Indonesian Cuisine

These dishes define Indonesian cuisine and can be found from Sumatra to Papua:

Nasi Goreng — The National Dish

Nasi Goreng (fried rice) is Indonesia's soul on a plate. Cold rice is stir-fried in a wok with Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce — THE taste of Indonesia), garlic, shallots, chili, and shrimp paste, garnished with a fried egg, prawn crackers (Kerupuk), and pickled vegetables (Acar). Every food stall has its own version — there is no wrong Nasi Goreng, only differently good ones. Price: from 15,000 IDR (0.90 €).

Rendang — The Tastiest Dish in the World

Rendang has repeatedly been voted by CNN as the "tastiest dish in the world" — and rightly so. Beef (sometimes water buffalo) is simmered for hours in a paste of coconut milk, chili, galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, and dozens of other spices until the liquid is completely reduced and the meat becomes tender and intensely aromatic. Origin: West Sumatra (Minangkabau). The real Rendang in Bukittinggi is a revelation.

Sate (Satay)

Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce — an Indonesian concept that has conquered the world. The best variants: Sate Ayam (chicken, sweet peanut sauce), Sate Kambing (goat, Solo style), and Sate Padang (beef with spicy yellow curry sauce — the crown of Sate).

Bakso

Bakso (meatball soup) is Indonesia's most popular street food — millions of Bakso carts roll through the streets daily, recognizable by the rhythmic "Tok-tok-tok" of the vendor. The meatballs (made from beef or chicken) float in a clear, spicy broth with noodles, tofu, and vegetables. From 10,000 IDR (0.60 €).

Tempeh — Indonesia's Gift to the World

Tempeh was invented in Indonesia — fermented soybeans bound into a firm, nutty-umami-rich block by a fungus. What is considered a meat substitute in the West has been a staple in Indonesia for centuries. Tempeh Goreng (fried with salt and chili) and Tempeh Mendoan (battered) are heavenly.

Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producer in the world — and the coffee culture is deeply rooted:

Kopi Tubruk

The traditional Indonesian preparation method: Ground coffee is directly added to the cup, poured over with hot water, and stirred with plenty of sugar. The grounds remain in the cup — you drink carefully from the top. Simple, strong, widely available. From 5,000 IDR (0.30 €).

Kopi Luwak — the most expensive coffee in the world

Kopi Luwak is made from coffee beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet (Luwak). The digestive enzymes alter the beans, producing an exceptionally mild, low-bitter coffee. Original wild-collected Kopi Luwak is extremely rare and expensive (up to 50 € per cup). Warning: Most "Kopi Luwak" offers come from caged animals living in deplorable conditions. Only buy certified wild Luwak coffee or — better yet — try the excellent "normal" Indonesian coffees: Toraja, Gayo (Sumatra), Java, and Flores.

Jamu

Jamu is Indonesia's traditional herbal medicine — a system of hundreds of drinks and pastes made from roots, leaves, fruits, and spices. The most common is Jamu Kunyit Asam (turmeric-tamarind drink) — bitter, refreshing, and supposedly good for everything. Jamu vendors with their characteristic carrying baskets are a common sight in Java.

Alcohol

Indonesia is a Muslim country, but alcohol is legal and available in tourist areas, hotels, and supermarkets. Bintang is the Indonesian national beer (actually a Heineken offshoot). Arak (rice wine/palm liquor) is common in Bali and Flores — be cautious with the quality: Methanol-poisoned Arak has caused fatalities.

Indonesia has some of the richest art traditions in the world — several are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage:

Batik — UNESCO World Heritage

Batik is much more than a pretty pattern on fabric — it is a philosophical art form, where patterns are applied to cotton with hot wax and then dyed. The patterns have meaning: The Parang pattern (diagonal lines) was once reserved for the king, Kawung (circles) symbolizes purity, Mega Mendung (clouds) from Cirebon stands for patience. In 2009, Batik was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. On October 2nd (Hari Batik Nasional), all Indonesians wear Batik.

Gamelan

Gamelan is the traditional ensemble orchestra of Java and Bali — a hypnotic interplay of bronze metallophones, gongs, drums, and bamboo flutes, creating one of the most unique sounds in world music. Claude Debussy was so fascinated by Gamelan that he incorporated it into his compositions. In Yogyakarta, you can experience Gamelan performances at the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) — free and authentic.

Wayang — Shadow Puppet Theater

Wayang Kulit (leather shadow play) is a tradition over 1,000 years old: A Dalang (puppeteer) tells stories from the Ramayana or Mahabharata all night long by moving intricate leather puppets behind an illuminated screen. The Dalang voices all the characters, conducts the Gamelan orchestra, and improvises for hours. A performance begins in the evening and lasts until the early morning — a monumental performance art experience. UNESCO-recognized since 2003.

Wood Carving

The Asmat in Papua, the Toraja in Sulawesi, and the Dayak in Kalimantan are famous for their wood carving art — from tiny Tau-Tau figures to monumental totem poles. However, the most renowned wood carving comes from Jepara (Central Java), where intricate furniture and decorations have been carved from teak wood since the 16th century.