Indonesia’s rich culinary culture is truly a feast for the senses, and there’s no better way to experience it than through the street food scene. if you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in Indonesia’s vibrant culinary world, we’ve got you covered with the 7 most popular Indonesian street food that are sure to leave your taste buds dancing with delight. So dig in and savour the flavours – selamat makan! leo.
In every corner of Indonesia especially Jakarta you will find these main 7 Dishes. These must be on your Foodie’s List :
1. Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is most the popular Indonesian street food. This delicious fried rice dish is made with a mix of spices, vegetables, and meat or seafood. It is usually served with a fried egg on top and some kerupuk (crackers) on the side. Nasi Gila, which means “crazy rice,” is a variation that includes even more delicious ingredients.
2. Bubur Ayam
Bubur ayam : Best porridge loaded with fried crackers, fried soybeans, tofu and finely shredded chicken. Most of the Indonesians love to have it for breakfast.
3. Satay ayam
Satay ayam : Sate, or satay, is another must-try dish when visiting Indonesia. This grilled meat skewer is usually made with chicken, beef, or goat, marinated in a blend of spices and served with a peanut sauce. Sate can be found all over Indonesia and is a popular snack or meal, often eaten with rice or lontong (compressed rice cake).
4. Nasi PaDANG
Perhaps one of my favorite dishe. You can say that you have truly experienced Indonesian cuisine without trying Nasi Padang. Originally from West Sumatra, this style of cooking features meats, seafood, and vegetables marinated in a heavenly blend of coconut, chilli, and herbs.
5. Mie Ayam
Indonesia’s diverse cuisine offers a range of noodle dishes, collectively known as mie. From the fiery Mie Aceh to the comforting Mie Ayam, the country’s noodles come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors. It’s a daily staple, second only to rice, and each region boasts its own unique twist on this classic Asian cuisine. While instant noodles may seem tempting for their ease and affordability, nothing beats the wholesome and flavor-packed goodness of homemade mie. Opt for a bowl of Ibu’s freshly boiled or fried noodles instead, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly satisfying meal. So next time you’re in Indonesia, take some mie time and explore the delicious world of Indonesian noodles.
Sweet food
- 6. Martabak : Perhaps my fav dessert in the world. Martabak is a sweet or savory stuffed pancake that is commonly sold as street food in Indonesia. The savory version is usually filled with minced meat, vegetables, and eggs, while the sweet version is filled with chocolate, cheese, or peanut butter.
- 7. Durian: Indonesia is known for its adventurous cuisine and if you’re looking for a unique taste sensation, look no further than the infamous durian. Dubbed Indonesia’s Marmite, durian is a spiky fruit that hides a complex and divisive flavor beneath its tough exterior. The taste has been described as a blend of sweet, bitter, and savory flavors with a creamy custard-like texture and hints of almond and garlic. However, the fruit’s pungent odor, likened by some to a combination of an open sewer and a gas leak, is a challenge even for the most daring of foodies. In fact, it’s so pungent that it’s banned from public transport and can ferment into a gooey mess if left in the fridge for too long.
From light snacks to main plate, you’re ready to have your food tour in Jakarta. If you have ever tried one of these 7 most popular Indonesian street food, please leave a comment by sharing your experience.