Indonesian Food Guide: 12 Must-Try Indonesian Dishes for Expats and Where to Find Them

Check out the best Indonesian food for first-time visitors and expats.

Moving to Indonesia is about more than just adjusting to a new culture—it is also about discovering one of the world’s most diverse culinary traditions. With over 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, every region has unique specialties worth exploring.

Indonesian food is famous for its bold spices, rich flavors, and incredible variety. If you are wondering what to eat, this food guide is the perfect place to start. From comforting rice dishes to flavorful street snacks, these are the must-try Indonesian dishes every expat should experience.

Also read: The Cultural Story Behind Indonesian Traditional Weddings

What Makes Indonesian Cuisine Unique?

One of the reasons Indonesian cuisine is so special is its diversity. The country’s cuisine blends local ingredients with influences from Chinese, Indian, Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch cultures.

Coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, shrimp paste, chilies, and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) are just a few ingredients that create the distinctive flavors found in many traditional Indonesian food recipes.

Whether you prefer spicy dishes, grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian meals, there’s always something new to discover.

Traditional Indonesian Food You Should Try

Indonesia is home to thousands of regional recipes, but if you’re new to the country, these are the iconic dishes you should try first. From hearty rice meals to comforting soups and delicious street food, here’s where to begin your culinary journey.

1. Nasi goreng

No Indonesian food guide would be complete without nasi goreng. Often celebrated as Indonesia’s national dish, this fragrant fried rice is cooked with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, shallots, and egg. You can customize it with your choice of chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables.

You will find nasi goreng almost everywhere—from luxury hotels to roadside food stalls (warungs) and food courts. For many foreigners, it is the easiest and most comforting dish to fall in love with.

2. Satay (sate)

Another famous Indonesian food is satay. These skewers of grilled chicken, beef, goat, or seafood are seasoned, grilled over charcoal, and served with a rich, velvety peanut sauce or a savory sweet soy sauce, depending on the region. It is perfect as a quick dinner or a late-night snack, and it is widely available throughout the archipelago.

3. Rendang

Originally from West Sumatra, rendang is slow-cooked beef simmered in coconut milk and dozens of spices for several hours. The result is tender meat packed with deep, aromatic flavors. You can try authentic rendang at Padang restaurants, which are found in almost every Indonesian city.

Although rendang isn’t always fiery hot, its rich blend of spices creates a deep, complex flavor. If you’re sensitive to spicy food, ask whether the restaurant serves a milder version.

CNN Travel once included rendang among the world’s best foods, making it one of the most recognized examples of authentic Indonesian cuisine.

4. Soto

If you are looking for the ultimate Indonesian comfort food, try soto. This traditional soup comes in hundreds of regional variations, such as the creamy, milk-based Soto Betawi from Jakarta, the clear-broth Soto Lamongan, or the aromatic Soto Medan. Each version features its own unique broth, spices, and toppings, offering a diverse tasting experience.

5. Gado-gado

Vegetarians don’t have to worry when exploring Indonesian local food. Gado-gado combines boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, eggs, and rice cakes with creamy peanut sauce. It’s nutritious, filling, and commonly found in restaurants across Indonesia.

6. Bakso

Bakso is Indonesia’s favorite meatball soup. Served with noodles, tofu, vegetables, and clear broth, it’s an affordable meal enjoyed by students, office workers, and families alike. Many expats quickly discover bakso becomes one of their regular comfort meals.

7. Mie ayam

Chicken noodles may sound familiar, but Indonesian mie ayam has its own character thanks to seasoned chicken, savory broth, crispy shallots, and local spices. It’s one of the safest choices for anyone trying Indonesian food for foreigners for the first time.

8. Gudeg

Traveling to Yogyakarta? Don’t miss gudeg, a sweet jackfruit stew cooked with coconut milk and spices. It’s usually served with chicken, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and sambal.

Unlike many Indonesian dishes, gudeg is naturally sweet rather than spicy. Yes, gudeg represents the sweeter side of authentic Indonesian cuisine.

9. Pempek

This specialty from Palembang is made from fish and tapioca flour, served with a sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce called cuko. The unique combination of chewy texture and tangy sauce makes pempek unlike any other Indonesian dish.

Although it originated in Palembang, pempek is now widely available in shopping malls and restaurants across Indonesia.

10. Martabak

For dessert or a late-night craving, martabak is an absolute must. One of the most surprising things about martabak is that it comes in two completely different versions.

• Savory Martabak (martabak telur): A crispy, deep-fried pan crepe folded over a filling of minced beef or chicken, eggs, and plenty of green onions.

