Indonesia is a paradise for food lovers. With over 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, Indonesian cuisine is incredibly diverse, rich in spices, and deeply rooted in culture. For travelers visiting Indonesia, trying local food is not just about eating—it’s about experiencing history, tradition, and everyday life.
Here are the must-try Indonesian foods every traveler should experience.
1. Martabak (Sweet and Savory Street Pancakes)
Martabak is one of Indonesia’s most popular street foods, usually enjoyed at night. It comes in two main types:
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Martabak Manis – a thick, fluffy pancake filled with chocolate, cheese, peanuts, or condensed milk
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Martabak Telur – a savory version filled with egg, minced meat, and spices
Why travelers love it:
It’s indulgent, fun to watch being made, and perfect for sharing.
2. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Often considered Indonesia’s national dish, nasi goreng is fried rice cooked with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, shallots, and chili. It’s usually topped with a fried egg and served with crackers (krupuk).
Why it’s a must-try:
Comforting, flavorful, and available everywhere.
3. Rendang (Slow-Cooked Spiced Beef)
Originating from West Sumatra, rendang is slow-cooked beef simmered in coconut milk and spices until rich and tender. It’s frequently ranked among the world’s best foods.
Tip: Try it at a Padang restaurant for the most authentic taste.
4. Satay (Grilled Skewered Meat)
Satay features marinated meat grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce or sweet soy sauce. Popular varieties include chicken (sate ayam) and beef (sate sapi).
Why travelers should try it:
Simple, smoky, and packed with flavor.
5. Gado-Gado (Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)
A vegetarian-friendly dish, gado-gado combines vegetables, tofu, tempeh, eggs, and rice cakes with rich peanut sauce.
Why it stands out:
Healthy, filling, and uniquely Indonesian.
6. Soto (Traditional Indonesian Soup)
Soto is a comforting soup with many regional variations, such as Soto Ayam and Soto Betawi.
Why it’s special:
Each region offers a different taste and story.
7. Tempeh (Fermented Soybean Cake)
Indonesia is the birthplace of tempeh, a nutritious fermented soybean product commonly fried or sautéed.
Why travelers love it:
Affordable, healthy, and deeply rooted in local cuisine.
8. Bakso (Indonesian Meatball Soup)
Bakso is a popular street food featuring springy meatballs served in hot broth with noodles.
Perfect for: A quick, satisfying meal on the go.
10. Es Cendol (Traditional Dessert Drink)
Cool down with es cendol, made from pandan jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
Best enjoyed: On a hot afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Indonesian cuisine reflects the country’s cultural diversity and love for bold flavors. From iconic street food like martabak to rich traditional dishes like rendang, every bite offers a deeper connection to Indonesia.
For travelers, exploring these must-try Indonesian foods is an unforgettable part of the journey.
