Indonesian cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, textures, and aromas, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the archipelago.
From spicy sambals to comforting soups and delightful desserts, Indonesian food is a culinary adventure.
Here are 50 Indonesian recipes that will bring the exotic flavors of Indonesia to your kitchen.
1. Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s famous fried rice dish.
Made with leftover rice, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), and a blend of spices, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Often topped with a fried egg, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
2. Rendang
Rendang is a rich and flavorful beef stew slow-cooked in coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies.
This iconic dish is deeply aromatic and perfect with steamed rice.
3. Sate Ayam
Sate Ayam is grilled chicken skewers marinated in a mixture of spices and served with a rich peanut sauce.
The smoky flavor from the grill and the creamy peanut sauce make it a crowd-pleaser.
4. Gado-Gado
Gado-Gado is a vibrant and healthy Indonesian salad.
It is made from a mix of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a creamy peanut sauce.
It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal.
5. Bakso
Bakso is a popular Indonesian meatball soup.
The meatballs are made from ground beef or chicken mixed with tapioca flour, creating a chewy texture.
Served in a flavorful broth with noodles and vegetables, it’s a comforting dish.
6. Soto Ayam
Soto Ayam is a fragrant chicken soup with turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger.
Served with vermicelli noodles, hard-boiled eggs, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a hearty and comforting meal.
7. Tempeh Goreng
Tempeh Goreng is fried tempeh, a traditional Indonesian soy product.
Marinated in a blend of spices and then fried until crispy, it’s a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish.
8. Nasi Uduk
Nasi Uduk is a fragrant coconut rice dish often served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, and sambal.
The rich and aromatic coconut flavor makes it a delightful meal.
9. Ayam Goreng
Ayam Goreng is Indonesian fried chicken marinated in a blend of spices and then deep-fried until crispy.
The spices infuse the chicken with a rich flavor, making it a delicious main dish.
10. Pecel Lele
Pecel Lele is a deep-fried catfish served with a spicy sambal.
The crispy catfish and the fiery sambal create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
11. Mie Goreng
Mie Goreng is Indonesian fried noodles made with a mix of vegetables, chicken, or shrimp, and flavored with sweet soy sauce and spices.
It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.
12. Sambal Oelek
Sambal Oelek is a traditional Indonesian chili paste made with fresh red chilies, vinegar, and salt.
It’s a spicy condiment that adds heat and flavor to any dish.
13. Sayur Lodeh
Sayur Lodeh is a comforting vegetable stew cooked in coconut milk with a blend of spices.
It’s typically made with a mix of vegetables such as carrots, beans, and eggplant.
14. Ikan Bakar
Ikan Bakar is grilled fish marinated in a mixture of spices and then grilled to perfection.
The smoky flavor from the grill and the spices make it a delightful main dish.
15. Gudeg
Gudeg is a traditional Javanese dish made with young jackfruit stewed in coconut milk and spices until tender.
It’s sweet and savory, often served with rice, chicken, and boiled eggs.
16. Opor Ayam
Opor Ayam is a mild and creamy chicken curry cooked in coconut milk with spices such as turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass.
It’s a comforting dish perfect with steamed rice.
17. Tahu Gejrot
Tahu Gejrot is a popular street food snack.
It is made from fried tofu soaked in a tangy and spicy sauce made from garlic, vinegar, and chilies.
It’s a flavorful and satisfying snack.
18. Lumpia
Lumpia is Indonesian spring rolls filled with a mixture of vegetables and sometimes meat.
They are deep-fried until crispy and served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
19. Martabak Manis
Martabak Manis is a popular Indonesian dessert pancake filled with a sweet mixture of chocolate, peanuts, and condensed milk.
It’s rich and indulgent, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
20. Babi Guling
Babi Guling is Balinese roast pork marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, then slow-roasted until crispy and tender.
The flavorful meat and crispy skin make it a festive dish.
21. Kerak Telor
Kerak Telor is a traditional Betawi omelette made with glutinous rice, egg, and a mixture of spices, then cooked until crispy.
It’s a popular street food snack with a unique flavor.
22. Sop Buntut
Sop Buntut is oxtail soup cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables.
The tender oxtail and the rich broth make it a comforting and hearty meal.
23. Pempek
Pempek is a traditional Indonesian fish cake made from ground fish and tapioca flour, often served with a tangy and spicy vinegar sauce.
It’s a popular snack or light meal.
