Top 10 Must-Try Indonesian Food in Singapore
In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 must-try Indonesian foods that are unique to Indonesia, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Indonesian cuisine is a fusion of many cultures, blending Chinese, Indian, and European influences to create a unique and vibrant food culture. It's no surprise that Indonesian cuisine has become a favorite among Singaporeans, with its bold flavors and diverse range of dishes.
1.Nasi Goreng
This dish is so good, it's practically Indonesia's national treasure. You know what they say: when in doubt, order nasi goreng. It's made with garlic, onions, sweet soy sauce, shrimp paste, and chili paste, and served with a fried egg on top. It's simple, yet delicious and satisfying, and a staple in many Indonesian households.
You know how they say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, with nasi goreng, you can have breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast. It's the culinary equivalent of a time machine."
2.Sate Ayam
Another famous Indonesian dish, sate is grilled meat skewers marinated in a mixture of spices and served with a peanut sauce. Chicken, beef, and lamb are the most common meats used, but you can also find sate made with tofu and tempeh. It's like a meat lollipop, but better. Sate is a must-try for any foodie interested in Indonesian cuisine, which is renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices.
3.Gado Gado
Another must-try classic dish. It's like a salad, but not boring. It's filled with all sorts of veggies, tofu, and eggs, and topped with a peanut sauce. It is the ultimate healthy meal that actually tastes good. This vegetarian dish is a popular street food in Indonesia and is often eaten as a light lunch or snack. The dish is full of flavor ,with ingredients such as cucumber, bean sprouts, and potatoes providing crunch, while the peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty taste. It's so good, you'll forget you're actually eating vegetables.
4.Pempek Palembang
Pempek is a popular Indonesian dish made from fish and tapioca starch. Typically served with a sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar, palm sugar, and chili, known as "cuko." As a traditional food from Sumatra, this dish has gained popularity worldwide due to its flavorful taste, unique texture, and cultural significance. This savory fish cake is a must-try Indonesian cuisine for those who seek authentic local flavors.
5.Soto Ayam
Soto Ayam is a popular Indonesian dish that features a fragrant chicken broth infused with turmeric, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. The soup is typically served with shredded chicken, vermicelli, egg, and crispy fried shallots.
One of the great things about Soto Ayam is how versatile it is. There are countless variations of the dish that can be found across the archipelago, each with their own unique twist. For example, in some regions, the soup is made with coconut milk, which gives it a creamier texture and a slightly sweet flavor. In other areas, the broth is made with beef instead of chicken, resulting in a heartier and more robust soup.
6.Bakso Top Indonesian Food in Singapore
Bakso is like the meatball's cooler cousin. The dish is often found in street vendors and local eateries throughout Indonesia, and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Bakso is a soup dish that is made from meatballs, typically made from minced beef or chicken, that are seasoned with garlic, coriander, and other herbs and spices. The meatballs are then cooked in a savory broth along with noodles, tofu, vegetables to create a flavorful and filling meal.
The soup is typically served with spicy sambal sauce, fried shallots, and lime wedges, which add a tangy and spicy kick. Bakso can be enjoyed as a main meal or as a snack, and it is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
7.RendangBest Indonesian Food in Singapore
Rendang has gained recognition as one of the most delicious foods in the world, with CNN declaring it as the "World's Best Dish" in 2011. It is a meat dish that is typically made with beef, it can also be made with chicken or lamb. It is cooked in a thick and flavorful spice paste made from a blend of traditional Indonesian spices such as ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and galangal. The dish is cooked slowly over low heat for several hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Rendang is often described as a curry-like dish, but with a more intense and concentrated flavor due to the slow-cooking process that allows the spices to fully infuse into the meat. It is traditionally served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables, such as cucumber and tomato, to balance out the dish's rich flavors.
8.Tempeh Top 10 Must-try Indonesian Food in Singapore
Tempeh is nutrient-dense Indonesian dish that has become a popular ingredient in plant-based diets worldwide. It is made from fermented soybeans that are pressed into a firm, cake-like texture. Tempeh is high in protein and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.
The process of making tempeh involves soaking and fermenting soybeans with a type of mold, which creates a unique and complex flavor profile. Tempeh is a staple in Indonesian cuisine, where it is often used in dishes such as tempeh goreng (fried tempeh), tempeh bacem (sweet and savory braised tempeh), and tempeh sambal goreng (tempeh cooked in a spicy chili sauce). It is also a popular ingredient in vegetarian dishes worldwide, where it can be used as a meat substitute in burgers, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
9.Martabak Manis Best Indonesian Food in Singapore
Martabak Manis is a popular Indonesian dessert dish that is commonly enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item. Made from a sweet, fluffy batter, this dish is cooked on a griddle and filled with a variety of toppings, such as chocolate sprinkles, cheese, and condensed milk.
It is originally from Bangka Island, Indonesia and called "Hok Lok Pan" or "Terang Bulan" which translates to "bright moon" due to its circular shape resembling the full moon. This popular delicacy has inspired many regions in Indonesia to create their own versions of Martabak. Martabak Bangka, being the original recipe, is a rare find nowadays and a true delight to taste. Its sweetness is perfectly balanced compared to other variations of Martabak sold in other parts of Indonesia.
10.Ayam RicaCheap Indonesian Food in Singapore
This dish is not for the faint of heart or the taste buds, as it will set your mouth on fire and make you sweat in places you didn't even know could sweat . It is named after its fiery chili ingredient, "rica" which means chili, and true to its name, this dish packs a fiery punch. Top 10 must-try Indonesian food in Singapore
Chicken is immersed in a mixture of natural spices and herbs that include ginger, turmeric, and galangal, combined with shallots, garlic, and red chilies, delivering an unforgettable taste.
Often paired with steamed rice, Ayam rica is both filling and gratifying, and perfect for anyone who loves to explore Indonesian cuisine's various and daring tastes. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food and wants to explore the bold and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine.