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Indonesian Recipes

Nasi goreng, rendang, satay — the flavours of 17,000 islands.

125recipes

41Easy

60Medium

24Hard

About Indonesian Cuisine

Indonesian cuisine spans 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic traditions, unified loosely by rice, chili sambal, and the spice trade that once made the Maluku Islands — the original Spice Islands — the world's only source of nutmeg and cloves. Indian, Arab, Chinese, and Dutch traders all left marks: curries and satay skewers, noodle dishes like bakmi, and colonial-era hybrids such as the rijsttafel. The country's defining condiment is sambal, ground chili pastes with hundreds of regional variations, made fresh in a stone cobek mortar.

Regional styles diverge sharply. West Sumatra's Minangkabau people created rendang — beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spice paste until the liquid reduces to a dark, dry coating — and the nasi padang restaurant tradition. Java cooks sweeter, using palm sugar and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) in dishes like gudeg jackfruit stew and nasi goreng. Bali, largely Hindu, roasts babi guling suckling pig with basa genep spice paste, while Sulawesi and Maluku lean on grilled fish and sago.

Home cooking begins with bumbu, the ground spice paste of shallots, garlic, chilies, candlenuts, turmeric, and galangal that is sautéed until fragrant before anything else enters the pan. Fried rice (nasi goreng) and fried noodles (mie goreng) turn leftovers into meals, fortified with kecap manis and topped with a fried egg. Tempeh and tofu, both with deep Javanese roots, provide everyday protein, and krupuk crackers add mandatory crunch.

Sambal

Fresh-ground chili pastes — sambal oelek, sambal terasi with shrimp paste, sambal matah — appear at every meal in regional variations.

Bumbu Spice Pastes

Ground bases of shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and galangal are fried until fragrant as the first step of most dishes.

Coconut Milk Cooking

Santen enriches rendang, opor ayam, and countless braises, often cooked down until its oil splits and fries the spices.

Kecap Manis

Palm-sugar-sweetened soy sauce gives nasi goreng, mie goreng, and satay glazes their characteristic dark sweetness.

Satay and Grilling

Skewered meats over charcoal with peanut or sweet soy sauces exist in hundreds of regional forms, from chicken to goat.

Tempeh and Tofu

Fermented soybean tempeh, a Javanese invention, and tofu are fried, braised, and curried as daily affordable protein.

TrendingNewdinner

Indonesian Nasi Goreng

Indonesia's iconic fried rice — flavoured with kecap manis sweet soy, shrimp paste and chilli, topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots.

30 min440 calEasy

★4.7(2,640)

Newdinner

Indonesian Beef Rendang

The world's most flavourful dish — slow-braised beef in coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime and 15 spices until the meat is fall-apart tender and coated in dark, caramelised coconut.

270 min580 calHard

★4.9(3,180)

lunch

Indonesian Gado-Gado – Vegetable Salad with Rich Peanut Sauce

Steamed and raw vegetables with tofu, boiled egg and tempeh, all dressed in a luxurious warm peanut sauce.

50 min460 calMedium

★4.7(11,600)

Newdinner

Mie Goreng

Savory Indonesian stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein.

45 min500 calEasy

★4.6(1,320)

Newdinner

Opor Ayam

A comforting Indonesian chicken curry with coconut milk.

65 min550 calMedium

★4.8(5,400)

Trendingdinner

Beef Rendang

Indonesia's legendary slow-cooked dry beef curry with coconut milk and galangal — the world's most complex curry.

270 min580 calHard

★4.9(3,200)

soup

Soto Ayam

Indonesia's beloved turmeric-yellow chicken soup with rice noodles, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy shallots.

65 min380 calMedium

★4.8(1,200)

soup

Bakso

Indonesian beef meatball soup with noodles, fried wontons, and a clear savory broth — popular street food across the archipelago.

60 min420 calMedium

★4.7(1,050)

breakfast

Nasi Uduk

Fragrant Indonesian coconut rice served with fried chicken, omelette, tempeh, and sambal — Jakarta's favorite breakfast.

