TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia never runs out of wonders to delight both locals and international visitors, especially when those wonders arrive at the dining table. From Sate Kambing to Siomay and Soto Betawi, the best Indonesian food enchants with layers of rich flavors, soulful textures, and a comforting warmth that speaks to every appetite.
According to TasteAtlas’ latest data, here are the 10 best Indonesian foods to add to your must-try list.
List of the Best Indonesian Food to Try
1. Sate Kambing
Sate kambing
Sate Kambing is Indonesia’s flavorful twist on the classic satay, made with succulent cuts of goat or mutton. Each skewer has the meat marinated in bold spices and grilled over charcoal, resulting in an easy-to-bite, smoky piece of delicacy. Though peanut sauce is the classic companion for Indonesian sate, the combination of sweet-and-sour soy sauce and sate kambing is equally irresistible.
2. Siomay
Named among the best dumplings in the world, Siomay is the archipelago’s iconic steamed fish dumpling. While rooted in Chinese dim sum, it has transformed with unmistakable local flair. A plate of Siomay often includes tofu, cabbage, steamed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and bitter gourd, each adding depth and richness to the overall experience.
3. Soto Betawi
Soto Betawi. Photo: cookadnrecipe
Moving on to the soup-based dish, Soto Betawi can easily steal your heart with its hearty, comforting flavor. This Jakarta classic combines tender beef with a coconut milk–based broth infused with indigenous spices that give it its unmistakable depth. Top it with tomatoes, scallions, and emping crackers for the best flavor and texture.
4. Batagor
Hailing from Bandung, Batagor isn’t just the best Indonesian food but also stands proudly among the world’s best seafood dishes. The name, short for bakso tahu goreng, reflects its essence: deep-fried fish dumplings and tofu transformed into golden perfection. Sliced into small pieces and smothered in thick peanut sauce, Batagor gets as irresistibly crunchy as it is satisfying.
5. Sambal Goreng
Fried fish with sambal goreng at Warung Mak Beng, Bali (TasteAtlas)
Sambal Goreng is a spicy sauteed dish that showcases Indonesia’s love for bold flavors. Typically made with fried tofu, tempeh, potatoes, or even beef liver, the ingredients are cooked in a fragrant chili paste blended with shallots, garlic, and coconut milk. The result is a coexisting, harmonious taste in every bite, from spiciness, sweetness, and a bit of creamy richness.
6. Empal Gentong
A specialty from Cirebon, Empal Gentong is a savory beef curry cooked in a traditional clay pot. Slow-simmered with coconut milk and spices, the beef becomes incredibly tender while absorbing the richness of the aromatic broth. While it may trick you into thinking it’s just another soto or gulai, Empal Gentong’s uniquely bold character stems from the use of offal.
7. Perkedel
Perkedel is Indonesia’s version of mashed potato fritters, inspired by Dutch frikadellen. Soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, these golden bites are made from seasoned mashed potatoes mixed with minced meat or corn, then fried to perfection. Despite its simplicity, this show-stealer dish almost pairs well with almost everything from a bowl of soto to nasi kuning (yellow rice).
8. Ayam Goreng
Indonesian Ayam Goreng is far from ordinary. Before frying, the chicken is marinated in a blend of turmeric, garlic, and spices, then simmered to let the flavors fully absorb. The final deep-fry results in chicken that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with aromatic seasoning. Thanks to its exceptional flavor, Ayam Goreng is recognized as a top contender among the best fried chicken dishes in the world.
9. Pecel
When Caesar salad wins hearts around the world, Indonesia presents Pecel as its vibrant vegetable salad alternative. This Javanese classic combines blanched spinach, bean sprouts, and long beans, all coated in a spicy-sweet peanut sauce. To make the dish even more filling, many enjoy Pecel paired with rice.
10. Pempek
Originating from Palembang, Pempek is a chewy, savory fishcake made from ground fish and tapioca flour. It’s typically served with cuko, a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy vinegar-based sauce that cuts beautifully through the dish’s richness. The combination of textures and flavors makes pempek an unforgettable culinary highlight from South Sumatra.
From soto and satay to pempek and pecel, the best Indonesian food offers a wide range of flavors that reflect the nation’s cultural diversity. These top-rated foods are must-tries for anyone wanting to experience true Indonesian cuisine.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Batagor Ranks 3rd Among World's Best Seafood Dishes
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