Food and drink
Regional dishes, fruit, jamu, coffee and restaurants.
Have a taste of Indonesia: weird, unusual fruits and snacks
There are plenty of reasons to visit Indonesia. Many tourists come here for the superb weather and beautiful beaches. Others come to explore the cultural and religious heritage of the islands.
The Specialty Foods of Bandung: West Java
Every island and principality, every town and village throughout the archipelago has its own speciality food but the one place where you will find some of the finest cuisine in Indonesia is in…
Try Breakfast at the Local Market
I have a penchant for traditional markets and you will find these in every village, town and many in the cities in Indonesia .
Dragon Fruit
Most fruits in Indonesia are seasonal and one of my favourites is Dragon Fruit . It is easily recognised with its round shape, often red coloured with prominent scales.
The Cuisine of the Sasaks: Lombok
When you travel around the archipelago, each island, or in some cases towns, have their own renowned speciality, that special dish that sets them aside from the others.
Sipping the Riches of Indonesia
Without a doubt Indonesia grows and produces some of the best coffee in the world.
Kopi Tubruk – Mud Coffee
Kopi tubruk literally means "collision coffee". The concoction can be found in many parts of Indonesia , particularly in Java and Bali .
Culinary Treats: Bandung, West Java
"Buy me some brownies", or "Why don't you dine at so-and-so restaurant", or "Get me some bolen ": These are some familiar words you might hear from friends and relatives when they learn you are going…
The Cultural Significance of Betel Leaf
At first too shy to approach the prince directly, Princess Kadambari Was persuaded to honor her guest. She stretched out her hand. She placed the betel leaf in his.
Book Review:The Jakarta Good Food Guide 2008-2009
If you want to read just one book about food in Jakarta, make it The Jakarta Good Food Guide (JGFG).
Serambi Merapi Community: Pakembinangun, Central Java
Young activists say their concern over an education system that shows little interest in teaching ethical values, traditional lifestyles or a love of nature inspired them to set up an alternative…
The Symbolism of Crocodile Bread: Jakarta, West Java
In Jakarta , a man who can't be loyal to a woman is often referred to as a buaya darat (land crocodile). The Betawi, native Jakartans, have a different opinion of this ferocious-looking reptile.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Bali
Candika and I were doing some shopping in Kuta Square and decided after to relax and enjoy a coffee.
Dodol: Bali
You will often see on the streets in Indonesia men carrying a bamboo pole on their shoulders from which is suspended a basket either end.
Acehnese Cuisine in Yogyakarta: Central Java
Bungong Jeumpa is the name of a restaurant in Yogyakarta on Jl. R.W. Monginsidi , near the traffic light on the corner with Jl. Magelang .
Chewing Areca Nuts: Papua
The 2,500-year-old Malay tradition of chewing nuts from the areca palm ( Areca Catechu ) may be deemed backward by the younger generation in Sumatra and Java but for Papuans , especially in Jayapura…
The Cuisine of Madura: Java
Once, when watching the kerapan sapi , traditional bull racing in a small Madura village, I remember the bulls coming nearer and nearer, their steaming nostrils and reddish eyes promising impending…
Asian Spice Restaurant: Tuban, Bali
Asian Spice is located directly opposite the Kuta Paradiso Hotel in Tuban , and although basically, a ‘take-away’ restaurant, there is seating inside if you wish to dine there and seating on the…
Soup Restaurant: Jakarta, West Java
One of many Chinese food restaurants in Jakarta offering healthy traditional Chinese cuisine is Soup Restaurant , located on the 3rd level of Plaza Indonesia shopping center in Central Jakarta.
Waroeng Beach Club: Kuta, Bali
During my recent sojourn to Bali , I was fortunate to find a fabulous restoran located directly opposite Kuta Beach , the Waroeng Beach Club .
Farming Snails: Bali
Five months ago, Putu Suastika deliberately inundated his rice field in a daring business decision.
Parahyangan Food: Bandung, West Java
No, I am not talking about Bali , but about Parahiyangan ( para means several, hiyang , god) as the Sundanese highlands are called.
Glodok – Chinatown: Jakarta, West Java
Being married to an Indonesian-born Chinese Bhuddist it’s only natural that I have a deep interest in Chinese culture and those parts of Indonesia where the persons of Chinese descent reside.
Bungai Rampai Restaurant: Jakarta, West Java
Being the capital of Indonesia , Jakarta is a huge city and the one good thing about this is that there are plenty of restorans , warungs etc where one can imbibe in the delicacies of the…
Harum Manis: Javanese Cuisine
We have a new restaurant attempting to provide an authentic representation of Indonesian heritage and food culture .
