics of Indonesian Cuisine
Indonesia is made up from many ethnics spread
from Sabang to Merauke. Each place has natural treasure which affects the
foods. Though you can find different kinds, tastes and looks of dishes,
Indonesian cuisine majorly has some
characteristics like the following:
- Rice
It is the foundation of every meal in Indonesian
cuisine. The simple serving is adding a few protein and
vegetable dishes. People in Indonesia do not only cook the plain rice.
They also serve this main food in other ways and forms. You can find
nasigoreng (fried rice), nasiuduk (rice cooked in coconut milk), ketupat
(rice steamed in woven pockets of coconut fronds), nasikuning (rice
cooked with coconut milk and turmeric) and many more.
- Sambal
Many dishes in Indonesian cuisine list won’t
feel complete without the addition of sambal. It is chili based sauce,
the mixture of chilies, tangy lime juice, sharp fermented shrimp taste,
sugar and salt. It can be made in less or much spicy, so be sure you are
ready with the surprise on your tongue.
- Peanut sauce
Peanuts are widely applied to many signature dishes of Indonesian
cuisine. Called as bumbukacang, this sauce offers you the
sophisticated, earthy seasoning with the balance combination of savory,
sour, sweet and spicy flavors. A good peanut sauce is shown by its
texture which is not too thick and not too watery.
- Kerupuk
This crunchy cracker is commonly eating with any Indonesian
cuisine. There are many choices of main ingredient like prawn,
garlic, fish and cassava. Simply mention what kind of kerupuk you
want.
Top Foods in Indonesian Cuisine You Have to Try
There are many delicious foods that you can taste when traveling in
Indonesia. Each place makes the local characteristic in
foods. The diversity of culture in this country makes the rich
indonesiancuisine. The number is uncountable. But when
you really have time to explore Indonesia, here are some foods you must
try:
- Satay – meat skewers grilled over the coal and served withpeanut sauce. It is commonly sold by street vendors where they grill themeat; you can mention chicken, goat or rabbit, outdoor. The blowed smokemake it is easy to customers distinguish what kind of dish it is.
- Nasigoreng – literary means fried rice, served with any dishside you can find, like vegetables, chicken, seafood, eggs and beef. Itis one of the versatile treats in Indonesian cuisinethat is cooked using sweet, thick soy sauce, called kecap.
- Bakso – meatballs, made from chicken, beef and sometimes porkor the combination of all of them. Its low price makes bakso becomestudents’ favorite. It is even one of US President BarackObama’s Indonesian cuisine favorite when living inJakarta. This dish is served with chicken broth soup, yellow noodles or
rice vermicelli, and added with celery, fried shallots and importantly
sambal.
- Tahu (tofu) and tempe – known as soul mates. Simply serve itwith plain rice and add kecap (sweet soy sauce) to get your breakfastready to eat.
- Rendang – originated from Padang. It is one of top foods inIndonesian cuisine, commonly served during thecelebration of IdulFitri, Islamic Holy Day. There are two types ofrendang, watery and dried versions. If you like spicy, it is a local dishyou have to try.
- Gudeg – your best option for sweet-treat hunting on plate. Itis not an appetizer or even dessert. This dish is made from jackfruitstrew that is boiled in coconut milk and palm sugar for hours. Added withthe spicy stew made of crisp beef skins (sambal gorengkrecek), you willbe able to enjoy the signature of the royal city of Yogyakarta.
You do not even have to spend much by entering a modern restaurant to
enjoy Indonesian dishes. The traditional foods are mostly offered by
street vendors where you can order for takeaway or to eat on the spot.
Though it is priced quietly affordable, the range of spices used in
Indonesian cuisine make it unforgettable.