Enjoy Indonesian street food.

If you ever have the chance to visit the beautiful country of Indonesia with its many attractive tourist destinations, don't forget to enjoy the unique and rustic street food, along with the distinctive culinary art of the region.

For first-time tasters, the flavors of Indonesian street food may be stronger than usual. However, after enjoying the meal, visitors will surely never forget the "culinary adventure" with the unique flavors of this island nation's cuisine.

1. Kerak Telor

When it comes to authentic Jakarta cuisine, Kerak telor is a must-mention.

Kerak Telor is a very familiar dish to Indonesians. Kerak is quite simple to make, consisting of a thin sheet of rice flour dough, then grilled over charcoal and topped with various fillings such as grated coconut, fried crab, shrimp, beaten eggs, etc., creating a unique crispy texture that you should try at least once when you visit this country.

The dish is primarily a combination of glutinous rice with duck or chicken eggs. These two main ingredients give Kerak telor its appearance, resembling an omelet.

2. Nasi goreng

At the top of the list of Indonesian street food specialties is probably Nasi goreng – a dish similar to fried rice in Vietnam. Indonesian fried rice is prepared with a variety of spices and sauces including tamarind, chili, eggs, and shrimp, resulting in a spicy and appealing flavor, all at a very affordable price (around 30,000 VND per serving). Vendors often add crispy fried shrimp crackers as a side dish. If trying this for the first time, diners should ask the vendor to reduce the amount of spices and chili.

3. Mie goreng

For just 17,000 IDR (approximately 26,000 VND), customers can enjoy a hearty lunch of Mie goreng, a mixed noodle dish containing egg, beef sausage, and various vegetables. This is a very popular Indonesian dish that tourists can find on almost every street corner. Eating Mie goreng at these affordable eateries will give you the authentic Indonesian taste.

If you eat at larger restaurants or in areas near the sea, you'll notice a slight difference because the seafood tastes fresher and more delicious.

4. Bakso

Bakso is a dish always sought after by tourists, a hallmark of Indonesian street food, often sold from pushcarts, creating a unique sight on the streets. This dish is quite similar to Vietnamese beef noodle soup, with meatballs made from chicken, beef, fish, or a mixture, and you can choose instant noodles or rice noodles to eat with it.

Adding a touch of spicy chili and lime, along with shallots, boiled eggs, and wontons in a rich broth, will awaken all the senses of the diner. This is one of Indonesia's most beloved culinary creations. Former US President Barack Obama once shared that this was one of his favorite Indonesian dishes.

5. Martabak Manis - Milk Cheesecake

Martabak Manis is a popular Indonesian dessert that has spread to other countries, characterized by its versatility in toppings and creative ingredient combinations. The combination of baked pastry and creamy cheese filling creates a delicious and flavorful treat that is easy to eat, making it one of the most representative dishes of Indonesian street food.

The special thing about this type of cake is that you can completely customize the ingredients to enhance its aesthetic appeal, color, and flavor. For example, you can add chocolate, matcha, or vanilla...

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao