Recipe

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. …

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 …

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 …

Most people probably know about Indonesian mie goreng from the instant brand Indomie. This recipe is the classic version of that noodle. Vegan mie goreng is a dish that will please everyone in the family. Crunchy vegetables, chewy noodles, sweet sticky sauce—what’s not to like? It’s easy to make on a weeknight and delicious enough to serve anyone. So what exactly is mie goreng? “Mie” in Indonesia is noodle, and “goreng” means fried, so “mie goreng” is a fried noodle. This Indonesian food is heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine but has a definite Indonesian taste. One key differentiator is incorporating …

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 …

Indonesian cuisine is a celebration of vibrant flavors, complex textures, and unique culinary techniques that are a testament to the rich history and diverse culture of the Indonesian archipelago. Pepes Tahu is a beloved and flavorful choice among the many dishes representing this colorful food culture. Pepes Tahu, which translates to “steamed tofu in banana leaves,” combines tofu with a fragrant mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings, all wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors and reflects the ingenuity of Indonesian cooking in its simplest and most delicious form. …

If you’re not from Indonesia—specifically West Java—there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of sauté leunca. This dish, featuring the unique vegetable leunca, is a hidden treasure of Indonesian cuisine. Beloved by locals but relatively unknown outside Indonesia, sauté leunca showcases the essence of Sundanese cooking, emphasizing fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple preparation methods. As an Indonesian living in Singapore, I often crave the flavors of home. Among the many dishes I miss, sauté leunca holds a special place in my heart. While Singapore is geographically close to Indonesia, many Indonesian vegetables, including leunca, are not widely available here. …

Few dishes have the universal appeal and emotional connection of a good bowl of chicken soup. Whether it’s a comforting remedy during cold weather or a nostalgic childhood taste, chicken soup is special in culinary traditions worldwide. But what if you’ve embraced a vegan lifestyle and thought you’d have to leave this beloved dish behind? Enter vegan chicken soup, a plant-based twist on the classic that promises all the original’s warmth, flavor, and satisfaction—without compromising your values. Before going vegan, chicken soup was one of my go-to comfort foods. The fragrant aroma of broth simmering with garlic, onion, and tender …