• Sweet Martabak (martabak manis): A thick, fluffy, pancake-like dessert heavily slathered with butter and stuffed with combinations of chocolate, cheese, peanuts, condensed milk, or even modern flavors like matcha.

11. Brenebon soup (sup kacang merah)

Brenebon soup, or bruinebonensoep, is a hearty red kidney bean soup that originated from Dutch influence and is especially popular in Manado, North Sulawesi. This comforting dish is made with red kidney beans, vegetables, and a savory broth seasoned with garlic, pepper, and other aromatic spices. Some variations also include beef, pork, or smoked meat for extra richness.

Brenebon soup can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal, but locals often pair it with steamed rice or perkedel jagung (Indonesian corn fritters) for a more filling dining experience. Its mild yet flavorful taste makes it a great choice for foreigners who are just beginning to explore Indonesian cuisine.

12. Nasi campur Bali

No Indonesian food guide is complete without Nasi Campur Bali, one of the island’s most iconic dishes. Meaning “mixed rice,” this meal features steamed rice served with a variety of flavorful side dishes, such as grilled or shredded chicken (ayam betutu), satay lilit (minced fish satay), lawar (a traditional Balinese vegetable and coconut salad), peanuts, vegetables, sambal, boiled egg, and crispy crackers. The combination may vary depending on the restaurant or region, making every plate a unique culinary experience.

Nasi Campur Bali is one of the best Indonesian food choices for expats because it lets you sample several traditional Indonesian dishes in a single meal. You can easily find this authentic Indonesian cuisine at local warungs, restaurants, and food courts throughout Bali, making it a must-try Indonesian food whether you’re visiting the island or living there as an expat.

Also read: The True Cost of Living in Indonesia | What Expats Should Know

Don’t Miss Indonesian Street Food

Exploring Indonesian street food is one of the best ways to experience local culture. You’ll find countless food carts selling nasi goreng, satay, bakso, martabak, siomay, fried snacks, and fresh tropical drinks.

Popular Indonesian street food can be found in traditional markets, roadside food stalls (warungs), night markets, and modern food courts. While many vendors maintain excellent hygiene, choosing busy stalls where food is cooked fresh is usually the safest option.

Shopping malls and food courts are also great places to enjoy local dishes in a cleaner environment while you’re still getting used to the cuisine.

Tips for Expats Trying Indonesian Food

If you are new to Indonesia, here are a few tips to help you navigate the food scene:

• Specify your spice preference: Ask for “not spicy” (tidak pedas) or “less spicy” (sedikit pedas) if you cannot handle chili.
• Keep cash handy: Although QRIS is becoming increasingly common across Indonesia, carrying a small amount of cash is still useful when visiting traditional markets or smaller street food vendors.
• Stick to bottled water: Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid an upset stomach.
• Explore regional specialties: Try the local dishes whenever you travel to different cities, as Indonesian cuisine varies wildly by region.
• Ask the locals: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations—they are usually thrilled to introduce you to their favorite foods.

Also read: Indonesia Emergency Numbers Every Expat Should Know for a Safer Stay

Enjoy Indonesian Food While Living Comfortably with Rukita

One of the easiest ways to discover the best Indonesian food is by living close to local neighborhoods, food markets, cafés, and restaurants. Many Rukita coliving properties are strategically located near culinary hotspots, shopping centers, and public transportation, making it easy for expats to explore everything Indonesia has to offer.

Whether you’re relocating for work, studying abroad, or embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, staying at Rukita gives you convenient access to authentic local experiences—including some of the country’s most delicious Indonesian cuisine. After a day of exploring new flavors, you can return to a fully furnished room with high-speed Wi-Fi, housekeeping services, and a welcoming community that helps make Indonesia feel like home.

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Whether you’re living in Indonesia for work, study, or simply exploring the country, trying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to experience its rich culture. From iconic dishes like nasi goreng and rendang to regional favorites such as pempek and nasi campur Bali, there’s always something new to discover.

Don’t be afraid to step into a local warung, ask for recommendations, and explore beyond your comfort zone—you might just find your next favorite meal.

Staying at a strategically located Rukita property also makes culinary exploration easier. Many Rukita coliving homes are surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and traditional food stalls, giving you convenient access to authentic Indonesian food while enjoying a comfortable, fully furnished home.

Want to find a comfortable, modern, and strategically located coliving or apartment to stay in? Rukita offers many kinds of colivings and apartments that you can rent to live a more comfortable life.

Don’t forget to download Rukita app via Google Play Store or App Store or visit www.Rukita.co. Follow Rukita’s Instagram account @rukita_indo, Twitter account @rukita_id, and TikTok account @rukita_id to get the most recent information and other interesting deals!