Indonesian cuisine is a reflection of the culinary wealth of different peoples and tribes living on the islands of this state (Chinese and Indian culinary traditions had a noticeable influence on Indonesian cuisine).
National cuisine of Indonesia
An indispensable local product is rice (usually boiled in banana leaves or broth), which is usually cooked bland so that it serves as a side dish to shade and emphasize the taste of the main dish. In addition, rice is used to make translucent noodles, chips, puddings, and various pastries (rice flour is used). And, for example, in East Indonesia, in addition to rice, cereals, sweet potatoes, sorghum, and legumes are popular.
Indonesian cuisine involves the use of seasonings and sauces, often spicy: dishes are seasoned with nutmeg, red, black and white peppers, soy and ginger sauces, cloves, garlic, tamarind and others.
In Indonesia, pork dishes are practically not prepared, but here you can always enjoy fish baked in a banana leaf, smoked mackerel, tuna puree, swallow nests in chicken broth, and shark fin soup.
Popular Indonesian dishes:
- "Nasigoreng" (a dish of fried rice with vegetables, where meat or seafood can be added, as well as hot and spicy seasonings);
- “Gado-gado” (salad with vegetables and peanut sauce);
- Sotobanjar (soup with chicken, rice noodles, vegetables and eggs);
- “Rendnag” (a dish of beef stewed in coconut milk);
- “Bebek tutu” (duck seasoned with spices, which is wrapped in a banana leaf before cooking).
Where to try Indonesian cuisine?
It is accepted in Indonesia with the right hand (for washing hands before and after a meal, special jugs of lemon water are served), but, as a last resort, you can use a fork and spoon (there is a ban on the use of knives in a meal). When visiting authentic restaurants, keep in mind that you will be served cold water or sweet iced tea to wash down the spicy food.
On the island of Bali (Kuta), you can satisfy your hunger in the “Kori Restaurant & Bar” (in the institution, guests are treated to shrimp, crab and squid kebabs; grilled seafood), in Jakarta - in “Bumbu Indonesia” (to dine in this restaurant, it is advisable to book tables in advance; guests here are offered to eat giant shrimp with chili sauce), on the island of Lombok (Senggigi) - in “Warung Paradiso” (in this restaurant, built of bamboo, you can feel the local atmosphere and order Indonesian cuisine in the form seafood, as well as fried rice and noodles, and visitors will be delighted with ice-cold beer and freshly squeezed fruit juices, which are sold here at very affordable prices).
Cooking courses in Indonesia
Travelers interested in national cuisine will be invited to the “Bumbu Bali Restaurant & Cooking School” (Bali): here they will be offered to get a memorable gastronomic experience while preparing dishes and visiting the local market (with the chef you will choose fish caught the same morning, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables).
A trip to Indonesia is recommended to coincide with the Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival (Jakarta, May-June).