40 min550 calEasy

★4.6(900)

Newdinner

Sate Ayam

Grilled chicken skewers with spiced peanut dipping sauce.

50 min460 calMedium

★4.8(3,100)

Newdinner

Nasi Goreng Kampung

Indonesian village-style fried rice with anchovies and egg.

30 min540 calMedium

★4.7(2,200)

Newdinner

Opor Ayam — Indonesian Coconut Milk Chicken Curry

A gentle, fragrant Indonesian yellow chicken curry simmered in coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal and candlenut — silky, mildly spiced and deeply comforting. The centrepiece of Indonesian Eid celebrations.

60 min490 calMedium

★4.7(1,432)

breakfast

Nasi Lemak

Malaysia's national dish — fragrant coconut rice served with crispy anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber, and fiery sambal.

60 min620 calMedium

★4.7(1,650)

Newdinner

Nasi Goreng

Indonesia's iconic wok-fried rice with kecap manis, shrimp paste and chillies — topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots for the perfect finish.

30 min580 calEasy

★4.8(2,109)

Newdinner

Beef Rendang

Slow-braised beef in a deeply spiced coconut and chilli paste, cooked until the sauce completely evaporates and the meat is dark, caramelised and intensely flavourful.

210 min620 calHard

★4.9(1,567)

Newsalad

Gado-Gado

Indonesia's celebrated peanut sauce salad: a colourful platter of blanched vegetables, boiled eggs and tofu dressed in a rich, spiced peanut sauce.

45 min490 calEasy

★4.6(978)

soup

Rawon (Black Beef Soup)

East Java's signature black beef soup, coloured and flavoured by keluak nuts, with tender braised beef, bean sprouts, and sambal on the side.

150 min360 calHard

★4.8(287)

salad

Gado-Gado

Indonesia's beloved salad of blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs, all smothered in a rich, sweet-spicy peanut sauce.

40 min420 calEasy

★4.7(534)

soup

Soto Betawi

Jakarta's rich, coconut-milk beef soup with crispy fried shallots, tomato, and fresh lime — a creamy, fragrant Betawi classic served with rice or lontong.

115 min420 calMedium

★4.8(378)

soup

Soto Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Soup)

Indonesia's beloved golden chicken soup — turmeric-yellow broth fragrant with lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime, served over vermicelli with boiled egg and crispy shallots.

80 min390 calMedium

★4.7(489)

dinner

Padang Beef Rendang — Wongso-Inspired

Slow-cooked beef in a deeply spiced coconut paste — caramelised over hours until almost dry — Indonesia's most celebrated dish.

265 min612 calMedium

★4.9(1,842)

starter

Balinese Sambal Matah — Wongso-Inspired

Raw shallot-lemongrass-chili relish with kaffir lime leaves and toasted coconut oil — Bali's most aromatic table condiment.

25 min95 calEasy

★4.8(287)

soup

Soto Ayam

Indonesian turmeric chicken soup with aromatics — the essential comfort food.

65 min420 calMedium

★4.9(2,140)

starter

Sate with Peanut Sauce

Indonesian grilled meat skewers with rich peanut sauce — the ultimate street food.

55 min480 calMedium

★4.9(2,560)

salad

Gado-Gado

Indonesian mixed vegetable salad with peanut dressing — vibrant, textured, satisfying.

50 min520 calMedium

★4.9(2,380)

dinner

Rendang

Indonesian spiced meat cooked in coconut milk — rich, deeply spiced, legendary.

150 min580 calHard

★4.9(3,100)

starter

Lumpia

Indonesian spring rolls with pork and vegetables — crispy, savory, addictive.

55 min180 calMedium

★4.8(1,560)

soup

Bakso

Indonesian beef meatball soup with noodles and broth — warming, hearty comfort.

70 min420 calMedium

★4.8(1,780)

snack

Perkedel

Indonesian potato fritters with onion and spices — golden, fluffy, perfect snack.

45 min180 calEasy

★4.8(1,340)

snack

Tahu Goreng

Indonesian fried tofu with soy dipping sauce — crispy, golden, simple perfection.

20 min220 calEasy

★4.8(1,120)

snack

Sambal Oelek

Indonesian red chili paste — heat in its purest, simplest form.

10 min20 calEasy

★4.8(1,230)

dinner

Kare

Indonesian curry with potatoes, eggs, and meat — aromatic, warming, easy.

80 min480 calEasy

★4.8(1,560)

snack

Martabak

Indonesian stuffed folded pancake — sweet or savory street food treasure.

60 min480 calHard

★4.8(1,890)

snack

Tempeh Goreng

Indonesian fried tempeh — nutty, firm, protein-rich alternative to tofu.

20 min240 calEasy

★4.7(890)

starter

Pempek

Indonesian fish and tapioca cake from Palembang — bouncy, chewy, legendary.

60 min320 calHard

★4.8(1,120)

dessert

Es Campur

Indonesian shaved ice dessert with tropical fruits and syrup — cooling, colorful, sweet.

15 min280 calEasy

★4.7(1,340)

dinner

Opor Ayam

Indonesian chicken in mild coconut broth — the Eid celebration dish.

65 min480 calMedium

★4.9(2,140)

snack

Rempeyek

Indonesian peanut brittle wafers — thin, crispy, addictive.

40 min200 calMedium

★4.8(1,120)

dessert

Es Teler

Indonesian shaved ice with fruits, coconut, and condensed milk — refreshing chaos.

15 min380 calEasy

★4.8(1,340)

dinner

Nasi Kuning

Indonesian golden turmeric rice — fragrant, warm, celebratory.

40 min380 calEasy

★4.9(1,850)

dinner

Gule Ayam

Indonesian yellow chicken curry — aromatic, creamy, deeply warming.

65 min420 calMedium

★4.8(1,680)

breakfast

Bubur Ayam

Indonesian chicken rice porridge — comfort food, street food, morning essential.

55 min340 calEasy

★4.8(1,540)

Newdinner

Beef Rendang (Padang Style)

West Sumatran caramelized dry beef curry — slow-cooked in coconut and spice paste until dark and concentrated.

270 min620 calHard

★4.9(2,340)

Newdinner

Rendang Padang (West Sumatran Dry Beef Rendang)

Indonesia's masterpiece — beef chuck slow-simmered for hours in coconut milk and a paste of chili, galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime until the sauce evaporates into a dark, intensely spiced coating.

240 min580 calHard

★4.9(1,620)

Newlunch

Gado-Gado (Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)

Indonesia's beloved composed salad of blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh and boiled egg drenched in a warm, spicy peanut sauce.

45 min580 calMedium

★4.8(940)

Newstarter

Sate Ayam Madura (Indonesian Madurese Chicken Satay)

Bite-sized chicken skewers grilled over coconut charcoal and bathed in a sweet kecap-peanut sauce — Indonesia's most famous street food, Madura style.

45 min620 calMedium

★4.9(1,840)

Newdessert

Indonesian Klepon (Pandan Glutinous Rice Balls)

Indonesia's beloved emerald-green sweet — chewy pandan-glutinous-rice balls hiding a molten palm-sugar core, rolled in fresh grated coconut.

45 min240 calMedium

★4.8(980)

Newlunch

Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)

Tangy, spicy Indonesian stir-fried noodles with fresh herbs and a fried egg on top.

25 min420 calEasy

★4.6(1,100)

Newsnack

Lumpia (Indonesian Spring Rolls)

Crispy Indonesian spring rolls stuffed with seasoned pork, shrimp, and vegetables — a beloved street food and celebration staple.

65 min310 calMedium

★4.8(892)

Newsnack

Perkedel (Indonesian Potato Patties)

Soft Indonesian potato patties seasoned with nutmeg, scallions, and fried shallots — a Dutch-colonial comfort food beloved across Java.

