Budget-Friendly

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 …

Terong balado has always been one of my favorite Indonesian dishes. Growing up, I was always drawn to the rich, bold flavors of spicy food, and terong balado was a dish that never failed to impress. The combination of soft, creamy eggplant and fiery balado sauce creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Every time I eat terong balado, it brings back memories of home-cooked meals, which my family would serve alongside warm rice and other classic Indonesian dishes. I have always loved eggplant, but terong balado made me appreciate it even more. Unlike other ways of preparing eggplant, …

Lontong has always been a part of my life, especially during Lebaran. As a child, I used to help my grandmother prepare ketupat, similar to lontong but wrapped in woven coconut leaves instead of banana leaves or containers. My job was to carefully stuff beras (raw rice in Bahasa Indonesia) into the ketupat shells, ensuring they were not overfilled. My grandmother would check my work, adjusting the rice levels to ensure they wouldn’t burst while cooking. The process was long and tedious—hours of boiling, waiting, and hoping for the perfect texture. When we finally cut open the ketupat, the excitement …

Growing up, one of my most treasured memories was accompanying my mother on our weekly trips to the nearby market. Our favorite stop was a modest stall specializing in nasi uduk, a fragrant coconut rice dish that filled the air with its inviting aroma. Yet, what truly made these market visits unforgettable was the special treat my mother always added: telor balado. Although the nasi uduk was a staple, the telor balado was an indulgence that required an extra payment—an extra bit of love reserved for me. My mother understood my penchant for the bold and exciting flavors of telor …

Growing up in a household where every meal celebrated heritage and simple ingredients, sayur asem has always held a special place in my heart. This recipe post introduction is a tribute to a dish that nourished my body and enriched my memories. I remember my mother preparing sayur asem in our humble kitchen, where the aroma of tamarind, fresh vegetables, and spices filled the air. I eagerly awaited each serving, often finding myself able to eat three portions of rice with this dish because the vibrant flavors were so irresistible. In this introduction, I will take you through the personal …

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; …

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 …

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) …