Sinful Indonesian CuisineA Guide for New Expats in Indonesia

By: Asia Expat Guides

Although popular in several countries,

Indonesia lays claim to satay as a national

dish that was conceived by street vendors which later

gained popularity thanks to Arab

traders. Satay is skewered meat (goat, beef, chicken or pork)

that is cooked upon hot coals and fanned till it is nicely grilled

and succulent enough to eat. It is first

barbecued in turmeric, and then, after

barbecuing, bathed in peanut sauce.

Satay

A Sumatran creation, rendang is a spicy

meat dish. Chicken or beef rendang is

prepared using coconut milk and a

paste of mixed ground spices. In

2011, an online poll held by CNN International

declared rendang as the top dish among

the ‘World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods’.

Traditional recipes require about four hours to prepare!

Rendang

Made famous by President Obama

who declared it as one of his favorite dishes, bakso is a

savory meatball noodle soup. The meatballs can be

made of beef, chicken, pork, or a

combination thereof. Sold from

pushcarts, bakso is served with friend shallots, wontons and boiled eggs.

Bakso

Popular in several Southeast Asian

countries including Singapore and Malaysia, nasi

goreng is considered a

national dish in Indonesia. It is a

sweeter version of friend rice, prepared

with sweet, thick soy sauce known as

kecap. What’s more, it is served with acar (pickled

cucumber and carrots). Yum!

Nasi Goreng

A concoction of several dishes comprise nasi padang. Named after

its birth city in Sumatra, one can choose from more

than a dozen dishes. Some of these may

sound extremely appetizing, while

others may not be so appealing for some,

but they include curries with fish

heads, cow’s feet and much more. Takes an

adventurous foodie to try these out!

Nasi Padang

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