Rujak the Tapanuli Way - Mangarabar
Rujak ( roujack ) or rojhak is a sweet sour salad made from fruits and vegetables and is mostly eaten as a snack between meals throughout Indonesia. The fruit and vegetable variations are many.
Leftover Rice Creativeness
Rice is our staff of life, we eat a lot of it. And after years and years of consuming rice daily, we have become very creative when it comes to making rice dishes with leftover rice.
Restaurants in Yogyakarta: Central Java
The cultural centre of Indonesia , Yogyakarta , is not only renowned for its antiquities, excellent shopping and culture, it also has some excellent restorans .
Gayo Coffee and the Dutch Grab: Aceh Nanggroe Darussalam, Sumatra
The Gayo tribe in Aceh Nanggroe Darussalam may already have lost the right to use their own name in international trade for their own brand of coffee after a Dutch firm officially claimed Gayo coffee…
Traditional Foods: Kendari, South Sulawesi
A friend once brought me back a silver filigree necklace from Kendari . The silver craft of this town in Celebes , the capital of Southeast Sulawesi , has captured the imaginations of people the…
Being Creative with Curry
I consider myself to be a reasonably good cook and am quite able to throw together a stir-fry, sate or a very tasty nasi goreng . But my talents don’t just end there!.
Food in Pontianak: West Kalimantan
My hostess in Pontianak , West Kalimantan , was a very active lady. After a meeting until nearly 10 in the evening, she suggested a colleague and I take a sightseeing tour to visit places where…
Making Wine from Exotic Fruits
As you know already I am a great devourer of fruit and I have all that I want to choose from albeit seasonal. Star Fruit, Rambutan, Mangoes and the ilk are some of my favourites.
The Soybean Saga
A 150 percent surge in the price of soybeans , the main ingredient of tempeh , over the past six months has been a huge blow to tempeh chip makers like Sentot.With another 20 percent rise in the…
Pineapple in Indonesia
There is nothing more delightful for breakfast than a nice bowl of mixed and sliced fruit. Pineapple ( Nanas ) slices put into a blender also makes an ideal drink on a hot day. Just add ice!.
Chinese Indonesians and Kue Keranjang
For decades Chinese New Year treats known locally known as kue keranjang have also been enjoyed by Betawi families in the capital. Beng Sui opens his stall each day from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ubi: Bali
Adi Kharisma began producing ubi , a purple sweet potato in January 2006. His motivation to produce this nutritious potato took hold when many people in his family started dying from cancer.
Sasanti Restaurant and Gallery
If you are enthusiastic about enjoying a lunch or dinner in an ambiance bearing touches of Bali and Java styles, the newly opened Sasanti Restaurant and Gallery on Jl.
Ubud Organic Market: Ubud, Bali
The front yard of Pizza Bagus in Pengosekan , Ubud , was bustling with activity one recent morning. Vendors had transformed the cramped yard into Ubud's first organic market .
West Sumatra Cuisine
Long before other regional cuisines of Indonesia were known to other regions, West Sumatra cuisine , popularly called masakan Padang , was already on the culinary map.
Teak and Teak Caterpillar Cocoons
Teak ( Tectona grandis ) is a wonderfully versatile wood that is good for building, furniture making and also fine carving.
Raja Kuring Restaurant: Jakarta, West Java
I'm picky when it comes to places to eat. Maybe I have my priorities a little muddled, but unlike the typical culinary tourist, the perfect flavors and taste sensations are not enough for me.
Eggs Across the Archipelago
In most parts of Indonesia eggs are not only used in cooking but also play a role in ceremonial customs .
Mie Lethek: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Traditional home-made noodles or mie lethek are still made the old fashioned way at Bendo hamlet, Trimurti village, in Srandakan district, Bantul regency.
Yogyakarta Cuisine: Central Java
I will be traveling throughout Indonesia , at least in the culinary sense, and have a taste of the very diverse kitchens of the different provinces.
Arak - The Balinese Spirit
Tourists visiting Bali always find the island intoxicating, especially for those who try the locally brewed traditional alcohol, arak.
Patin and Baong - The 'Kings' of the Mahakam River: Kalimantan
Each island in the archipelago has its own cuisine and Kalimantan is no different.
Creative Vegetables
Sick of vegetables? Well, they don't always have to be seen as staple ingredients for healthy meals -- they can actually be used by anyone to pretty-up an otherwise dull dish -- and that's before…
Organic Supermarkets: Jakarta, West Java
A new supermarket was introduced in the capital recently, promising to provide organic products at an affordable price.
Pasta Indonesiana
When a tourist first thinks about the foods of Indonesia , the likes of nasi goreng and bakso no doubt come to mind. However, all thoughts of Pasta foods somehow just don’t seem to fit.
