A Culinary Journey Through Indonesia: What to Eat and Where to Find It
Indonesia isn’t just about stunning beaches and vibrant temples. It’s also a paradise for food lovers. The country’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes, blending rich spices, local produce, and centuries of cultural influence.
From iconic dishes to regional specialties, every corner of the country tells its story through bold flavours and unique culinary traditions. Here’s a guide to must-try foods and where you can eat in Indonesia.
Key Highlights
- You can taste your way through five unique regions, from Bali’s satay to Medan’s fiery rendang.
- Discover must-try dishes like gudeg (a sweet young jackfruit stew), mie kocok (beef noodle soup), and bika ambon (a chewy and fragrant cake) that showcase Indonesia’s diversity.
- Try pairing sightseeing with flavours. Think Borobudur village kitchens, Jimbaran seafood BBQs, and Kesawan Street snacks.
Let’s start in Bali, where tropical flavours and cultural traditions meet on every plate.
1. Bali: A Feast for the Senses
Here are a few dishes you ought to try:
- Babi Guling (suckling pig): Arguably, this is Bali’s most famous dish. It is usually seasoned with turmeric and a mix of local spices before being roasted to perfection.
- Ayam Betutu (slow-cooked chicken with spices): This chicken is marinated with shallots, garlic, and chilli, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for hours until it’s tender.
- Lawar (minced meat and salad): A mix of minced meat, grated coconut, vegetables, and Balinese spices.
- Sate Lilit (spiced meat satay on lemongrass): This version uses minced meat wrapped around a lemongrass stalk, giving it a smoky, citrusy kick.
Where to eat in Bali:
- Head to the local warung (eateries/stalls) in Ubud, where you can find traditional dishes with the comforting taste of home cooking.
- Cafés and restaurants in Seminyak are known for their modern fusion takes on Balinese classics.
- Savour seafood BBQ by the beach in Jimbaran, while watching the sun set over the horizon.
Club Wyndham Asia Tip: Stay near Ubud to immerse yourself in traditional cooking classes and explore vibrant local markets. Alternatively, check into Club Wyndham Seminyak, where you’re just minutes away from a buzzing local and fusion food scene.
2. Jakarta: A City Where Streets Tell a Food Story
Jakarta is where you’ll find some of the best food in Indonesia. Here are some must-tries:
- Soto Betawi (coconut milk beef soup): Creamy, savoury, and full of spices, this hearty soup is a local favourite.
- Kerak Telor (spicy omelette rice dish): This omelette is made with glutinous rice, eggs, and shredded coconut, then topped with fried shallots.
- Nasi Uduk (coconut rice with sides): The rice is cooked in coconut milk and paired with fried chicken, tempeh, sambal, and peanuts.
- Gado-Gado (vegetables with peanut sauce): This dish is loaded with vegetables, tofu, and boiled eggs, and is covered in that irresistible peanut sauce.
Where to eat in Jakarta:
- Start with the street food stalls in Kota Tua, where you’ll find local classics served in a historic setting.
- Check out the cafés and restaurants in Menteng and Blok M, they’re perfect for a mix of modern and traditional bites.
- Don’t miss Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, where Chinese-Indonesian fusion food has been perfected over generations.
Club Wyndham Asia Tip: Book a local food tour so you don’t miss out on Jakarta’s endless variety of Indonesian cuisine. For the perfect stay, check into Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta,
3. Yogyakarta: Tradition Served on a Plate
Yogyakarta is where history, art, and food all come together. Here are some flavours you can’t miss:
- Gudeg (jackfruit stew): Made with young jackfruit stewed in coconut milk and spices, this iconic dish pairs beautifully with rice, chicken, and sambal.
- Ayam Goreng Kalasan (Javanese Fried Chicken): Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with local herbs, this fried chicken is a must-try food in Indonesia.
- Bakpia (sweet pastry): These little pastries are filled with mung bean paste or chocolate and they make the perfect souvenir or late-night snack.
- Nasi Kucing (mini rice meal sets): This Indonesian street food favourite features small rice portions wrapped in banana leaves and served with side dishes such as sambal, anchovies, or tempeh.