50 min220 calEasy

★4.7(634)

Newdessert

Martabak (Indonesian Stuffed Pancake)

Indonesia's most indulgent street food: a thick, fluffy pancake with a crispy base, filled with chocolate, cheese, peanuts, or savory egg and beef.

40 min520 calMedium

★4.9(1,203)

Newdessert

Dadar Gulung (Indonesian Coconut Crepes)

Fragrant pandan-green crepes rolled around a warm, sweet coconut and palm sugar filling — a classic Javanese kuih.

45 min280 calMedium

★4.8(478)

Newsnack

Tahu Goreng (Indonesian Fried Tofu)

Golden crispy fried tofu blocks served with kecap manis, sambal, and peanut sauce — the everyday protein hero of Indonesian street stalls.

30 min180 calEasy

★4.7(543)

Newsnack

Perkedel Goreng (Indonesian Fried Corn Fritters)

Crispy corn and herb fritters from Manado, North Sulawesi — sweet, spicy, and impossibly addictive.

35 min195 calEasy

★4.7(367)

Newsnack

Krupuk (Indonesian Crackers — Homemade)

The definitive guide to making Indonesian krupuk from scratch: tapioca crackers sun-dried then flash-fried into airy, crunchy chips.

40 min120 calHard

★4.8(298)

Newsnack

Satay Peanut Sauce (Bumbu Kacang)

Indonesia's iconic satay peanut sauce: roasted peanuts, kecap manis, galangal, and shrimp paste cooked into a thick, complex dipping sauce.

30 min210 calEasy

★4.9(721)

Newdinner

Satay Padang (West Sumatran Spiced Beef Satay)

Padang-style beef satay smothered in a thick turmeric-golden spice sauce — from the fiery Minangkabau highlands of West Sumatra.

150 min380 calHard

★4.8(412)

Newlunch

Java Peanut Tofu Rice Bowl

Java Peanut Tofu Rice Bowl brings indonesian flavor into a practical home recipe with chicken thighs, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a finish of lime leaves.

70 min500 calHard

★4.8(5,185)

Newsoup

Bali Coconut Chicken Soup

Bali Coconut Chicken Soup brings indonesian flavor into a practical home recipe with white fish, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a finish of lime leaves.

50 min522 calEasy

★4.4(5,232)

Newdinner

Sumatra Chili Eggplant Skillet Dinner

Sumatra Chili Eggplant Skillet Dinner brings indonesian flavor into a practical home recipe with lamb mince, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a finish of lime leaves.

48 min544 calMedium

★4.5(5,279)

Newsalad

Sulawesi Turmeric Fish Salad

Sulawesi Turmeric Fish Salad brings indonesian flavor into a practical home recipe with roasted carrots, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a finish of lime leaves.

59 min566 calMedium

★4.6(5,326)

Newdessert

Jakarta Kecap Mushroom Dessert

Jakarta Kecap Mushroom Dessert brings indonesian flavor into a practical home recipe with almonds, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a finish of lime leaves.

65 min328 calEasy

★4.6(5,373)

Newlunch

Java Lemon Herb Grain Bowl

Java Lemon Herb Grain Bowl turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete grain bowl with salmon, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

40 min380 calMedium

★4.4(6,510)

Newsoup

Bali Smoky Tomato Soup

Bali Smoky Tomato Soup turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete soup with white fish, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

51 min401 calMedium

★4.5(6,541)

Newdinner

Sumatra Sesame Lime Stew

Sumatra Sesame Lime Stew turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete stew with chicken legs, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

62 min422 calHard

★4.5(6,572)

Newdinner

Sulawesi Charred Pepper Noodles

Sulawesi Charred Pepper Noodles turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete noodle dish with wheat noodles, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

73 min443 calMedium

★4.6(6,603)

Newsalad

Jakarta Green Herb Salad

Jakarta Green Herb Salad turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete salad with grilled chicken, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

56 min464 calMedium

★4.7(6,634)

Newbread

Lombok Lemon Herb Flatbread

Lombok Lemon Herb Flatbread turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete flatbread with flatbread dough, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

