TEMPO.COM, Jakarta - This year has seen a surge of exciting and creative culinary delights go viral across Indonesia. From unique twists on street food to popular cafe menus, many dishes have rapidly become favorites among Gen Z, successfully combining innovative flavors with visually "Instagramable" experiences.
The use of social media in Indonesia continues to rise, with DataReportal showing that young, productive adults drive the majority of engagement. This digital environment, coupled with aggressive promotion by many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), allows unique menus to become instantly known and quickly sampled by millions.
Viral Culinary Trends Indonesia 2025
Here is a compilation of the most talked-about and frequently sampled culinary trends throughout the year:
1. Udang Keju
Udang keju, or fried cheesy shrimp, is an addictive snack as it offers a perfect combination: a crunchy exterior giving way to soft shrimp and melted cheese inside. The resulting savory-salty sensation is highly addictive. Typically served as balls or long pieces, Shrimp Cheese is an ideal quick snack.
The price point is accessible, generally ranging from Rp15,000 to Rp30,000 per serving, making it accessible to young consumers. Many SMEs serve it in modern, attractive packaging designed specifically for social media uploads.
2. Lotus Biscoff Potato Doughnut
Lotus Biscoff topping donut. Photo: Screenshot from YouTube/Annisaa Hawarizmi (Umi Raj)
Donat kentang Lotus Biscoff, or Lotus Biscoff potato doughnut, is a marriage of textures. The soft potato donut is combined with a sweet glaze and caramelized biscuit crumbs from Lotus Biscoff, creating a crispy and creamy experience. Its classic round shape, elevated by a luxurious topping, gives it a premium and Instagrammable look.
The price range for this item starts from Rp20,000–Rp50,000 per donut. Its attractive visual presentation inspired Gen Z and millennials to queue and share it on social media.
3. Nasi Padang Burrito
This innovation merges the familiar rich flavor of nasi Padang (Minang-style rice and side dishes) with the convenience of a warm, handheld tortilla. The result is a new, practical, yet full-flavored eating experience. Fillings vary and often include ayam pop, rendang, or green chili sauce.
The price range begins at Rp25,000 and reaches Rp50,000 per serving, depending on the side dish and tortilla size. The unique 'wrap' format makes it visually distinct and highly photogenic before consumption.
4. Croffle Ice Cream
This dish offers a delightful paradox: a crispy, warm croffle beneath creamy, cold ice cream. This warm-cold sensation is a treat for the palate. The croissant-shaped waffle is typically served with toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh fruit.
The price range is between Rp25,000 and Rp50,000 per serving, depending on the toppings chosen. This dessert is extremely Instagrammable, especially the moment the ice cream begins to melt over the hot croffle.
5. Fried Spaghetti ala Warung (Roadside Stall)
Spaghetti is fried with soy sauce and chili seasoning, delivering an addictive combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This simple dish is usually served in a small pan or a takeout box.
The price per serving for this menu ranges from Rp20,000 to Rp35,000, well-suited for a student budget. The simple yet colorful presentation helped this humble dish go viral on social media platforms.
6. Bakso Aci with Mozzarella
This popular dish features chewy aci (tapioca starch) meatballs with a core of melted mozzarella, resulting in a savory and creamy texture. The meatballs are usually served in a small portion or bowl.
The cost ranges from Rp20,000 to Rp35,000 per serving, depending on size and added sauce. The combination of modern innovation (mozzarella) with traditional food, plus the irresistible "melting cheese" videos shared widely on TikTok by Gen Z.
7. Es Kopi Susu Kurma
Es kopi susu kurma, or iced coffee with date milk, is a popular drink combining bitter coffee, sweet milk, and soft dates, yielding a rich, sweet texture with a distinctive aroma. Served iced in a tall glass, the layered look is visually beautiful.
The price range is Rp18,000 to Rp35,000 per glass. Its unique visual layering and distinctive flavor profile made this a must-try item in popular cafes across major cities.
8. Korean Garlic Cheese Bomb ala Street Food
This is Korean-style garlic bread baked with a generous cheese topping and a pungent garlic sauce, creating a strong aroma and a tempting, creamy, savory flavor. Its shape is ideal as an on-the-go snack.
Regarding pricing, this bread is sold starting from Rp20,000 to Rp40,000 per serving, depending on the size and any extra toppings. The melted cheese crust on top of the bread is highly photogenic, leading to rapid social media virality.
9. Dimsum Mentai
Dimsum mentai. Photo: Screenshot from YouTube/CR COOK
Soft dimsum is smothered in a thick mentai sauce, providing a unique combination of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes. The mini, adorable shapes make them suitable for sharing.
The price range is Rp15,000 to Rp30,000 per serving. Its attractive presentation with the inviting sauce led to frequent shares on Instagram and TikTok.
10. Global Delicacies
Global culinary phenomena also captured the attention of Indonesian Gen Z and food enthusiasts:
- Bapmericano (South Korea)
The bizarre trend of mixing warm white rice with cold Americano coffee went viral on South Korean social media in 2025 for its unique taste and visual oddity. Though not yet fully viral in Indonesia, this trend shows how global innovation can directly influence local cuisine ideas and content.
- Salmon Candy (America)
This cuisine features smoked or marinated salmon with maple syrup, then baked to produce a sweet, chewy texture and a smoky aroma. Sold in thin, long slices or small blocks, it's suitable for snacking.
The price ranges from Rp150,000 to Rp250,000 per 200 grams, depending on salmon quality. Popular among international food creators due to its unusual flavor sensation, the challenge of cooking it at home, and its social media content potential.
- Luk Chup (Thailand)
These mini desserts are shaped like miniature fruits or vegetables, made from sweet green bean paste and coated in a shiny layer of agar. The price varies from Rp25,000 to Rp50,000 per box, depending on the complexity of the shapes. Luk Chup is popular among global food enthusiasts for the combination of sweet flavor, aesthetic shape, and enjoyable serving experience.
2025 proved that culinary trends in Indonesia are driven by more than just taste; they rely heavily on creativity, strong visuals, and the novelty of a new experience. From revamped street foods to modern desserts, every dish offered a unique sensation designed to be shared.
SARAH ALMIRA KUSWANTO | SILVY
Read: 6 Indonesian Cities Ranked Among the World's Top Culinary Destinations
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