Published on April 12, 2025
With more than 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, Indonesia is a culinary giant where every region tells its own story through food. From slow-cooked stews to sizzling street food skewers, the best local foods in Indonesia are deeply rooted in tradition and packed with unforgettable flavour. Explore these four Indonesian dishes and the top places across the country where you can enjoy them.
Rendang
Named one of the world’s most delicious foods by CNN Travel, Rendang is a rich and tender beef dish slow-cooked in coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, and a medley of spices. Originally from the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, rendang is both a ceremonial and comforting dish.
Where to Eat It:
One of Jakarta’s oldest and most beloved Padang-style restaurants, Pagi Sore (Jl. Cipete Raya No. 2) serves a thick, spicy rendang that’s deeply caramelised and bursting with flavour.
• Nasi Kapau Uni Cah – Bukittinggi, West Sumatra
In the heart of the dish’s birthplace, this food stall at Pasar Atas is famous for its authentic rendang served with steamed rice and jackfruit curry.
• Sederhana Padang Restaurant – Bali (Kuta & Denpasar)
A reliable spot for Padang cuisine in Bali, with several locations. The rendang here is tender, spicy, and perfect for those seeking a taste of West Sumatra while on the island.
Sate Ayam
Sate Ayam (chicken satay) is one of the most widely enjoyed street foods in Indonesia. The skewered and grilled chicken is marinated in sweet soy sauce and then served with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet peanut sauce.
Where to Eat It:
A favourite among locals, this stylish chain (try the outlet on Jl. Pakubuwono) elevates traditional sate with beautifully grilled skewers and thick, velvety peanut sauce.
• Sate Plecing Arjuna – Denpasar, Bali
Located on Jl. Arjuna, this unassuming spot serves Balinese-style sate with a spicy-smelling sambal instead of peanut sauce. It’s a fiery twist for spice lovers.
• Angkringan Lik Man – Yogyakarta
Famous for its humble, laid-back setting, this angkringan (street food cart) near Tugu Station serves sate and traditional rice dishes late into the night. Order a mix of chicken and quail egg skewers.
Gado-Gado
A colourful medley of blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh, hard-boiled egg, and lontong (rice cakes), all drenched in a savoury peanut sauce. Gado—Gado is Indonesia’s answer to the salad, but far more satisfying. It’s fresh and hearty and can be found everywhere, from street stalls to upscale eateries.
Where to Eat It:
With several branches across the capital, Boplo serves classic Gado-Gado, accompanied by a generous helping of sauce, crunchy crackers, and a mild chilli heat.
• Warung Kolega – Seminyak, Bali
This popular warung (local eatery) on Jl. Petitenget is known for its buffet-style offerings. Their Gado-Gado features perfectly cooked veggies and a thick, nutty sauce made fresh daily.
On Jl. Prawirotaman, Warung Heru is a traveller-friendly spot that serves vegetarian and traditional Javanese cuisine. Their Gado-Gado is beautifully presented and made with locally sourced produce.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng (fried rice) is arguably Indonesia’s most famous export. Typically stir-fried with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, shallots, and egg and often topped with fried shallots and prawn crackers, it’s endlessly customisable and deeply satisfying.
Where to Eat It:
• Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih – Jakarta
A legendary street food stall in Central Jakarta (Jl. Kebon Sirih), renowned for its mutton nasi goreng, cooked over charcoal for an extra smoky flavour.
• Nasi Goreng Mafia – Bandung & Jakarta
With creative names and bold spice levels, this chain gives the classic dish a modern edge. Try the Preman level for a chilli kick you won’t forget.
• Bumbu Bali – Tanjung Benoa, Bali
A top-rated Balinese restaurant run by a local chef and cookbook author. Their nasi goreng comes with grilled prawns and sambal, making for a refined take on the classic.
Start Your Indonesian Culinary Adventure
Indonesian cuisine is a journey through spice, tradition, and incredible regional diversity. From the slow-simmered rendang of West Sumatra to the peanut-sauce-drenched Gado-Gado of Java, every dish tells a story. And the best part? You don’t have to go far—Indonesia’s bustling markets, humble warungs, and stylish restaurants are waiting to serve you.
Craving a taste of Indonesia? Book your trip now and immerse yourself in the unforgettable culinary experiences that Indonesia has to offer!
