Cuisine and Dining in Indonesia

by AsiaIndia


Indonesia has wide range of techniques when it comes to cooking food. Indonesian dishes have been accustomed to influences from India, China, Middle East and Europe. People from other countries cannot experience the truly delicious taste of Indonesian cuisines without traveling to various places themselves. Although most restaurants cooking styles are derived from cookbooks, still Indonesian cuisine can keep ones taste buds craving for more.
An Indonesian meal is incomplete without rice. Other dishes are eaten in relatively small quantities, such as fish, meat or vegetables. Westerners, who are used to eating an entree in larger quantities, find Indonesian cuisines to be very spicy. However, eating fish or meat together with larger serving of rice will do the trick.
Indonesia's National Specialties include Rijsttafel (a Dutch-invented smorgasbord of 12 various meat, fish, vegetable and curry dishes, sometimes served by 12 'maidens'), Sate (chunks of beef, fish, pork, chicken or lamb cooked on hot coals and dipped in peanut sauce), Rendang (west Sumatra; buffalo coconut curry), Gado-gado (Java; a salad of raw and cooked vegetables with peanut and coconut milk sauce) and Babi guling (Bali; roast suckling pig).
On the other hand, Indonesia's National Drinks are Es (ice drinks with syrups, fruits and jellies), Brem (Bali; rice wine), Tuak (palm-sap wine, a famously potent local brew), Arak (rice or palm-sap wine) and Kelapa muda (young coconut juice).
Jakarta Restaurants
Jakarta's eateries are as diverse as the many cultures and nationalities living in this sprawling metropolis. As you would expect from any major Asian city, food and dining options are way across the board, from roadside street vendors to high-end fine dining restaurants. Yet visitors find dining in Indonesia as accommodating since you can try various cuisines without necessarily have to break your budget.
Western Jakarta is home to Chinatown which should be the first port of call for those who like Chinese food. Kemang in South Jakarta has the highest density of fine-dining restaurants, lively nightclubs and entertainment areas.
Jalan Jaksa is the place to head for tasty Indonesian food prepared in an exceptional presentation. Other food types in this area include, Korean, Thai, Indian, Mexican and American. Jakarta's mega malls feature food courts where delicacies from around the globe can be tried and tested.
Bali Restaurants
Bali is filled with restaurants that offer endless different types of cuisine, from traditional Balinese and seafood to European style pizzerias, burger joints and steakhouses. This is where hawker stalls exist alongside posh restaurants, and you can always find something that caters to your taste.
Kuta Beach Restaurants
Kuta is a gastronomic heaven for travellers on a mid-range budget. Dishes are often prepared to adapt the local tastes. Most of the restaurants are open from 10:00 till around midnight.
Nusa Dua Restaurants
Nusa Dua is the home of many prestigious restaurants yet perfectly fits within ones budget. Therefore, if you are hoping to find first-class service, breathtaking ocean views, amazing interior settings, an exquisite taste of international cuisine prepared combined with great budget deals.
Ubud Restaurants
At first glance, traditional dishes dominate the cuisine of this region, but nowadays Ubud has more creative restaurants that are worth a visit.
Tanjung Benoa Restaurants
After becoming a popular tourist destination, Tanjung Benoa has been progressive as great dining venue. Here, culinary treats are to be found everywhere, with several restaurants offering free transport and complimentary cocktails and appetizers along with WiFi and live entertainment to complement your Bali dining experience.
Lombok Island Restaurants
For those who prefer fine-dining options and great variety of choice on the menu, venture to most part Lombok's hotels caters the safest deal in obtaining sumptuous quality meal. There are also numerous restaurants peppered around the island where you can savour traditional Indonesian fare, without breaking the bank.
Oriental and Mediterranean accents are also easily found, at the beach restaurants along Senggigi but where the island really excels is in its production of freshly-caught sea food. Freshly-caught grilled fish and meats are prepared down on beach BBQs, succulent and seasoned, such a mouth-watering stuff.