Food & Drink

Derived from centuries of exchange with Chinese, European, Middle Eastern and Indian influences, Indonesia has developed its own distinctive cuisine, which varies across its regions. Rice is the staple diet for most Indonesians, and is served in a variety of ways, with several side dishes of meat and/or vegetables. One of the most popular is the Dutch-influenced rijstafel, combinating meat, fish and vegetable curries.

In comparison to the infused flavours of Thai and Vietnamese food, flavours in Indonesia are kept relatively separate, simple and substantial. Spices, notably chilli, and coconut milk are fundamental ingredients as is fish and chicken.

A unique characteristic of some Indonesian food is the application of spicy peanut sauce in their dishes, such as for seasoning grilled chicken satay or as a dressing for gado-gado (a salad of raw and cooked vegetables and peanuts). Another unique aspect of Indonesian cuisine is using terasi or belacan (a pungent shrimp paste) and sambal oelek (hot pungent chili sauce).

Popular dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, nasi padang and soy-based dishes, such as tofu and tempe.