Traditional Side Dish

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 …

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. …