Smart Travel Asia

Indonesia is a land which encompasses more than 17,000 islands and contains 33 provinces. Because of its diversity, culture and foreign influence, Indonesian food is quite varied. Travelers to Indonesia will be surprised to savor different regional cuisines which are influenced by the Middle East, India, China and Europe. The Middle East and Indian influence can easily be seen in the regional Sumatran cuisine through its curried meat and vegetables. Moreover, the cuisine available in the Java region is more indigenous, without any outside influence at all. The Chinese cuisine's impact on Indonesian food could be exemplified with cuisines like bakmi (noodles), bakso (meat balls) and lumpia. Tamarind or Asam, as is called in Indonesia (which is sour in nature) is mixed with water and used in curries and fish to give an exceptional taste.

Rice Combo Meals

Because of its extensive variety, Indonesian food like satay, beef rendang, sambals, and soy-based dishes like tofu (tahu) are favorites all across Asia. Rice is the main dish for a majority of Indonesians and they eat the same dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually with chili sauce. It is a universal belief in Indonesia that without rice, the food is incomplete and Indonesia people will feel hungry if they are not served the rice with their meal.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Indonesian people like their food to be hot and spicy, and even in Western dishes like pizza, chilies are a must. It is for this reason that Maluku, one of the Indonesian islands, is known as "the Spice Island". If you order pizza in a restaurant in Indonesia and can’t take the heat, don't forget to say in advance, “no chili, please,” or else you’ll get more fire than you bargained for.

Hands for Spoon and Fork

Normally, Indonesian food is eaten with spoon in the right hand and fork in the left hand, but in West Java and West Sumatra, people like to eat their food with their hands. During the meal, both the hands are kept above the table. After finishing your meal, don't forget to place the fork tines down, with your spoon down and crossed over the fork on your plate. In restaurants situated in the more traditional Sundanese region, or Minangkabau, people eat their food with their hands, and when they are finished, the waiter will serve kobokan, which is a small bowl of tap water with a slice of lime in it for rinsing their hands after eating.

Fast Food Chains and Tipping

Indonesian food is mostly fresh, simple, delicious and inexpensive. All over Indonesia you will be surprised to find "Rumah Makan Padang" (Padang restaurants) which serve fast and spicy Indonesian food at bargain prices.

Travelers from the US and Europe looking for a little less food adventure will not be disappointed. All over Indonesia, fast food and Western chain restaurants are common, including McDonald’s, KFC, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Arby’s, and all your favorites from back home. Italian-style restaurants are also very common throughout the country. All major hotels add 21% for taxes and service combined, and some restaurants include five to ten percent as a service charge, and if this is the case, additional tipping is not mandatory. However, if you enjoyed the service, an additional tip is always appreciated. In restaurants that do not include a service fee, a five to ten percent tip is customary.