What to Eat in Indonesia

What to eat in Indonesia isn’t complicated. The country offers food for everyone, depending on your preferences. Vegetarians, vegans, and those who need gluten-free options will find choices available (SURAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE). Dish names are usually listed on menus or visible at street stalls, but ingredients aren’t always clear.

 

In such instances, it’s best to ask whether a dish contains animal products, dairy, or ingredients that may cause allergies.

For avid foodies without restrictions, Indonesia offers an endless variety of food. From rice meals paired with main or side dishes to a wide range of sweet and savory snacks, there is always something to try. When in Indonesia, the food adventure is about exploring local dishes rather than sticking to familiar foods. Everyday humble and simple meals reflect Indonesian food culture and what locals eat (INDONESIAN STREET FOOD). 

 

Where to eat and what to eat in Indonesia depends on a willingness to try new things. Try, test, taste, and eat. It’s truly an Indonesian food galore, including popular Indonesian dishes, Indonesian street food, and popular Indonesian snacks.

Keropok: Indonesian Fried Crispy Crackers
The choices for crispy crackers, or keropok, are endless. Made from starches like tapioca or sago, keropok is easy to find and sold almost everywhere, from street stalls to restaurants. A popular Indonesian snack and part of Indonesian food culture, the range of keropok includes varieties mixed with ground seafood such as prawn, fish, or squid, giving them a savory, flavorful twist.

 

For those who prefer simpler types, there are vegetarian-friendly keropok made purely from starches like tapioca, sago, or cassava. Some are plain, while others are lightly flavored with salt or herbs. There are also spicy and sweet versions, for example, made from sweet potatoes. Indonesian crackers can be lightweight or slightly thicker and heavier.

 

Dining for a complete meal in mid-range or high-end restaurants often starts with a basket or bowl of Indonesian fried crispy crackers, served for nibbling or as an appetizer. These crackers can be dipped into sambal belacan (sambal terasi), which adds a spicy kick to start the meal. They are also a must-try for lovers of Indonesian street food.

Indonesian Soups
Indonesian soups, a staple of Indonesian food, are a class of their own, and the variety may surprise you. From chicken and beef soups, similar to bakso soup, to thick or light broths, there is something for every taste. Spicy soups contrast with mild options, while vegetable soups are packed with fresh ingredients.

 

The subtle aroma of spices like cinnamon, star anise, and bay leaves enhances the flavor, and coriander leaves are sometimes added for extra fragrance. Simple combinations, such as corn and green leafy vegetables, are also part of Indonesian soups.

Soups are often served as part of a meal. For example, Nasi Ayam, or chicken rice, is typically accompanied by a small bowl of chicken soup on the side. Bubur Ayam, or chicken porridge, comes with a light chicken broth that can be poured over the porridge or slurped on its own. Indonesian soups can be served over rice or enjoyed as a hearty, light meal.

 

Indonesian soup may taste unlike anything you have tried before and is truly nourishing. Soups made with a variety of spices are the standout options. Unique, tasty, and unforgettable. Soups are also a common feature in Indonesian street food stalls.

Kacang Rebus: Indonesian Boiled Peanuts
The big variety of local Indonesian peanuts, known as kacang rebus or Indonesian boiled peanuts, are simply the best. Tender and juicy, the peanuts are delightful when eaten hot or warm after buying. 

Among this variety, some are boiled with salt only, whereas there is also the traditional flavoring whereby turmeric is added. The result is a slightly yellow color on the peanut skin and provides a subtle earthy, aromatic taste.

 

This range is definitely a healthy Indonesian snack and part of Indonesian food culture, as boiled peanuts are a popular nutritious option. Though not common, there is also the version where garlic, bay leaves, or chili are added, depending on the local taste.

 

Sold at roadside stalls, markets, or even in traditional eateries, boiled peanuts are also a serving that can be part of the meal at mid-range or higher-end restaurants. Boiled peanuts are often the start of a meal, served in small portions for nibbling before the rest of the Indonesian dishes arrive on the table. Kacang rebus are also a popular choice among Indonesian street food snacks.

Jeruk: Indonesian Pickles/Acar
Whether known as acar or jeruk, Indonesian pickles are a popular side dish, snack, or accompaniment to rice meals in Indonesian cuisine. They can be eaten together with a meal or nibbled on before starting. Indonesian pickles are usually made ahead of time and are often vegetarian or even vegan-friendly.

 

Vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, cabbage, and shallots are soaked in vinegar, salt, and sometimes sugar, creating a tangy, slightly sweet, and crunchy taste. Fruits like mango or papaya are also pickled in a similar way, offering a refreshing sweet-and-sour note. These pickles are an integral part of Indonesian food, adding variety and texture to everyday meals.

 

Walking into a traditional Indonesian street shop or market, you will often see jars or large glass canisters filled with a variety of acar and jeruk, each with its own distinctive character. One of the most famous types is jeruk limau, or pickled key lime, which is sometimes used as a condiment or ingredient in Indonesian cuisine.

 

These pickles add a bright, tangy element to meals and are a staple in everyday Indonesian food culture. They are also a common feature in Indonesian street food.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Indonesia
For travelers seeking a familiar food outlet, KFC Indonesia is widely available across the country. Outlets include Jakarta (Grand Indonesia Mall), Yogyakarta (Malioboro Mall), Surabaya (Tunjungan Plaza), and Bali (Beachwalk Mall, Kuta), among others.

KFC Indonesia is not limited to shopping malls; standalone outlets and transport hubs, including airports, are also common. For a unique food spotting experience, Sambal Matah and Sambal Korek can be the option instead of KFC Chili or Tomato Sauce. These pair well with items from the KFC Indonesia menu, such as the rice meals.

 

Fries can be substituted with Chicken Skin, Perkedel, or Yakiniku Don with Fried Egg. Seasonal and limited-time offerings often feature Indonesian-inspired tastes, giving a local twist to KFC Indonesia.

 

With an ambiance similar to KFC outlets worldwide, Kentucky Fried Chicken Indonesia provides a familiar fast-food experience. On the other hand, shopping mall food courts mean  dining in an open area instead of an enclosed outlet. Whether dining in or taking away for a meal in hotels or while sightseeing, Kentucky Fried Chicken offers a convenient and recognizable option.

 

For those preferring classic tastes, KFC Indonesia offers standard fried chicken, burgers, and sides such as fries, coleslaw, or sundaes. Menu items are available à la carte or as set meals, with convenient online ordering and delivery through GoFood (Gojek), GrabFood, and ShopeeFood.