Peanuts & Coconut

Whenever I think about urap sayur, I’m transported back to those quiet, misty mornings in my childhood neighborhood. My mother would wake up early, often before the sun had fully risen, and walk to the fresh market just a few blocks from our house. The market was already alive with the aroma of herbs, spices, and cooked rice. There, she would buy a generous portion of urap sayur from her favorite stall—run by an old woman who, according to my mom, made the best urap in town. The urap would be warm, fragrant, and packed in brown paper. It was …

Opor Ayam is a staple dish during Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) in Indonesia. This creamy, coconut-milk-based chicken stew is special in Indonesian culture, symbolizing warmth, togetherness, and family traditions. While Opor Ayam is enjoyed year-round, it is particularly essential during Ramadhan and Lebaran celebrations, served alongside sambal goreng kentang ati (spicy potato and liver stir-fry) and ketupat or lontong (compressed rice cakes). In this post, we’ll dive deep into the significance of Opor Ayam, its history, taste, variations, and essential tips to ensure a perfect dish every time. Opor Ayam: The Heart of a Lebaran Feast During Lebaran, Indonesian families gather …

Growing up in Indonesia, few things felt as comforting as a bowl of bubur kacang ijo on a rainy afternoon. My mother would often prepare this sweet mung bean porridge, filling the kitchen with the aroma of simmering coconut milk and pandan leaves. It was a humble dessert yet rich in flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Now, as I share this recipe on this site, I’m transported back to those cozy moments, hoping to bring the same warmth to your kitchen with this bubur kacang ijo recipe. History of Bubur Kacang Ijo Bubur kacang ijo is more than just a dessert; …

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 …

If you’ve ever visited Indonesia, chances are you’ve encountered the vibrant and colorful world of street food. From savory skewers to sweet treats, Indonesian street food offers an endless variety of dishes representing the country’s rich culinary heritage. One dish that stands out for its balance of flavors and textures is Ketoprak. Originating from Jakarta, Ketoprak is a beloved street food snack that combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Whether served as a light lunch or a filling dinner, Ketoprak is satisfying and nutritious. At its core, Ketoprak is a vegan salad. It blends chewy rice cakes (lontong) …

Terik tahu tempe is a traditional Indonesian dish that is accidentally vegan. It is rich in coconut milk, with a hint of sweetness and traditional Indonesian spices. If you are bored with your regular cooking method for tofu and tempeh, try this recipe. If you grow up eating Indonesian food, you should realize there are many types of curry, and terik is one of them. Other types of curry in Indonesia are gulai (view my jackfruit gulai recipe here), lodeh, and opor (I will share both recipes later in another post). “I have no idea what Terik Tahu Tempe is” …

Nestled in the heart of Java, Indonesia, lies Yogyakarta, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and delectable cuisine. Among its most iconic dishes is Gudeg Yogya, a sweet and savory jackfruit stew that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its unique taste and traditional preparation methods, Gudeg Yogya isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural experience that tells the story of Javanese tradition, history, and philosophy. For many Indonesians, Gudeg Yogya is more than just food; it’s a taste of home. The dish has been passed down through generations, and each bite carries the warmth of …

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, completely meat-free dish, Gulai Nangka is the answer! This beloved Indonesian dish features young jackfruit cooked in a rich, aromatic coconut yellow curry. As its name suggests, the star of this dish is nangka (young jackfruit), simmered in spices and coconut milk, sometimes accompanied by vegetables like long beans. One of the best things about Gulai Nangka is that the flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the day after cooking. A Staple of Padang Cuisine Gulai Nangka is a signature dish of Padang Cuisine, which hails from Padang, the capital …

Satay, or “sate” as it is widely known in Indonesia, is a beloved grilled skewer dish that has captured Southeast Asia’s hearts (and taste buds). Traditionally made with meat, satay is known for its smoky aroma, tender bites, and rich, flavorful peanut sauce. However, as plant-based diets gain popularity, vegan mushroom satay has emerged, offering a modern twist on this iconic meal. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, vegan mushroom satay has become a favorite among vegans and omnivores. It retains the essence of traditional satay while showcasing mushrooms’ versatility and culinary potential. Let’s dive into the fascinating world …