Quick & Easy

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 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, 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 …

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) …

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 …

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s something warm, soothing, and flavorful—a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. For me, it’s always been vegan wonton soup. The steamy broth, tender dumplings, and fresh veggies create a perfect balance of lightness and heartiness. But as someone who’s embraced a plant-based lifestyle, I had to find a way to enjoy this classic dish without compromising on flavor. This recipe is a game-changer. It’s not just for vegans—it’s for anyone looking to enjoy a simple, wholesome meal full of flavor that comes together quickly. Whether …

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 …

Sayur Bening Bayam is a traditional Indonesian vegetable clear soup that is light, nutritious, and easy to prepare. It features spinach (Bayam) as the main ingredient, complemented by corn (or carrot) and simple seasonings. sayur = vegetable dish; bening = clear soup; bayam = spinach There are two unique things that you have to remember from this recipe: This dish tastes very clean and light, and I love it when my mother cooks it. When she does, I eat three plates of rice bowl. Yes, three; I didn’t write it incorrectly. Even though this can be eaten by itself, I …

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. …