10 Must-Try Indonesian Dishes

Indonesia is a cultural, scenic and above all mouthwatering cuisine store house. The country has more than 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, which present an extremely diverse culinary environment that speaks of the rich culture of the country. Sizzling sambals and coconut-flavored curries to barbecued meats and spicy rice meals, every area of Indonesia adds its own taste to the national cuisine. Any food enthusiast who intends to visit Indonesia should not leave without trying some of the local cuisines just as the temples or the beaches. Must-Try Indonesian Dishes offer a flavorful journey through the country’s rich culinary heritage, from Nasi Goreng to Rendang.

Indonesia is a food lover paradise whether you are strolling through the street markets of Jakarta, having a meal at the beach in Bali or trying out the home cooked goodness in Yogyakarta, the Indonesian food delights never fall short. By using reliable services such as go kite travel to book Indonesia Holiday Packages, tourists can enjoy the gastronomic delights of the country in the comfort of ease. These low cost Indonesia Holiday Packages can be a great option to consider especially by people who want to have a taste of Indonesia by eating their way through this Southeast Asian paradise.

Here are the Must-Try Indonesian Dishes

1. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Nasi Goreng is widely considered one of the national dishes of Indonesia and you will find it on the menu in restaurants and street stalls as well as in the homes of most Indonesians. It is prepared by stir-frying rice with sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste and either meat or vegetables. It is comfort food with a fried egg on top and comes with crunchy prawn crackers and pickles. There are variations of Nasi Goreng and this adds to its diversity in taste.

2. Rendang (Spicy Meat Stew)

Rendang is a dry curry dish cooked slowly and is made using beef, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, and chili, which are aromatic ingredients of the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra. This meat is cooked over some hours till the water dries up and the meat soaks all the flavors to yield a tender yet spicy piece of heaven. During special occasions, rendang is mostly served, and it is a must-have to those who love spices.

3. Sate (Satay)

Sate is Indonesian version of skewered and grilled meat, often accompanied with a delicious peanut sauce. Depending on what meat it is chicken, lamb, beef or even fish, the meat is marinated and then grilled over hot coals to produce the smoky, charred taste. A common type is Sate Ayam (chicken satay), which is accompanied by thick and sweet peanut sauce and rice cakes called lontong. Sate is found in food stalls in virtually every city in Indonesia.

4. Gado-Gado (Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)

Gado-Gado is a good choice of a healthy but tasty dish. This is a classic Indonesian salad which combines colorful vegetables which are steamed such as bean sprouts, spinach, and cabbage, tofu, tempeh, and boiled eggs. The highlight of the dish is the rich and creamy peanut dressing that is poured on the top of it. It is thick, healthy, and very filling.

5. Soto (Indonesian Soup)

Soto is a traditional soup cooked with a clear or coconut milk based soup, typically served with meat (mostly chicken or beef), rice or noodles and herbs. Various areas have their different variants like Soto Betawi (Jakarta) or Soto Ayam (chicken soup). It is a comforting dish flavored with turmeric, lime leaves and lemongrass and is very much the essence of Indonesian home cooking.

6. Bakso (Meatball Soup)

Bakso is a common street food which entails meatballs prepared using beef surimi, and is served in a bowl of tasty broth along with noodles, tofu, and vegetables. Bakso is a local favorite and is usually served with a dash of soy sauce, chili sauce and fried shallots. Even the ex-US President Barack Obama has said that it is one of his favorite Indonesian food!

7. Nasi Padang

The origin of the name of this dish is the city of Padang in West Sumatra and it is more of a cuisine than a dish. Nasi Padang is a buffet of numerous little dishes which are served with steamed rice. You should anticipate a wide range of delicious dishes including curried beef, spicy eggplant, rendang and sambal-infused vegetables. It is a wonderful method of sampling several Indonesian dishes at a time, and is normally consumed with the use of hands.

8. Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)

Mie Goreng is also similar to Nasi Goreng, as it is a stir-fried noodle dish, seasoned in soy sauce, garlic and optional vegetables and meats. It is a widely distributed dish, often served with a fried egg, pickles and sambal, in homes, street stalls, and fine restaurants. Mie Goreng is a fan favorite among noodle enthusiasts and is easy to make and delicious.

9. Ayam Taliwang

Another spicy grilled dish of the island of Lombok, the Ayam Taliwang chicken is marinated in a mix of garlic, chili, shrimp paste and lime juice and then grilled till smoky. It is normally accompanied with rice and fresh vegetables. This is spicy and tasty, and one that people who like robust, spicy food with an Indonesian flair can enjoy.

10. Es Cendol (Iced Sweet Dessert)

To counter the heat of all that spice, Es Cendol is a refreshing Indonesian dessert that uses pandan-flavored jelly noodles, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup poured over crushed ice. It is sweet, creamy and just right with the tropical climate. You will get it in the restaurants, dessert stands, and street vendors throughout the nation.

Conclusion

Indonesia is a delicious gastronomic adventure, which is an embodiment of its various culture. Both foods have a story behind them, of both tradition and spice and creativity. Indonesian cuisine caters to all sorts of foodies with their spicy curries, grilled meat and refreshing desserts. By trying these dishes, you will gain more experience in traveling and get closer to the local communities.

The Indonesian Holiday Packages of go kite travel will help you plan your gastronomic adventure. These low-cost affordable Indonesia Packages from Dubai do not only make you visit the beautiful islands and the ancient temples but also make sure that you enjoy the best that the country can offer you. Therefore, get your bags packed and be prepared to taste the unresistible tastes of Indonesia- one bite at a time.