TIKA LESTARI

Indonesia Recommendations

 

As an Indonesian, I've had the pleasure of growing up with some of the most flavorful and diverse dishes the culinary world has to offer. Indonesian cuisine is hands down my favorite cuisine! Here's a list of my favorite dishes:

 

Main Dishes: 

 

  1. Rendang - A rich and savory beef curry, celebrated for its deep, complex flavors.

  2. Ayam Gulai - Chicken green curry; my favorite dish growing up.

  3. Gudeg - Jackfruit and beef stew, a sweet and savory dish I loved as a child.

  4. Ayam Goreng / Ayam Padang - Classic fried chicken, usually served with spicy sides like chili.

  5. Soto Ayam - Chicken noodle soup, a comforting and delicious street food.

  6. Rawon - A rich and savory beef soup with a slightly sour taste.

  7. Mie Bakso - Indonesia’s version of pho, a classic street food.

  8. Ayam Kecap - Chicken cooked in sweet dark soy sauce.

  9. Satay Ayam - Grilled chicken skewers served with peanut sauce.

  10. Nasi Goreng - Iconic Indonesian fried rice.

  11. Bihun Goreng - Stir-fried rice noodles, my everyday lunch in elementary school; similar to Filipino pancit.

  12. Bebek / Ayam Betutu - Roasted duck or chicken, a classic Balinese dish. My dad recommends the restaurant "Bebek Tepi Sewah" in Bali.

 

 

Sides / Appetizers:

 

  1. Perkedel - Fried balls of potato and meat, my favorite thing growing up; great with Ayam Gulai or rice.
  2. Bakwan Jagung - Crispy and delicious corn fritters.
  3. Sambal Goreng Ati / Kentang - Spicy mix of fried chicken liver and potatoes; highly addictive.
  4. Risoles - My favorite snack, a croquette usually filled with chicken.
  5. Lemper Ayam - Sticky rice filled with shredded chicken, wrapped in banana leaf.

 

Desserts:

 

  1. Sweet Martabak - My childhood favorite; get the cheese and chocolate combo for an amazing treat.
  2. Es Cendol - A tropical drink with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green rice flour jelly; similar to halo-halo.
  3. Klepon - Pandan rice flour balls filled with coconut sugar and coated in coconut flakes; the sugar explodes in your mouth when you bite it.
  4. Kue Nastar - Pineapple tarts; a special New Year dessert, though not always available in Bali.