Indonesian Food: Must-Try Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind

Why Is Indonesian Food Top Must-Try & So Flavorful?

Top Must-Try Indonesian food stands out because of its bold use of spices and herbs. Dishes often combine ingredients like turmeric, chili, galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. These fresh components create rich, complex flavors that linger on the tongue.

Because of this, every meal becomes an adventure. If you love exploring new tastes, Indonesian food will keep surprising you.

1. Sate Ayam & Sate Kambing (Grilled Skewers)

Sate is one of the most iconic street foods in Indonesia. It usually features chicken or goat meat marinated in sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). After that, it’s grilled over a charcoal fire until slightly charred.

This cooking method locks in the juices and adds a smoky kick. It’s both simple and deeply satisfying.

Where to Try: Sate H. Romli, South Jakarta
Price: IDR 67,000 ($4.99) for two plates

2. Sate Padang (Spicy Padang Satay)

Unlike regular sate, Sate Padang uses beef or tongue and a rich, spicy gravy. The meat is grilled, then covered in thick brown sauce and served with rice cakes (ketupat).

Although it may not look pretty, the flavor is unforgettable. It’s spicy, savory, and full of umami.

Where to Try: Ajo Ramon, Pasar Santa, Jakarta
Price: IDR 25,000 ($1.88) per plate

3. Ayam Bakar Taliwang (Spicy Grilled Chicken)

This dish comes from Lombok and is made for spice lovers. The chicken is grilled over fire and smothered in a chili-rich sauce. Despite being small in size, each chicken packs massive flavor.

Every bite offers a balance of heat, smokiness, and juicy meat. Once you try it, it’s hard to stop.

Where to Try: Ayam Taliwang Rinjani, West Jakarta
Price: IDR 165,000 ($12.39) for three chickens and sides

4. Ikan Bakar (Charcoal-Grilled Fish)

Grilled fish in Indonesia is something special. The fish is marinated in sambal or spice paste, then grilled until slightly crispy on the edges.

The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with steamed rice and dipping sauces. It’s a must for seafood fans.

Where to Try: Gebang Seafood 49, Jakarta
Price: IDR 180,000 ($13.77) for two fish plus sides

5. Pepes Ikan (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf)

Pepes is a traditional Sundanese method of cooking. The fish is wrapped in banana leaves with spices and herbs, then steamed or grilled.

As a result, the dish absorbs earthy aromas and herbaceous flavors. It’s light, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

Where to Try: Found in many Sundanese restaurants, especially around Bogor

6. Rendang (Slow-Cooked Spiced Beef)

Rendang is one of the most iconic dishes from West Sumatra and has gained global recognition. It’s made by slowly cooking beef in a rich blend of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, chilies, and a variety of Indonesian spices.

The cooking process takes hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse into the meat while the sauce gradually dries out. The result is incredibly tender beef with bold, complex flavors and a slightly dry, caramelized texture.

Rendang is not just delicious — it’s also practical. Its long shelf life makes it perfect for long journeys or special occasions. You’ll often find it served during festive events like Eid or traditional Minangkabau weddings.

Where to Try: RM Sederhana or any Padang restaurant across Indonesia
Price: Around IDR 25,000–40,000 ($1.80–$2.90) per serving