Joanna James
Are you a travelling foodie and interested in tasting the exotic flavours of Indonesian cuisines while you're in Bali? Here's a list of some that you shouldn't miss.
Nasi Goreng literally means fried rice and is the Indonesian equivalent to a Chinese fried rice, except it's packed with more spices and flavours as compared to the usual Chinese fried rice. This item appears on any Asian menu and if you're a traveller, you've most likely heard of this rice dish. Nasi Goreng is the national dish of Indonesia.
Another popular favourite, satays are common around the world. But did you know, they actually rooted from Indonesia? Most resort restaurants such as the one at COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali offer local cuisines for guests, and if you're looking for a luxury wellness and spa retreat in Ubud, you can most likely find it at a similar property – this is ideal as you'll need some help in relaxing after indulging on the delicious local meals. Satays are meat skewers – with the meat varying from beef, chicken and mutton, and is grilled over charcoal or wood fired pizza which gives it that barbecue flavour. Satays are usually served with a spicy pineapple and peanut sauce – it's hard not to ask for more!
Not particularly traditional, but Gorengan translates to fried foods and is usually sold from a street cart. The fried foods, which are popular amongst locals and tourists who are eager to sample local street food, include; fried yam, soy beans, spring rolls, pineapples and plenty of others. These quick snacks taste good and are the best way to fill your stomach when you're on a strict schedule with time.
Bakpao is a steamed meat bun, which is the literal translation of the name. Although this is mostly Chinese influenced, the Bakpao is usually made with pork, but over the years have been adapted to suit other tastes and meat preferences such as chicken or just vegetables. The dough is quite thick and steamed after being stuffed.
This traditional dish is another popular dish amongst tourists and locals. Gado Gado can generally be bought from road side vendors, but is also served at restaurants. Gado Gado is basically a vegetable salad coated (and not drizzled like with other salad dressings you're probably used to having) with the goodness of peanut sauce.
Can't decide if you want to have the Martabak sweet or savoury? Well don't! Luckily, they come in both variations and taste equally scrumptious. The sweet Martabak is usually a thick stuffed pancake- usually with chocolate or banana, while the sour version includes a filling of duck eggs, beef, onions and seasoning, which is later fried in a large wok.
Bubur Sumsum is a black rice pudding and a traditional local delicacy. Despite its sweetness, the dish is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack and is the Go-to for all sweet lovers! The dish comprises a combination of white and black rice that's flavoured with randan leaves, palm sugar and coconut milk or cream.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
