vegan indonesian

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 …

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 …

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 …

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” …

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 …

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. …