45 min485 calEasy

★4.8(6,665)

Newdinner

Aceh Smoky Tomato Traybake

Aceh Smoky Tomato Traybake turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete traybake with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

51 min506 calMedium

★4.3(6,696)

Newsnack

Padang Sesame Lime Fritters

Padang Sesame Lime Fritters turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete fritters with salted fish, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

43 min527 calMedium

★4.4(6,727)

Newbreakfast

Maluku Charred Pepper Breakfast Plate

Maluku Charred Pepper Breakfast Plate turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete breakfast plate with yogurt, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

52 min548 calHard

★4.5(6,758)

Newdessert

Bandung Green Herb Dessert

Bandung Green Herb Dessert turns indonesian pantry flavors into a complete dessert with coconut, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Market Lemon Herb Rice Bowl

Indonesian Market Lemon Herb Rice Bowl brings indonesian flavor to a practical rice bowl built with chicken thighs, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Village Smoky Tomato Soup

Indonesian Village Smoky Tomato Soup brings indonesian flavor to a practical soup built with mushrooms, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Garden Sesame Lime Skillet

Indonesian Garden Sesame Lime Skillet brings indonesian flavor to a practical skillet dinner built with cauliflower, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Harbor Charred Pepper Noodles

Indonesian Harbor Charred Pepper Noodles brings indonesian flavor to a practical noodle dish built with rice noodles, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Mountain Green Herb Salad

Indonesian Mountain Green Herb Salad brings indonesian flavor to a practical salad built with grilled chicken, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Festival Lemon Herb Flatbread

Indonesian Festival Lemon Herb Flatbread brings indonesian flavor to a practical flatbread built with flatbread dough, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Homestyle Smoky Tomato Traybake

Indonesian Homestyle Smoky Tomato Traybake brings indonesian flavor to a practical traybake built with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Street Sesame Lime Fritters

Indonesian Street Sesame Lime Fritters brings indonesian flavor to a practical fritters built with salted fish, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Golden Charred Pepper Breakfast Plate

Indonesian Golden Charred Pepper Breakfast Plate brings indonesian flavor to a practical breakfast plate built with beans, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Indonesian Weeknight Green Herb Dessert

Indonesian Weeknight Green Herb Dessert brings indonesian flavor to a practical dessert built with coconut, coconut milk, kecap manis, chiles and peanuts, and a fresh lime leaves finish.

Nasi Kuning (Indonesian Yellow Coconut Rice Bowl)

Turmeric and coconut milk rice cooked with lemongrass and bay leaf, traditionally served for celebrations across Indonesia.

Soto Ayam (Indonesian Turmeric Chicken Soup)

A fragrant turmeric-yellow chicken soup with glass noodles, hard-boiled egg and fried shallots, one of Indonesia's most beloved comfort soups.

Ayam Goreng Kremes (Indonesian Crispy Fried Chicken)

Chicken simmered in aromatic spices then fried until deeply crisp, topped with crunchy fried batter bits, an Indonesian fried chicken classic.

Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)

Stir-fried egg noodles with sweet soy sauce, shrimp, egg and vegetables, Indonesia's beloved everyday fried noodle dish.

Gado-Gado (Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)

A vibrant mix of blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh and hard-boiled egg, smothered in a rich peanut sauce, Indonesia's most famous salad.

Ayam Bakar (Indonesian Grilled Spiced Chicken)

Chicken simmered in sweet soy and spices, then grilled or roasted until charred and sticky, an Indonesian favorite for outdoor gatherings.

Tahu Isi (Indonesian Stuffed Fried Tofu)

Fried tofu pockets stuffed with seasoned vegetables and coated in a light batter, a popular Indonesian street food snack.

Indonesian Nasi Goreng Breakfast Plate

Indonesia's beloved fried rice topped with a fried egg and served with crackers and pickled vegetables, a hearty everyday breakfast.