24. Bubur Ayam
Bubur Ayam is an Indonesian chicken congee, a savory rice porridge topped with shredded chicken, scallions, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
It’s a comforting and nutritious breakfast dish.
25. Klepon
Klepon is a delightful Indonesian dessert made from glutinous rice flour filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut.
The sweet and chewy balls are a perfect treat.
26. Bali Salad (Lawar)
Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad made with a mixture of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat, seasoned with a blend of spices.
It’s a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
27. Ayam Penyet
Ayam Penyet is smashed fried chicken served with a spicy sambal.
The crispy chicken and the fiery sambal make it a delicious and satisfying meal.
28. Serabi
Serabi is a traditional Indonesian pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk.
It is often topped with sweet or savory fillings such as chocolate, banana, or cheese.
29. Tahu Sumedang
Tahu Sumedang is a type of fried tofu from Sumedang, West Java.
It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often enjoyed with a spicy dipping sauce.
30. Cendol
Cendol is a refreshing Indonesian dessert made with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
It’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
31. Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit is a Balinese satay made with minced meat mixed with grated coconut and spices, wrapped around bamboo sticks, and grilled.
The flavors are rich and aromatic.
32. Es Teler
Es Teler is a popular Indonesian fruit cocktail made with a mix of tropical fruits, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk.
It’s a refreshing and delicious dessert.
33. Tempeh Bacem
Tempeh Bacem is a sweet and savory dish.
It is made with tempeh marinated in a mixture of spices, palm sugar, and coconut water, then slow-cooked until tender.
34. Sayur Asem
Sayur Asem is a tangy vegetable soup made with tamarind, vegetables, and a blend of spices.
It’s light and refreshing, perfect as a starter or a side dish.
35. Gulai Ayam
Gulai Ayam is a rich and flavorful chicken curry cooked in coconut milk with a blend of spices.
The tender chicken and the creamy sauce make it a comforting meal.
36. Perkedel
Perkedel is Indonesian potato fritters made with mashed potatoes, minced meat, and spices, then deep-fried until golden.
They’re perfect as an appetizer or a side dish.
37. Dadar Gulung
Dadar Gulung is a traditional Indonesian dessert made with green pandan-flavored crepes filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar mixture.
It’s a delightful and colorful treat.
38. Ikan Pepes
Ikan Pepes is a traditional dish where fish is marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then steamed or grilled.
The banana leaves infuse the fish with a unique aroma and flavor.
39. Bakwan Jagung
Bakwan Jagung is an Indonesian corn fritter made with fresh corn, flour, and a blend of spices, then deep-fried until crispy.
They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish.
40. Bika Ambon
Bika Ambon is a popular Indonesian cake made with coconut milk, tapioca flour, and a blend of spices.
It has a unique spongy texture and a deliciously sweet flavor.
41. Lontong Sayur
Lontong Sayur is a traditional Indonesian dish made with compressed rice cakes served with a flavorful vegetable curry.
It’s a popular breakfast dish, often enjoyed with a boiled egg and a drizzle of sambal.
42. Ayam Betutu
Ayam Betutu is a Balinese dish where chicken is marinated with a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked until tender.
The aromatic spices and the tender chicken make it a delightful meal.
43. Es Campur
Es Campur is a refreshing Indonesian dessert made with a mix of fruits, jelly, and sweetened condensed milk.
It is usually topped with shaved ice, and it is perfect for a hot day.
44. Bakpia
Bakpia is a traditional Indonesian pastry filled with sweet mung bean paste.
It’s a popular snack that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
45. Bubur Ketan Hitam
Bubur Ketan Hitam is a sweet black glutinous rice porridge cooked with coconut milk and sugar.
It’s a comforting and delicious dessert, often enjoyed warm or chilled.
46. Sambal Matah
Sambal Matah is a Balinese raw sambal made with a mixture of shallots, lemongrass, chilies, and lime juice.
It’s a fresh and spicy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
47. Kue Cubit
Kue Cubit is a popular Indonesian street food snack made with small, fluffy pancakes often topped with chocolate sprinkles or cheese.
They’re a delightful and sweet treat.
48. Rujak
Rujak is a traditional Indonesian fruit salad made with a mix of tropical fruits and a spicy palm sugar dressing.
49. Sop Kambing
Sop Kambing is a flavorful goat soup cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables.
The tender goat meat and the rich broth make it a comforting and hearty meal.
50. Otak-Otak
Otak-Otak is a popular Indonesian snack made with fish paste mixed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled.
The smoky flavor and the spicy fish paste make it a delicious treat.
