Introducing Indonesian Cuisine

I kicked the January blues by heading to warmer climes in the form of my homeland - Indonesia. More specifically, Bali for a couple of weeks. Aside from the weather, the kind people, the beaches, and the massages (I could go on), the best part of the country is undoubtedly the food - made even better by how affordable it is.

FRIEDA ANWAR

Yes, I'll sound biased because I am Indonesian, but I genuinely believe that Indonesian cuisine is the best there is, but it doesn’t get the recognition or attention that it deserves.

I went on this trip with six very hungry boys (long story), most of whom had barely eaten any Indonesian food outside of what I may have cooked for them at home – and Indomie aka the best instant noodle brand of all time. So naturally, I took it upon myself to make sure they sampled as much as possible whilst in the country.

fried Rice

Nasi Goreng

Is indeed an infamous staple dish that many people will have heard of or tried, but there’s sooo much more on offer. Here’s a snapshot of what we ate:

Ikan bakar (grilled fish) server with tempe, tofu, veg and rice - best eaten with your hands!
Sate (skewered meat/fish) served with sambal, satay sauce and kerupuk (crackers)
Beef rendang (a favourite amongst the group)
Ayam bakar (grilled chicken)
Mie goreng (fried noodles)
Martabak (savoury stuffed pancakes) filled with eggs and minced meat
Martabak manis (sweet thick pancakes) filled with chocolate, nuts and condensed milk
Gado-gado - a salad consisting of blanched vegetables, tofu, egg and peanut sauce
Bakso - fish or meatballs in a broth with noodles and accompanied with toppings
Soto ayam - yellow (from turmeric) noodle soup with shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles and beansprouts
Bubur ayam - chicken rice porridge similar to congee

One of my favourite things about Indonesian cooking is that most dishes are made fresh, with minimal ultra-processed ingredients. It’s all about the spices and seasoning – that’s where the magic is. Being able to share my culture with my partner and our friends was incredibly special, and I now have new memories tied to the foods that I’ve grown up eating. Since being back in the UK, the boys have actively sought out restaurants to get their Indonesian fix which makes me so happy!

I’ve noticed that Indonesian food has been popping up a lot more on my social media, so I’m leaning into the moment and encouraging you all to try a dish if you haven’t before. There’s something for everyone – vegans, vegetarians, lactose free eaters, spice lovers and spice cautious alike. If a 20-hour flight isn’t on your radar at the moment, here are some London based spots you can try instead:

Warung Nusantara London (my favourite dish to eat is the Pempek and if you’re feeling brave, the chicken feet)
Toba
Bali Bali
Pino’s Warung

If you’re looking for recipes or inspiration, these are two Indonesian food bloggers on IG that I follow:

@putriyuliandari_

@nenglisaindo

As we say before each meal: ‘Selmat makan!’