IndonesiaFood and Drink

Indonesian cuisine offers a delightful blend of Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, European, Pacific Islander, and indigenous flavours. Balinese cuisine, for instance, has Indian influences, with less focus on beef. Lombok's cuisine, on the other hand, does not include pork. This is because this region is more influenced by the island's Muslim culture. Regionally, traditional Javanese dishes tend to be sweeter due to the abundance of cane sugar, but Manado and Padang really lean into using chili and spices. The use of spices is central to many traditional Indonesian dishes. A special spice base, basa gede, forms the foundation for many recipes. To intensify the love for spice, a fiery chili sambal paste is also included in most meals. If you order a typical meal in Indonesia, it will consist of rice accompanied by vegetables and meat. Indonesia has become well known for its spice exports, including pepper, cardamon, cloves and nutmeg.

What is Indonesia's traditional cuisine?

One such iconic traditional Indonesian dish is tumpeng, a beautiful cone-shaped serving of rice decorated with a variety of colourful sides and meats. You'll also want to try a rendang, which refers to a method of tenderizing meat over a day’s worth of cooking, starting with spices and coconut milk being added to meat until cooked down. The result is a tender meat dish served atop warm rice. And let's not forget about nasi goreng, a scrumptious fried rice preparation that's bound to satisfy your taste buds. Vegetarian options are also plentiful, with tofu and tempeh often used as meat alternatives. Delicious coconut milk and spice marinated pieces of chicken, pork, goat and beef are skewered and grilled, known as satay are widely available, especially on street carts.

For dessert, try the sweet and salty barbequed banana, known as pisang kapik, with ground coconut and brown sugar on top. A must find in a traditional market is kue apem, a steamed cake made from rice flour, coconut milk and palm sugar covered with grated coconut, which is sure to delight with its sweet caramel flavour and light texture.

What is the dining etiquette in Indonesia?

Manners are of utmost importance in Indonesia, and you are sure to witness politeness and patience in dining settings. Wait to start eating until the host has started eating, or the oldest person seated at the table. Eating with hands can be common, but only use your right hand, as the left one is considered unsanitary. In most tourist centric locations, forks or spoons will be provided—if it's provided, best to use it. After you’ve finished your meal, it's acceptable to leave a small portion of food on the dish, an indication that you are appreciative of the meal and offering it up to the gods.

When you are done eating in smaller restaurants, it's likely you just get up and go pay your bill at a register. If you are waiting around unsure, you can inquire with a staff member permisi, mau bayar, excuse me, I’d like to pay.

What is the drinking etiquette in Indonesia?

When it comes to drinks in Indonesia, you cannot miss the renowned sweetened coffee. Largely influenced by its predominantly Muslim population, alcohol is available but also heavily taxed. Drinking alcoholic beverages with a meal is not common, except in more tourist centric areas. Local beers like Bintang Pilsners and Anker are quite popular and easily found. Specialty spirits continue to be mass produced such as moke and sopi from the Timor islands are derived from palm trees, while ballo from South Sulawesi province is derived from lontar tree sap. In many indigenous Indonesian cultures, fermented beverages are a part of religious gatherings and festivals. There is even local home brewing, traditionally done with fermented rice, palm or coconut sugar and flavoured with various fruits, herbs or spices.

It's important to note that the consumption of spirits may be restricted in certain areas, so it's best to be cautious. Avoid overindulgence, as any boisterous or reckless behavior could be subject to being reprimanded.

Does Indonesia cater to dietary restrictions?

Indonesians are known to try to be accommodating of travellers, however language barriers surrounding severity and importance of avoiding certain ingredients can be challenging. Given the dominant Muslim population, dining on halal options is easy. Also, vegans and vegetarians will find an abundance of dishes to suit their needs. Finding gluten-free meals is possible, but do try to clearly communicate with staff. Many types of nuts, peanuts, and sesame are prolifically used in traditional Indonesian dishes. Travelling with a translated card indicating your dietary restrictions could be helpful. Consider doing research before travelling to find spots that are suitable for your dietary restrictions.

What do meals typically cost in Indonesia?

You can find the cheapest meals, between $3-5 at mobile stalls called kaki lima, usually located in night markets and also on the streets. Another budget-friendly choice is a warung restaurant that may offer a smaller menu, or even buffet style, with meals from $4-6 . If you're looking for more variety, check out the larger rumah makan restaurants. In major cities, you'll also find international restaurants, or more formal dining options often available from $20-40 per person.