Best Restaurants for 2007: Bali
Let’s face it, Bali is without a doubt a tourist mecca and because of this the variety of cuisines of the world on offer are immense.
Denpasar Food Heritage Festival: Denpasar, Bali
The Denpasar city administration is organizing a two-day food festival in a bid to empower small businesses as well as preserve culinary traditions.
Traditional Drinks of Indonesia
When you are out shopping or sightseeing and the dry throat gets to you and liquid refreshment is what you need, instead of getting a beer or soft drink try one of the traditional drinks available…
Rice Dishes in Indonesia
When on a holiday to Indonesia , you must try out the Indonesian food. With over 17,000 islands to choose from where to eat in Indonesia is not a problem.
Places to Eat in Palembang: Sumatra
What I found in Palembang is that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. Rumah Makan are everywhere!.
Kafe Tahu: Bedugul, Bali
Indonesia is a food lover’s paradise and each island and city has its own special dish. There are a mesmerising amount of restorans and warungs in Bali and most serving tahu .
Jamu Sellers in Indonesia
I can still recall the first time I tried jamu , the herbal, traditional drink available throughout Indonesia .
Ketupat and Ceremonies
In Indonesia Ketupat is a type of dumpling and made from rice that has been wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch. After that it is boiled.
Pasar Johar: Semarang, Central Java
The northern coastal harbour-city of Semarang , Central Java is a divided city – the old and the new.
Chilli in Indonesia
Some people love them and some hate them but you have to admit, Chilli does give that extra zip to any meal. Chilli in fact is not native to Indonesia contrary to popular belief.
Yogyakarta Food: Central Java
The cultural heart of Indonesia, Yogyakarta , is a gastronome’s delight with countless restorans and warungs from which to choose from.
Warung Mak Beng: Sanur, Bali
The 86-year-old Mak Beng , or Ketut Tjuki , is a living legend in the Balinese culinary world . She has inherited rare recipes for authentic Balinese dishes from her mother and mother-in-law.
Desa Dusun Restaurant: Denpasar, Bali
In the middle of Denpasar , a recently opened restaurant is offering diners tasty food and a rural atmosphere.
Java Bleu Restaurant: Jakarta, West Java
The latest whisper around town is that Java Bleu is back. Having closed its doors a few years ago so Chef Antoine Audran could focus on other ventures, the French-style restaurant is open once again…
A Taste of Ginger
Ginger or stem ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) is a common spice worldwide. We see it in ginger cookies and ginger bread in America or in wedang jahe (a ginger drink) locally and finely sliced…
Mekarsari Fruit Park: Bogor, West Java
Mekarsari Fruit Park in Bogor is striving to restore its image as a recreational site, not just a place where visitors can pick and feast on fruits of their choice.
Ibu Dati’s Mushroom Restaurant: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Ibu Dati's Mushroom Restaurant , which specializes in mushroom-based dishes, is a haven for vegetarians. Mushrooms make the perfect meat substitute as they are nutritious and rich in minerals.
Farmer’s Market: Central Jakarta, West Java
Don't know where to go on weekends other than the shopping mall? You could perhaps pay a visit to Indonesia's first farmers' market , officially launched Saturday by the Agriculture Ministry and to…
Snail Soup and Ramadhan: Banyumas, Central Java
For many Muslims, Ramadhan provides an opportunity to make dietary changes, but that does not necessarily entail eating kraca (snails) like the folks in Banyumas , Central Java .
Natural Thirst Quencher Discoverer
While felling mangroves in coastal areas of East Java, Mochson, 42, the head and coordinator of the Farmers Mangrove Conservation Group in Wonorejo , Rungkut, Surabaya , hit on the idea of using…
Rumah Makan Cibiuk: Cianjur, West Java
Sambal (chili sauce), is one of Indonesia's traditional food seasonings. Almost every region in Indonesia has its own special chili sauce with different taste and ingredients.
Food Stalls and Ramadhan Snacks: Jakarta, West Java
Passersby. Cars. Motorcycles. The cacophony of vehicle horns. The regular chaotic Jakarta traffic seems to get worse during the holy month of Ramadhan .
Krispy Kreme: Jakarta, West Java
Celebrating its first anniversary in Indonesia, Krispy Kreme opened its ninth store Indonesia in Kemang last weekend.
Pizza Boutique: Jakarta, West Java
For pizza aficionados in Jakarta , here is another pizzeria to serve your hungry appetite.
Tasting Unique Local Foods
"Doing" Indonesia and touring towns on larger islands like Sumatra , Kalimantan , Java , Bali and Sulawesi , you may be curious to taste some of the local foods .