Where to eat in Yogyakarta:
- Start at Malioboro Street’s bustling night markets, where food stalls keep serving well into the night.
- Try a lesehan-style restaurant, where you sit on mats and enjoy a relaxed, floor-seated meal.
- Stop by village kitchens near Borobudur; many offer hearty homemade meals alongside stunning views of the temples.
Club Wyndham Asia Tip: Turn your Indonesian cuisine food hunt into a cultural adventure by joining a culinary heritage tour.
4. Bandung: Comfort Food in the Cool Mountain Air
In Bandung, you’ll find cosy comfort food that warms you up in the city’s cool highland air. Here are some dishes you’ll want to dive into:
- Batagor (fried fish dumplings): Crispy on the outside, soft and savoury on the inside, these dumplings are usually served with a generous drizzle of peanut sauce.
- Siomay Bandung (steamed fish dumplings): The steamed cousin of batagor, siomay comes with tofu, eggs, and veggies on the side.
- Mie Kocok (beef noodle soup): A steaming bowl of yellow noodles in a beefy broth with chewy beef tendon and fresh bean sprouts.
- Surabi (sweet or savoury pancakes): These mini pancakes can be topped with anything from shredded coconut to chocolate sprinkles or even cheese.
Where to eat in Bandung:
- Stroll down Jalan Braga and pop into retro cafés that have been around for decades.
- If you’re after street food, Cihampelas is the place for snacks on the go.
- Don’t skip Lembang’s floating market to enjoy fresh local produce.
Club Wyndham Asia Tip: Bandung is made for family trips. The cooler weather, farm-to-table experiences, and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to slow down, bond, and enjoy meals together.
5. Medan: Spice, Heat and Bold Sumatran Bites
This northern Sumatran city is famous for bold spices, rich flavours, and meals that pack a punch. Here’s what to try:
- Rendang (spiced beef or chicken stew): Rendang is slow-cooked meat simmered in coconut milk and spices until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Soto Medan (coconut beef or chicken soup): Creamy yet light, this fragrant soup is enriched with coconut milk and packed with herbs.
- Bika Ambon (chewy honeycomb cake): This unique dessert is made with tapioca flour, coconut milk, and pandan.
- Lontong Sayur (vegetables with rice cake in curry): A hearty dish that is usually served with boiled eggs, tofu, and sambal.
Where to eat in Medan:
- Head to Padang restaurants for their famous “all you can eat” spreads of spicy dishes.
- Kesawan Street is perfect for snacking your way through local favourites.
- The area around Tjong A Fie Mansion lets you combine history with incredible food stops.
Club Wyndham Asia Tip: Medan is a dream for adventurous eaters. Come hungry, because between the spice levels and the generous portions, every meal here is an experience in itself.
FAQs
Does Indonesian cuisine only have spicy food?
Not all Indonesian dishes are spicy. Dishes like gudeg in Yogyakarta or nasi uduk in Jakarta lean more toward sweet or savoury. Sambal (chilli paste) is often served on the side, so you can adjust the heat to your liking.
What’s the best way to experience authentic Indonesian food?
You can head to local warung (eateries/stalls) or bustling night markets. You’ll get authentic flavours, and possibly, a true taste of regional cooking traditions.
Are there vegetarian-friendly dishes in Indonesia?
Dishes like gado-gado, tempeh-based meals and nasi campur can be great vegetarian options. Many regions also offer tofu, jackfruit, and coconut-rich recipes.
Savour Indonesia: A Culinary Journey with Comfort and Style
Every corner of Indonesia serves up a new flavour, a new story, and a new memory. From beachside barbecues in Bali to the spice-laden kitchens of Sumatra, food in Indonesia isn’t just something you eat, it’s an experience to savour.
With Club Wyndham Asia, you can explore Indonesia at your own pace, stroll through vibrant night markets, discover hidden local eateries and savour authentic flavours, then return each evening to the comfort of thoughtfully located accommodations.
Make your holiday more than sightseeing; make it a celebration of taste, culture, and connection. Start planning your foodie adventure in Indonesia with Club Wyndham Asia today!
