Joanna James
From Nasi Goreng and Gado- Gado to Beef Rendang and Bakso, Indonesia is a hotspot for food lovers to have an unforgettable gourmet experience. Not only are these local dishes incredibly flavourful but can also be curated to suit your palate. Read this simple guide to gain insights on having a feisty culinary journey in Indonesia.
Indonesians are incredibly fond of rice. More particularly Nasi Goreng or rice blended with meat, vegetables, spices and eggs is considered a delight loved by all Indonesians alike. The dish is usually arranged with rice leftovers from the day before and is pre-cooked in many households. When you head to an Indonesian restaurant, you will usually be spoilt for choices between an array of Nasi Gorgeng choices. You can simply customize your own dish and choose the meat you like, and decide on the level of spiciness and how you want your egg to be mixed in. Whilst the dish has an array of varieties, some of the most popular types include Nasi goreng Ayam – Chicken fried rice, Nasi goreng ikan asin – Salted fish fried rice, Nasi goreng cumi – Squid fried rice and Nasi goreng keju – Cheese fried rice.
A salad made of veggies, hard-boiled eggs, tempeh, tofu, potato, and mouth-watering peanut sauce, Gado- Gado is an absolute favourite among locals and foreigners alike for its unique flavours and creamy texture. The salad is made extra scrumptious by the final touch of creamy sauce and is bound to leave you craving for more. Interestingly, you will note that each island of Indonesia has its own version of Gado- Gado. For instance, in Java, you will come across a similar dish called Pecel.
It is no surprise that fish plays a pivotal role in a country that is made of a host of islands. Translated as roasted fish, Ikan Bakar is a delicacy made just for healthy eaters. The dish is simply beyond an ordinary grilled fish and is prepared from fish marinated in a blend of soy sauce, coconut oil and a good dose of spices. Once grilled on a charcoal fire, the crisp, juicy and aromatic fish is ready to be served with a side of sambal or colo-colo. Irrespective of your plan to stay at luxury or economy hotels and serviced apartments by international hospitality brands such as Discover ASR, a dish of Ikan Bakar will not be a rare find.
If you are looking for a slice of European while spending your holiday on this tropical island, Bakso is a must-try. This delicious meatball soup is served with boiled eggs and noodles and has similar connotations to the traditional broth. You can find this famed Indonesian dish on almost any street food stall or restaurant menu.
Having its roots in Padang, Sumatra, Beef Rendang is a spicy flavourful dish much like many other dishes of Padang. The dish is quite similar to beef curry but without broth. Part of the allure of the dish lies in the effort required to prepare it. It definitely takes a considerable amount of time for you to get the perfect tenderness out of the beef.
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.