Klepon (Indonesian Pandan Rice Balls with Palm Sugar)

Chewy pandan-flavored rice flour balls filled with molten palm sugar and rolled in fresh coconut, a beloved Indonesian sweet snack.

Rendang (Indonesian Slow-Cooked Coconut Beef)

Beef slow-simmered in coconut milk and a complex spice paste for hours until the sauce reduces into a deeply caramelized, intensely flavored coating.

Martabak Telur Wraps (Indonesian Stuffed Egg Pastry)

Thin dough wrapped around a spiced ground beef and egg filling, pan-fried until crisp, an Indonesian street food favorite.

Sate Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce)

Skewered marinated chicken grilled until charred, served with a rich, spiced peanut sauce, one of Indonesia's most beloved dishes.

Terong Balado (Indonesian Stuffed Eggplant with Spicy Sambal)

Fried eggplant halves topped with a fiery, tomato-rich balado sambal, a beloved spicy Indonesian vegetable dish from West Sumatra.

Urap Sayur (Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Spiced Coconut)

Blanched vegetables tossed with a spiced, toasted grated coconut mixture, a fresh and fragrant Indonesian salad served at room temperature.

Semur Daging (Indonesian Sweet Soy Beef Stew)

Beef slow-braised in a sweet soy and clove-scented sauce until fall-apart tender, a comforting Indonesian stew with Dutch colonial roots.

Sayur Lodeh (Indonesian Vegetable Coconut Stew)

A mild, comforting coconut milk stew with eggplant, long beans and tempeh, a beloved everyday Indonesian vegetable dish.

Siomay (Indonesian Steamed Fish Dumplings with Peanut Sauce)

Steamed dumplings of ground fish and tapioca starch, served with vegetables and a rich peanut sauce, a popular Indonesian street food.

Bakwan Jagung (Indonesian Corn Fritters)

Crispy fried corn fritters studded with scallion and a light spice blend, a beloved Indonesian street snack served with chile sauce.

Nasi Uduk (Indonesian Coconut Rice with Fried Shallots)

Fragrant coconut milk rice cooked with pandan and lemongrass, a Jakarta breakfast and dinner staple served with an array of side dishes.

Sayur Asem (Indonesian Tamarind Vegetable Soup)

A tangy, tamarind-soured Indonesian vegetable soup loaded with corn, peanuts, and melinjo leaves.

Roti Bakar (Indonesian Grilled Toast Sandwich)

Sweet-savory Indonesian street toast, griddled until crisp and filled with condensed milk, cheese, or spiced meat.

Bakso (Indonesian Beef Meatballs in Broth)

Bouncy Indonesian beef meatballs simmered in a clear, citrus-brightened broth with noodles and greens.

Sambal Goreng Kacang Panjang (Indonesian Spicy Long Bean and Tomato Stir-Fry)

A spicy, tomato-rich Indonesian stir-fry of long beans and tempeh in a fragrant sambal sauce.

Telur Dadar (Indonesian Fluffy Garlic Omelet)

A thick, fluffy Indonesian omelet packed with garlic, shallots, and scallions, fried until puffed and golden.

Bubur Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Rice Porridge)

Silky Indonesian chicken rice porridge topped with crispy shallots, shredded chicken, and a bright squeeze of citrus.

Ikan Bakar Asam (Indonesian Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Fish)

Whole fish marinated in tamarind and tomato, then grilled until charred and glazed with a sweet-sour sauce.

Martabak Telur (Indonesian Savory Stuffed Egg Pancake)

A crisp, pan-fried Indonesian pastry stuffed with spiced ground meat, egg, and scallions, finished with a sesame-flecked crust.

Urap (Indonesian Coconut Vegetable Salad)

A vibrant Indonesian salad of blanched vegetables tossed with spiced fresh coconut and ginger.

Lontong Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice Cakes)

Compressed Indonesian rice cakes sliced and pan-fried until crisp outside and tender within, dusted with smoky spice.

Pangsit Kuah (Indonesian Dumpling Soup)

Light, gingery Indonesian chicken dumpling soup with green chile heat and a clean, savory broth.

