Expat’s Culinary Guide to Indonesia

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Dive into the heart of Indonesia, a vibrant archipelago where each island reveals its unique culinary treasures, offering expatriates an unparalleled immersion into a food culture as diverse as it is enchanting.

As you wander through bustling alleyways, let yourself be captivated by the inviting aromas of nasi goreng or the famous satay, local specialties that showcase a rich and dynamic culinary fusion.

This culinary guide is your passport to an adventure where taste buds travel, sprinkled with discoveries ranging from the colorful markets of Sumatra to the street stalls of Jakarta, offering much more than mere gustatory pleasure: an open window into Indonesia’s soul.

Exploring Indonesian Culinary Specialties

Nasi goreng, Indonesia’s national dish, consists of fried rice, enhanced with various vegetables (soybeans, cabbage), pieces of chicken, egg (fried or scrambled), and fried onions. Its unique flavor comes from kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shrimp paste, garlic, onion, and chili. Each region and every warung (small street restaurant) offers its own variation, illustrating local diversity.

Satay refers to skewers of meat (chicken, beef, lamb, or fish), marinated in spices and grilled, served with a peanut sauce. This specialty, widespread in Java and Sumatra, reflects Malay and Indian influences in Indonesian cuisine.

Rendang, originating from Sumatra (Minangkabau), is a beef curry slow-cooked in coconut milk and a complex blend of spices: galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, chili, garlic, shallot, and lime leaves. Rendang reflects the tradition of festive dishes prepared during ceremonies and family celebrations.

Gado-gado is a salad of cooked vegetables (potato, green beans, bean sprouts, cabbage, cucumber) topped with a thick peanut sauce, often accompanied by tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled egg. It’s a typical vegetarian specialty from Java, highlighting the use of fresh, local produce.

Specialty	Typical Ingredients	Region of Origin	Cultural/Historical Influence
Nasi Goreng	Rice, vegetables, chicken, egg, onions, kecap manis, chili	Throughout Indonesia	Chinese, Dutch, local adaptation
Satay	Meat (chicken, beef…), spices, peanut sauce	Java, Sumatra	Malay, Indian, Indonesian adaptation
Rendang	Beef, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, spices	Sumatra (Minangkabau)	Malay influence, celebratory dish
Gado-gado	Cooked vegetables, tofu, tempeh, peanut sauce	Java	Local tradition, vegetarian

Indonesia’s cultural diversity is reflected in its flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods. Historical influences – Chinese (wok use, frying), Dutch (cooking techniques), Arab and Indian (spices, curry) – enrich local traditions. Specialties like rendang are associated with religious and family holidays, while nasi goreng and satay are ubiquitous in daily life.

Local markets and warungs are key places to discover authentic cuisine. They offer fresh produce, dishes prepared in front of you, and the opportunity to interact with locals. To savor these specialties authentically:

• Prefer warungs or small street restaurants for a local experience
• Request a spice level suited to your tolerance
• Try typical accompaniments: krupuk (shrimp crackers), sambal (spicy condiment)
• Share dishes among several people, following Indonesian custom

Special Occasions and Festivals:

• Rendang is served during Muslim religious holidays (Hari Raya)
• Satay often accompanies ceremonies and family celebrations
• Nasi goreng is omnipresent at night markets and local festivals
• Gado-gado is highlighted during vegetarian events and street festivals

For a successful immersion, explore morning markets, try bustling warungs, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice to discover daily specials or regional specialties.

Traditional Markets and Their Gastronomic Treasures

Indonesian traditional markets, true epicenters of social life, play a central role in local culture. More than just places of commerce, they serve as meeting points where fresh produce, stories, traditions, and know-how are exchanged. As daily gathering spots, traditional markets (pasar) embody the neighborhood’s soul, set the rhythm of residents’ lives, and perpetuate ancestral practices passed down through generations.

