One of the World's Great Cuisines
Indonesian food is extraordinary in its variety. With over 17,000 islands and hundreds of distinct ethnic groups, the country's culinary landscape is more diverse than almost any other in the world. The best part: eating here is spectacularly cheap.
The Essentials
- Nasi goreng: Fried rice with sweet soy sauce, shallots, garlic, and usually an egg on top. Indonesia's most iconic dish
- Rendang: Slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices. Originally from West Sumatra, now everywhere. Arguably the world's best meat dish
- Gado-gado: Steamed vegetables with peanut sauce. Indonesia's famous vegetarian option
- Sate: Grilled meat skewers with peanut or kecap sauce. Best eaten at a roadside warung
- Bakso: Meatball soup, found everywhere from street carts to restaurants. A beloved comfort food
- Mie goreng: Fried noodles — the noodle equivalent of nasi goreng
Where to Eat
Warungs (small family-run restaurants) serve the best and most authentic Indonesian food, always at the lowest prices. A full meal at a good warung costs €1–3. Avoid restaurants that have laminated menus with English-only text and photos — these cater to tourists and charge accordingly.
Street Food Safety
Indonesian street food is generally very safe — vendors cook fresh, at high heat, and sell quickly so food doesn't sit around. Look for stalls with high turnover and a queue of locals. Avoid raw vegetables and pre-made salads if your stomach is still adjusting.
Drinks
Es teh manis (sweet iced tea) is the default drink and costs almost nothing. Es kelapa muda (fresh young coconut) is everywhere in Bali. Kopi tubruk is traditional Indonesian coffee — ground coffee left in the cup and poured over with boiling water. Bali Hai and Bintang are the local beers, widely available in tourist areas. Note that in more conservative Muslim areas, alcohol may be harder to find.