Checking out the most famous Indonesian specialties

Indonesia is renowned for its colorful and vibrant culinary scene, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts worldwide. When traveling to the "land of a thousand islands," you won't want to miss the opportunity to savor the local cuisine. If you're unsure about what to eat and where to shop, here are 10 famous Indonesian specialties to add to your list for useful reference.

1. Satay skewers

Satay skewers are a beloved Indonesian specialty that has also found popularity in Singapore. Satay is essentially grilled meat commonly associated with the Muslim community. However, it stands out thanks to its unique spice marinade and a variety of meats, such as chicken, lamb, rabbit, and fish. These skewers are served with a spicy peanut sauce or soy sauce and chili, accompanied by cucumber, rice cakes (ketupat), and shallots to enhance the distinct flavor.

Some places to enjoy satay skewers:

- Jal Sabang in Kota Pusat, Jakarta.

- Sate Ragusa in Gambir, Jakarta.

Price: 140,406.50 IDR (approximately 10 USD).

Indonesian specialty - Satay skewers

If you're a fan of grilled dishes, be sure to try Indonesia's famous specialty, Satay, which has captivated many diners after tasting.

2. Rendang beef stew

When talking about traditional Indonesian cuisine, one cannot overlook Rendang beef. It's a cherished Indonesian specialty with global popularity. Rendang beef is slow-cooked in coconut milk until the broth thickens and the aroma becomes rich and intense. This dish is a sensory delight, pleasing the sight, smell, and taste with its appealing appearance and irresistible flavor.

Some places to savor Rendang beef stew:

- Nasi Padang restaurant, Jakarta.

- Rumah Makan Surya Masakan Padang, Jakarta.

Price: 175,788.94 IDR (approximately 12.52 USD).

3. Bakso meatball soup

When in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, you must try Bakso meatball soup. This soup is typically made from a mixture of various meats, including beef, chicken, and fish. The meat is molded into balls, served in a fragrant soup, and accompanied by dumplings, boiled eggs, and tasty shallots.

some places to enjoy Bakso meatball soup:

- Kafe Betawi at West Mall, Jakarta.

- Soto Madura, Jakarta.

- Bakso Akiaw, Jakarta.

Price: 112,325.20 IDR (approximately 8 USD).

Bakso meatball soup

You can find this Indonesian specialty everywhere, from street vendors to upscale restaurants in the archipelago.

4. Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng, despite being relatively common, is considered one of the most delicious Indonesian specialties that every traveler must try. Indonesian fried rice stands out due to its distinctive ingredients, made from special golden rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, and a mix of spices like chili, pepper, and hot sauce, creating a fragrant, savory, and tantalizing taste. Nasi Goreng is often served with eggs, meat, and fish, making it a delightful dish.Some places to savor Nasi Goreng:

- Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih, Jakarta.

Price: 56,162.60 IDR (approximately 4 USD).

5. Pempek fish cakes

Pempek fish cakes are a specialty from Palembang, South Sumatra, and have become a popular Indonesian street food snack. These fish cakes consist of a small egg enclosed in fish and dough, then deep-fried until crispy. When eating, they are typically served with dipping sauces like chili sauce and black soy sauce, offering a delightful combination of flavors.

Some places to enjoy Pempek fish cakes:

- Streets or local markets.

- Jl. Letkol Iskandar 14-535, 24 Ilir, Kec. Bukit Kecil, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan 30113, Indonesia.

Price: Varies depending on the vendor.

Pempek fried fish cakes

Pempek fish cakes come in various shapes, either round or rectangular, and are a tasty treat with a rich, sweet, and savory flavor when eaten.

6. Batik fabric

Batik fabric is one of the sought-after products that many travelers purchase as souvenirs when visiting Indonesia. Batik is a traditional fabric created with great skill, preserving the soul of the "land of a thousand islands." Batik is meticulously woven, and the natural dyeing process ensures vibrant, long-lasting colors, resulting in visually captivating patterns.

Some places to buy Batik fabric:

Streets and markets in the city center of Jakarta.

7. Celuk jewelry

Indonesia boasts abundant precious minerals, leading to a wide variety of gold, silver, and copper jewelry. Celuk jewelry is uniquely designed and intricately crafted, captivating and delighting travelers. Here, you can find a plethora of jewelry and exquisite handcrafted artwork to purchase as memorable gifts.Some places to buy Celuk jewelry:

Celuk Village, Bali, Indonesia.
Jalan Surabaya.

You can buy various types of jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and participate in gold and silver exhibitions when visiting Celuk Village in Bali, Indonesia.

8. Sambal sauce

Sambal sauce is one of the three essential condiments in Indonesian cuisine. Sambal dipping sauce is prepared from a blend of chili peppers and additional ingredients like garlic, ginger, tomatoes, dried shrimp paste, seasoned with salt, sugar, and lime juice, resulting in a flavorful mix of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet sensations that tantalize the taste budsSome places to buy Sambal sauce:

- Pedas Abis, Waroeng Spesial Sambal in Solo, Surakarta.

Price: 28,081.30 IDR (2 USD) for a 50g package.

9. Noken bags

When discussing Indonesian specialties as souvenirs or gifts, Noken bags should not be overlooked. These bags, designed to carry belongings, originate from the Papua region. They leave a strong impression on many travelers because they are carried not by hand but rather on the head. This unique feature led to Noken bags being designated as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2012.Some places to buy Noken bags:

Artha Gading shopping center.
Jalan Surabaya market.

Noken bags

Noken bags are a unique and distinctive souvenir that you can choose to purchase while traveling in Indonesia.

10. Coffee

Visiting Indonesia without bringing back coffee as

a souvenir would be a missed opportunity. Indonesia is one of the world's leading coffee exporters, with coffee beans that bear the distinct regional characteristics of this archipelago. The coffee offerings are diverse, so you can select from famous and popular brands like Luwak, Toraja, Gayo, or Sidikalang.

Some places to buy coffee:

Mangga Dua Mall shopping center.
Block M shopping district.

11. Salak fruit

When mentioning specialty fruits from Bali and Indonesia in general, the Salak fruit cannot be overlooked. This fruit is native to the palm family, growing in clusters, primarily in volcanic sand regions. Depending on the soil conditions, Salak varies in size and flavor; for example, Javanese Salak is medium-sized and sweet, while Balinese Salak is larger but slightly astringent and crisp.

You can find this fruit in most local markets and supermarkets.

Salak fruit

Salak is one of the distinctive fruits of Bali and Indonesia.

Certainly, Indonesia's specialties cannot be fully encapsulated in just these 10 items shared by Vietjet. So, book your Vietjet flight today and embark on a culinary adventure in the land of a thousand islands. Vietjet currently operates various routes to Indonesia at great prices, allowing you to fulfill your dream of exploring this beautiful country. Visit https://www.vietjetair.com/en/flights/flights-to-indonesia to choose a flight that suits your schedule.

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