Must-Visit Traditional Markets Across Indonesia:

Region	Iconic Market	Main Features
Jakarta	Pasar Baru, Tanah Abang	Colonial architecture, batik textiles, local food stalls, multicultural atmosphere
Yogyakarta	Beringharjo Market	Spices, fabrics, batik, handicrafts, immersion in Javanese culture
Bali (Denpasar)	Pasar Badung, Pasar Kumbasari	Largest market in Bali, fresh produce, crafts, clothing, paintings
Bali (Ubud)	Pasar Seni Ubud	Art market, souvenirs, crafts, early morning food market
Bali (Sanur)	Pasar Sindu	Fresh produce, sarongs, night market with local specialties
Floating Markets	Lok Baintan (South Kalimantan)	Transactions on boats, unique atmosphere, fruits and local dishes

Typical Local Products to Discover at Markets:

• Indonesian Spices: clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass.
• Exotic Fruits: salak (snake fruit), mangosteen, rambutan, durian, mango, papaya, local banana.
• Indigenous Vegetables: kangkung (water spinach), chayote, fresh tempeh, various chilies, cassava leaves.
• Handicrafts: batik, woven baskets, wood carvings, traditional jewelry.

Observable Culinary Anecdotes and Techniques:

• Preparation of satay (marinated grilled skewers) directly on braziers, with a marinade based on local spices.
• Weaving of ketupat (glutinous rice cooked in woven coconut leaves), often done by hand on-site during festivals.
• At floating markets, cooking and selling traditional dishes like nasi kuning (yellow rice) or bubur (rice porridge) happens directly on boats.

Culinary Diversity and Accessibility for Expatriates:

• Markets offer a huge variety of fresh, authentic ingredients, allowing you to recreate local recipes at home.
• Numerous street food stalls offering typical dishes to enjoy on-site: nasi goreng, mie goreng, bakso, gado-gado.
• Possibility to buy in small quantities to test new ingredients without waste.

Practical Tips for Expatriates:

• Best Visiting Hours: early morning (before 9 AM) to enjoy fresh products and avoid crowds.
• Negotiation: common and expected practice; always start with a smile, offer a lower price, and adjust based on the vendor’s reaction.
• Safety: keep personal belongings close, as markets can be very crowded.
• Useful Words in Bahasa Indonesia:
  • “Berapa harganya?” (What’s the price?)
  • “Bisa kurang?” (Can you lower the price?)
  • “Terima kasih” (Thank you)
  • “Enak!” (Delicious!)
• Take time to chat with vendors, who are often proud to share the history of their products or give preparation advice.

Indonesian traditional markets are a privileged gateway to understanding the country’s gastronomic and cultural richness, experiencing authentic encounters, and building connections with the local community.

Table Etiquette: Tips for Expatriates in Indonesia

Respecting local dining customs in Indonesia is essential to avoid awkwardness and show appreciation for the country’s culture. Expatriates should pay particular attention to several aspects of behavior during meals, whether at someone’s home, in warungs, or at large celebrations.

Essential Rules and Practices:

• Right Hand Only: Always use your right hand to eat, offer, or receive food and objects. The left hand is considered impure; even if using utensils is acceptable, they should preferably be handled with the right hand.
• Social and Family Hierarchy:
  • Wait for the host, the eldest person, or the authority figure to start eating before you begin.
  • Show respect by allowing elders to speak or take initiative during meals.
• Sharing and Presentation:
  • Dishes are often placed in the center and shared. Serve yourself small portions of each dish to show your appreciation.
  • It’s best to taste everything, even in small quantities. Flatly refusing a dish may be perceived as disrespectful.
• Starting to Eat: Before beginning, it’s customary to ask for permission or wait for a sign from the host. In the presence of others, say for example: “Silakan makan” (invitation to eat) or wait to be invited.
• Sitting and Posture:
  • Adopt an upright and respectful posture, especially during ceremonies or meals at someone’s home.
  • Avoid stretching your legs toward others or an altar, and do not put your feet on chairs.
• Moderation and Discretion: Eat calmly, without noise, and avoid showing the inside of your mouth or making large gestures with your utensils.

Practical Tips by Context:

Situation	Specific Tips
Meal at Someone’s Home	Bring a small gift, wait to be invited to sit, follow your hosts’ lead to start the meal, and thank them at the end.
Warung (Small Restaurant)	Order simply, address staff politely (use “Mas” or “Mbak” in Java), pay at the counter, and do not leave a tip, except in rare cases.
Large Celebrations	Dress appropriately, respect the order of service, do not serve yourself before elders, and participate in toasts or rituals if invited.

Politely Declining a Dish:

• Refuse with a smile and a gentle phrase like “Terima kasih, saya sudah kenyang” (“Thank you, I’m full”).
• It’s common to leave a little food on your plate to indicate you’ve had enough, rather than outright refusing.

Behaviors to Avoid:

• Using your left hand to eat or give/receive something.
• Pointing objects (chopsticks, fork) at someone.
• Sticking chopsticks or utensils vertically into rice (funerary reminder).
• Showing impatience, raising your voice, or openly contradicting the host.
• Sitting before being invited or starting to eat without waiting for the host’s signal.

