TOP 8 Indonesian Foods that Foreigners Have to Try!

TheIndonesia.id - Indonesia has so many delectable culinary delights that are so different in each region. Most of the foods have a similar characteristic - they are seasoned with Indonesian spices.

Here are the top 8 (out of uncountable) Indonesian food that foreigners definitely have to try.

1. Rendang

Rendang is a delicacy from West Sumatra, Indonesia, which has been recognized abroad. Padang food is famous for its spiciness and richness in flavor. Rendang is somehow similar to Beef Curry but without the broth. You have to appreciate the dish because it takes forever to cook in order to get the tenderness out of the beef. It is cooked with traditional spices and coconut milk.

With proper cooking techniques, rendang can last for months. Usually, you can order the food at Padang restaurants along with other side dishes.

2. Nasi Goreng

The next most popular dish is Nasi Goreng or fried rice. Indonesian fried rice and its reputation has taken over the world. Almost every single person in Indonesia has tried it at some point in their life. Usually, Nasi Goreng is eaten for breakfast or dinner.

The taste of this food can be adjusted to suit everyone's taste. You can mix it with veggies, chicken, beef, seafood, whatever it is that you can think of. What makes Indonesian Fried Rice different is the use of kecap, sweet-thick soy sauce and acar, pickled cucumber and carrots.

3. Sate

Sate, commonly known as Satay, is a juicy slice of meat skewer cooked over a charcoal open fire. It is made of chicken, beef, or lamb accompanied by a delectably savory sauce - it is no wonder that Sate is one of President Barack Obama's childhood favorites when living in Indonesia. The food is a national dish conceived by street vendors that are practically sold everywhere.

Currently, Sate has a lot of variety besides using meat as the main ingredient. There's even Sate for vegetarians now! So, yummy!

4. Gado-gado

Gado-gado is an Indonesian version of a mixed salad. It consists of various vegetables, eggs, tempeh, and tofu. The vegetables are usually just slightly boiled, tossed with a nutty sauce, then completed with the addition of crispy prawn crackers. The sauce was traditionally made with peanuts. The dish is a true representative of Indonesian street food.

Gado-gado is usually eaten on its own or boosted by adding rice, lontong (compressed rice cake cooked in banana leaf), and chicken.

5. Indomie

This brand is a generic to call instant noodle in Indonesia. It is so sinful that no one can resist eating it. Instant 'Indomie' noodle is produced by Indofood, the largest instant noodles manufacturer in Indonesia and perhaps in the region. There are so many flavors that available out there, such as Soto Ayam (Chicken curry) and Beef Rendang. All the ingredients are ready in packets, including the much-needed chili powder.

In Indonesia, Indomie can be eaten in any conditions - at breakfast, for lunch, as a snack, or supper. The food is very easy to serve. All you need to do is boil the noodles for 3 to 5 minutes, throw in the ingredients, add the chili powder, and there you go! You have a tasty meal.

6. Soto

Who doesn't know Soto? This legendary culinary soup is best consumed for breakfast or when the temperature is cold. The food is served with yellow gravy, vermicelli noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, cabbage, and chicken or beef slice. Soto will be way better to be eaten with crackers or chips.

7. Siomay

Most Indonesian street food has something to do with peanut sauce, not to mention Siomay. The dish somehow looks like the Indonesian version of a dim sum. Siomay contains steamed fish dumplings, comes with cooked potato, cabbage, egg, and is served with peanut sauce.

If you want to go all local, the best way to enjoy Siomay is from a bicycle vendor who carts his large steamer at the back of his bike.

8. Martabak

One of the favorite Indonesian desserts is Indonesian Sweet Martabak. Martabak is the Indonesian version of a pancake. The most interesting thing is, Martabak is only sold in the evening. You can have various fillings such as chocolate, cheese, and peanuts.