Kopi Luwak
For Nusamba Wurintara , the most prized arabica coffee beans on his plantation are not those growing on bushes but the ones he finds among the undergrowth, wedged in the excrement of wild palm civets…
Turmeric: Indonesia
Should you have time to study regional Indonesian recipes , you will see that turmeric frequently appears. Indeed, to many Indonesian cooks, this ingredient is indispensable.
C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant: Central Jakarta, West Java
C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant offers not only a variety of appetizing cuisines to satisfy your palate but also presents a feast for the eyes.
'Geblok' - A Tawangmangu Speciality: Karanganyar, Central Java
A tour through the Tawangmangu forest reserve in Karanganyar , Central Java , will not be complete without savoring the favorite dish of the Lawu slope, nasi geblok , which is only found at…
Terung: Indonesia
Let us turn our attention to eggplants . In the Indonesian language, the vegetable is referred to as terung .
Bali Dining Festival
Bali's culinary experts are attempting to promote the island's fine dining scene by participating in the month-long Bali Dining Festival .
Bella Vita Restaurant: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Finally, it has arrived: Yogyakarta 's first Italian restaurant . Many lovers of pizza and pasta had been waiting long for the time when this gastronomic lack in the Java tourism capital would be…
Snake Business: Yogyakarta, Central Java
The words " great snakeman " from Timbulharjo village, Central Java accidentally reached me in Yogyakarta . The evening cool had just fallen over the busy middle-sized town.
Red Pepper Restaurant: Jakarta
What kind of restaurants do you see when walking through a Jakarta shopping mall? There is a plethora of Western fast-food chains; northeast Asian cuisine is abundantly available, and even obscure…
Quail Eggs: Indonesia
About 30 years ago burung puyuh , or quails, were easily found in great quantities in paddy fields on the outskirts of larger cities like the region of Sawangan in South Jakarta .
'Asam Jawa': Indonesia
In Bahasa Indonesia tamarind is called asam jawa . Actually, besides the tamarind trees producing sour fruits, trees producing sweet fruits of the asam jawa , or Tamarindus Indica Linn , exist.
House of Sausage: Bandung, West Java
A new culinary business in Bandung has hit upon an idea to create a food that would lure an endless stream of visitors -- as well as to take advantage of tourists to the West Java capital, located…
Helen's Fine Foods and Patisserie: Jakarta, West Java
Living in a country with approximately 17,000 islands , Indonesians have access to a wide range of spices to produce dishes that are both tasty and varied.
Want Some Coffee?
I am a great lover of coffee and have drank just about every type available in the archipelago, and of course, my favourite being Arabica . Gastronome and epicurean el supremo Suryatini N.
Crystal Jade My Bread: Central Jakarta, West Java
Many of us may have experienced the enjoyment of sipping a cup of green tea either at home (maybe rarely) or at a Chinese restaurant somewhere in the capital.
The Common Carp: Indonesia
The common carp or Cyprinus carpio Linn , named ikan mas in Bahasa Indonesia -- though not as stunning as other fish varieties -- is a common fish that many people have in their aquariums.
Getting a ‘Buzz’ from Your Food
Vice President Jusuf Kalla rejected a proposal to legalize marijuana , but said it was alright for food seasoning.
Bangau Food Festival: Jakarta, West Java
Food lovers will be able to try dishes from around Indonesia at the two-day Bangau Food Festival to be held in Jakarta at the end of the month.
Weeds of the Sea: Indonesia
Would you like to taste some exotic food? It can be found in seas and oceans, clinging to solid substrates.
Huize Trivelli Resto & Patissier: Jakarta, West Java
Are you getting bored with the modern, funky eateries around town? Looking for a homey restaurant that serves dishes made from the old recipes handed down from generations?
Madania Restaurant: Kuta, Bali
"One Stop With No Doubt" is the slogan of an international restaurant called Madania , which serves halal food, acceptable in accordance with Islamic rules.
Delicat Restaurant: Ubud, Bali
An Ubud restaurant -- one that is as much a living room for artists, Bohemians, musicians, writers and talkers as it is a dining venue -- has just been named by Lonely Planet as one of the top five…
Gurame Fish: Java
I am a big fish lover and devour Gurame probably five times a week. It has a similar taste to that of the renowned Barramundi fish caught in the northern shores of Australia.
Ciganea Restaurant: Jakarta, West Java
For people who often travel between Jakarta and Bandung in West Java , the name Ciganea is certainly familiar.
Floating Restaurants: Thousand Islands, West Java
Two floating restaurants to be built in August off Untung Jawa island in Kepulauan Seribu regency are expected to improve the economic conditions and skills of the local population.