Notable Differences with Western Practices:

Indonesian Practice	Common Western Practice	Key Difference
Right Hand Preferred	Use of Both Hands	Left hand is taboo in Indonesia
Strict Hierarchy Respect	More Egalitarian Meals	Elders or hosts start, importance of rank
Tasting All Dishes	Freedom to Choose Dishes	Refusing a dish may offend in Indonesia
Meal Start Upon Invitation	Starting as Soon as Served	Wait for host, do not rush
Respectful Posture	More Relaxed	Posture and gestures scrutinized in formal contexts

Key Takeaways:

Adopting local customs, observing and imitating hosts, and prioritizing discretion and politeness are the best strategies for integrating well during meals in Indonesia.

Mastering a few local polite phrases and showing humility in learning cultural codes will greatly facilitate social integration.

Where to Find International Ingredients in Indonesia

Main Cities to Find International Ingredients

• Jakarta: Capital and largest city, offers the widest range of international grocery stores, ideal for expatriates seeking specific products.
• Bali: Major tourist destination, renowned for its supermarkets offering many imported products, especially in Kuta, Sanur, Denpasar, and Canggu.
• Other Major Cities: Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan also have international supermarkets, but the selection is generally more limited.

Popular Supermarkets Offering International Products

Supermarket Name	Cities	Specialties / Highlights
Grand Lucky	Jakarta, Bali	Wide range of imported products, wines, cheeses, gourmet items, spacious stores
Kem Chicks	Jakarta	Focused on expatriate clientele, premium and imported products, upscale ambiance
Papaya Fresh Gallery	Bali (Kuta, Renon)	Japanese specialties, fresh sushi/sashimi, many Asian products
Ranch Market	Jakarta, Bali	International selection, organic products, Western-style ambiance
Pepito	Bali	Local and imported products, multiple branches, possible delivery
Tiara Gatzu	Bali (Denpasar)	Affordable imports, vast food selection
Alive Wholefoods	Bali (Canggu, Umalas)	Organic, vegan products, imported cheeses, bulk items

Local Markets with Foreign Products

• Traditional markets (pasar) sometimes offer imported products, but these are rare and often more expensive.
• Markets like Tiara Gatzu in Denpasar offer a mix of local and imported products at affordable prices.
• Bargaining is common in local markets. It’s advisable to know a few Indonesian words and carefully observe product quality, especially for fresh and imported items.
• Some specialized markets, particularly near expatriate neighborhoods, may offer international ingredients (spices, cheeses, Asian products).

Recommended Online Platforms

Platform	International Offer	Delivery	Observations
Tokopedia	Wide choice, imports	National, fast	Prices vary by seller
Shopee	Imported products, groceries	National, tracked	Frequent promotions, reliable delivery
HappyFresh	Shopping from supermarkets	1-2 hours (depending on city)	Wide selection, moderate delivery fees
Kem Chicks Online	Premium range, imports	Mainly Jakarta	High prices, personalized service

Online prices for imported products may be higher due to taxes and delivery fees.

Delivery is generally fast in major cities (1 to 2 business days), but may take longer outside urban centers.

Tips for New Expatriates

• Useful Vocabulary: Learn product names in Indonesian and English; don’t hesitate to show a photo of the product you’re looking for to vendors.
• Special Order Request: In some supermarkets, you can ask the department manager to import a specific product. Ask: “Apakah bisa pesan produk ini?” (Is it possible to order this product?)
• Patience and Flexibility: Some European or American products may be temporarily unavailable; look for local or Asian alternatives.
• Expatriate Exchanges: Join Facebook or WhatsApp groups for expatriates to share tips and supplier recommendations.

Expatriate Anecdotes and Testimonials

“When I moved to Jakarta, I was surprised to find French cheese at Kem Chicks, even though the price was higher than in Europe. The staff were very helpful and even ordered a product for me upon request.”

— Laurent, French expatriate in Jakarta

“In Bali, Papaya Fresh Gallery became my go-to for everything Japanese. I found ingredients unavailable elsewhere, and the staff explained how to use them.”

— Yuki, Japanese expatriate in Denpasar

“I use Tokopedia to order international sauces and spices. Delivery is reliable, but you need to check seller reviews carefully to avoid bad surprises.”

— Sarah, Australian expatriate in Bali