Snacks & Street Food

I first discovered the Vietnamese fresh spring roll during a phase when I was exploring a vegan lifestyle. Back then, I was on the lookout for meals that were both nourishing and exciting, and these spring rolls fit the bill perfectly. Fresh, light, and satisfying, they became an instant favorite. But my appreciation deepened during a trip to Hanoi. I still remember sitting at a quiet roadside stall, watching an elderly vendor expertly roll one after another with such grace and rhythm. Each one was a little parcel of crisp vegetables, soft noodles, and herbs, all wrapped in a delicate …

Growing up in Indonesia, tempeh was a staple in my household. It was versatile, affordable, and packed with nutrition. My mother always ensured we had fresh tempeh from the local market, which became a core ingredient in our meals. But while tempeh could be prepared in many ways—grilled, stir-fried, or added to stews—nothing was as special as Tempe Mendoan. The process of making Tempe Mendoan was almost ritualistic. My mother would carefully slice the tempeh into thin rectangular pieces, mix the batter with just the right blend of spices, and heat the oil to the perfect temperature. She always knew when to …

When it comes to Indonesian cuisine, few dishes are as universally loved and versatile as perkedel kentang. These golden, crispy potato fritters are a staple side dish, served alongside everything from soto (Indonesian soup) to nasi kuning (yellow rice) or even enjoyed as a snack. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, perkedel kentang is a dish that appeals to all ages and occasions. So, what makes perkedel kentang so special? The magic lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of texture and flavor. With a soft, creamy interior encased in a lightly crispy shell, perkedel kentang offers a comforting …

Kering Tempe is an Indonesian dish with a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mother would often pack this dish for me when I lived in a dormitory in Yogyakarta. If the food prepared at the dorm wasn’t to my liking, I could always count on the delicious Kering Tempe to fill me up. The crispy fried tempeh, crunchy peanuts, and savory-sweet sticky sauce made it the perfect comfort food. I would pair it with rice, which instantly became my favorite meal. Kering means “crispy” in Indonesian, perfectly describing the dish’s texture. The tempeh is fried until golden …

Few appetizers are as universally loved as crispy fried wontons for snack time or party hosting. These crispy pockets of deliciousness, often stuffed with various fillings, are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether serving them as a savory treat or an accompaniment to a flavorful dipping sauce, fried wontons never fail to impress. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the art of frying wontons to perfection and explore a simple yet fantastic tomato dipping sauce that complements their crispy texture and savory filling. The Joy of Crispy Wontons Wontons are a beloved dish in many parts of the world, particularly in …

Craving something savory, crispy, and plant-based? These vegan wontons are the perfect solution!  If you try to google the wonton recipe, you will find that it usually uses meat as its main ingredient. A similar thing will happen if you visit a regular Chinese restaurant. It is pretty rare to see a vegan or vegetarian version of the wonton; therefore, if you are a vegan and crave it, one solution is to try to make it! This recipe is challenging and time-consuming, but I bet it is worth it. To make all of the effort worthwhile, you can store this …

Bakwan jagung, one of Indonesia’s most beloved snacks, is a crispy, savory-sweet delight that perfectly captures the essence of the nation’s culinary traditions. A staple in the wide variety of Indonesian gorengan (deep-fried snacks), bakwan jagung stands out for its golden crunch, sweet corn flavor, and versatility. Whether you enjoy it as a mid-afternoon treat or as part of a full meal, this deep-fried corn fritter delivers both taste and nostalgia. For Indonesians, gorengan is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience. From bustling street food stalls to family kitchens, gorengan snacks like bakwan jagung are integral to daily life. …

Tahu tempe bacem is a humble yet iconic dish deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia. Known for its harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish epitomizes the rich cultural heritage of Javanese cuisine. At its core, tahu tempe bacem showcases the ingenious use of simple, affordable ingredients like tofu and tempeh, which are transformed into a flavorful delight through a unique cooking technique called bacem. This dish holds a special place in the hearts of many Indonesians, often evoking memories of home-cooked meals and bustling traditional markets. A Dish Steeped in Tradition …