Ayam Bakar (Indonesian Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken)

Indonesian grilled chicken marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices, basted with a sweet-savory glaze until charred.

Terong Balado (Indonesian Spicy Tomato Eggplant Bake)

Fried eggplant baked in a fiery Indonesian tomato-chili sambal until soft and richly coated.

Kue Cubit (Indonesian Mini Griddle Cakes)

Small, fluffy Indonesian griddle cakes with caramelized edges, finished with a bright hit of lime zest.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Sweet-savory Indonesian fried rice with kecap manis, garlic, chile and a fried egg on top.

Serabi (Indonesian Coconut Rice Pancakes) with Ginger Syrup

Soft, spongy coconut rice pancakes cooked in a small skillet, drizzled with palm sugar-ginger syrup.

Ayam Bumbu Rica-Rica Bowl (Spiced Tomato Chile Chicken)

Rice bowl topped with Indonesian rica-rica chicken, simmered in a fiery tomato-chile spice paste.

Nasi Goreng Seafood with Crispy Shallots

Indonesian fried rice loaded with shrimp and squid, tossed in kecap manis and topped with crispy fried shallots.

Coconut Lentil and Vegetable Bowl (Sayur Lodeh-Style)

A coconut milk vegetable stew inspired by sayur lodeh, given extra body with red lentils and rice.

Sambal-Spiced Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Tomato

Bell peppers stuffed with a spicy sambal beef and tomato filling, baked until tender and fragrant.

Nasi Liwet (Indonesian Coconut Rice Casserole)

Rice cooked in coconut milk and aromatics until fragrant, baked with crispy fried shallots on top.

Satay-Spiced Beef Burger with Peanut Sauce

A beef burger seasoned with Indonesian satay spices, topped with a rich peanut sauce and cucumber.

Bubur Sumsum (Indonesian Rice Flour Pudding with Palm Sugar)

A silky coconut rice flour pudding served warm with dark, caramel-rich palm sugar syrup.

Indonesian Holiday Platter with Beef Rendang and Sambal

A festive spread of slow-braised beef rendang, coconut rice, sauteed peppers and fresh sambal.

180 min620 calHard

★4.8(58)

Indonesian Cooking FAQ

What is Indonesian food known for?▾

Indonesian food is known for rendang, nasi goreng fried rice, satay skewers with peanut sauce, and sambal chili pastes. Its flavor profile combines coconut milk, sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), shrimp paste, and fresh spice pastes of shallots, galangal, and turmeric. As the historic Spice Islands, Indonesia shaped global trade in nutmeg and cloves.

What's the difference between Indonesian and Malaysian food?▾

They overlap heavily — rendang, satay, and sambal exist in both — reflecting shared Malay roots. Indonesian cooking, especially Javanese, runs sweeter due to kecap manis and palm sugar, and features tempeh prominently. Malaysian food shows stronger Indian and Chinese integration (roti canai, laksa varieties) from its distinct migration history. Many dishes differ more by region than by country.

Is Indonesian food spicy?▾

Often, but heat is usually served on the side as sambal rather than cooked into the dish, so you control it. Padang food from Sumatra and Manado cuisine from Sulawesi are reliably hot. Javanese food trends sweet and mild. A typical meal lets you spoon as much or as little sambal as you like over rice.

What Indonesian dishes should a beginner cook first?▾

Nasi goreng is the gateway: day-old rice stir-fried with garlic, shallot, kecap manis, and a fried egg on top. Ayam goreng (spiced fried chicken) and gado-gado salad with peanut sauce follow easily. Satay needs only a grill and a marinade. Rendang is a weekend project — simple ingredients but three hours of reduction.

What do I need for an Indonesian pantry?▾

Kecap manis, coconut milk, shrimp paste (terasi), candlenuts (or macadamias as substitute), and chilies are the distinctive items. Add shallots, garlic, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, palm sugar, and tamarind. Peanuts make satay and gado-gado sauces. Jasmine rice and krupuk crackers complete the everyday table.