6 Religions in Indonesia You Need to Know

6 Religions in Indonesia You Need to Know 

Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim populations in the world, but do you know that there are six “official” religions here? The six major religions in Indonesia came to the country through various influences, such as trades, expeditions, kingdom expansions, social works, missionaries, colonialism, and cultural assimilations. Therefore, each religion has a very rich background and history.

Here are six major religions in Indonesia and basic facts about them.

Islam

Around 87.6 percent of populations in Indonesia identify themselves as Muslims, making Islam the largest religions in Indonesia. Since Islam’s first coming in Indonesia around the 13th century, the religion has played major roles in Indonesian history. Islamic kingdoms became major political powers in the 15th century, and many Muslim figures played important roles in the country’s struggles for independence.

While most Indonesian Muslims are Sunni, this religion has become absorbed into the local culture and created many interesting mixes. Many traditional practices got Islamic influences, and people in some areas also conduct religious practices with traditional influences. Before and during Ramadan, you will see a lot of traditional events in various provinces that celebrate this holy month.

Protestant

Christian populations in Indonesia consist of Protestants and Catholics, but the Protestants have larger numbers. From total 24 million Christians in Indonesia, about 17 million are Protestants. While Catholic was the first to come to Indonesia, the Protestants quickly surpassed Catholics in numbers. This was due to Dutch policy in the colonial era that limited the activities of Catholic teachings (the Dutch were Protestant-Calvinist).

Just like Catholic, the most Protestant populations are concentrated in Eastern Indonesia, North Sumatra, Borneo, North Sulawesi, and Western Sulawesi. However, you can find various Protestant worship places in other areas in Indonesia.

Catholic

Despite having fewer followers than Protestant, Catholic was actually the first Christian religion that came to Indonesia. The first Portuguese traders introduced Catholicism to the locals of in Molucca (Maluku), and it was soon followed by the works of missionaries. When the Dutch came and took over the spice trade, it gave more limited space for Catholicism to grow.

Catholic, along with Protestant, is concentrated in Eastern Indonesia. However, the Catholic populations also live in other provinces, including near business and government centers in Java. You can also visit various Catholic churches or worship places outside the Christian-majority areas.

Hindu

Hindu is the third biggest major religion in Indonesia, with around 1.7 percent of followers from the entire population. You may know Bali as the center of Hindu religion in Indonesia, but do you know that Hindu religion has already been around here since the first century? When the Indian traders introduced the religion, local leaders quickly adopted it because it gave them leverage in political powers.

Hindu religion in Indonesia is slightly different than in India because it shows mixtures of influences from animism beliefs. The caste system is also not enforced. There are even slight mixtures between Hindu and Islam in some local Balinese traditions. Some of the most famous religious and historical sites in Indonesia have Hindu backgrounds, such as Prambanan Temple, Besakih Temple, and Tanah Lot Temple.

Buddhism

Buddhism followers in Indonesia make up about 1 percent of populations. However, Buddhism came in the first century to this country, along with Hindu. The iconic Borobudur Temple is considered the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and despite its status as a popular travel destination, Buddhists still gather here for major religious events.

Many Chinese Indonesians are Buddhists, but there are also other Buddhist followers from different ethnic groups. Religious activities are usually arranged by local monks or organizations.

Confucian Religion

Confucian religion (Khonghucu/Kongzi) was the last "official" religion in Indonesia, acknowledged by the government in 2004. However, the Chinese populations in Indonesia have long embraced this religion, and the first Kong Hu Chu temple was even opened in 1883. This religion puts emphasis on ethical concepts you will also find in Confucianism philosophy, such as self-cultivation, humaneness, and filial piety.

Khonghuchu followers in Indonesia worship at temples that are called klenteng. Many of these temples also become popular travel destinations and photography objects, due to their rich colors and highly-detailed architectures.

Other Religions

Indonesia also has native religions or beliefs that are followed by a small percentage of populations. Sunda Wiwitan, for example, is a religion that has been followed by a group of ethnic Sundanese in West Java since before the coming of Hindu and Buddhism. Some Javanese also embrace traditional spiritual system called Kejawen, even if they formally follow major religions such as Islam or Christianity.

Some Dayak natives in Borneo still follow an old religion called Kaharingan, and it is even mixed with Hindu influences due to their similarities. The natives of Sumba Island also have an ancient religion called Marapu, in which they worship the spirits of ancestors.

Religions in Indonesia are more than just belief systems, but also parts of cultures and traditions. Of course, you can only experience it if you visit Indonesia and witness local traditions.

7 Unique Ramadan Traditions You Can Only see in Indonesia

7 Unique Ramadan Traditions You Can Only see in Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with the biggest Muslim population in the world, so Ramadan is the big part of its culture. Ramadan traditions in Indonesia are unique, and each province has its own custom. Some gather with friends and relatives in special events, while others visit places with spiritual significances. Depending on where you visit in Indonesia, you surely will see a lot of interesting events!

Here are seven unique Ramadan traditions you may witness in various areas in Indonesia.

Megibung

Megibung is a Balinese tradition of a communal meal, where a group of people eats together from large-portion dishes. In this tradition, everyone sits together regardless of social background, enjoying foods while having nice chats. Megibung is a part of Balinese Hindu tradition, but Balinese Muslims also adopt this tradition, such as during iftar (the act of breaking the fast in Ramadan) or religious holidays.

Dugderan

If you visit Semarang City in Central Java during Ramadan, don’t forget to witness dugderan. This street festival has been around since the 19th century, and always includes large parts of local communities. The highlight of this festival is a colorful parade that starts from the mayor office, which involves local students, youths, and organizations. The name dugderan came from the sounds of bedug (large drum) and firecrackers, which are prominent in this event.

Pacu Jalur

The people of Kuantan Singingi in Riau Province has a unique sports festival called Pacu Jalur. Held annually in Batang Kuantan River, this event is a common sight during special events, such as Ramadan, Independence Day, or Islamic New Year. The highlight is a rowing race joined by rowers from various areas in Riau. The sight of colorful, decorative boats competing in the river will make great photos.

The competing rower groups in this festival have members with specific tasks in each boat. There is a commander who leads, and two helmsmen who encourage the rowers by using high-spirited dances and rhythmic "music". You can also see other events, such as traditional dance, musical performances, and the local bazaar.

Dandangan

If you visit Kudus Regency in Central Java during Ramadan, you will witness a local event called dandangan. This event has been around since the 18th century, and it started as a gathering of Islamic school students (santri) in front of Menara Kudus. During the gathering, local peddlers often sold their goods and offered their services around the venue. This custom slowly grew into a local event.

During dandangan, you can see various unique performances, such as traditional music festivals and parade. Just like in the past, there are also many sellers who open temporary stalls around the venues. You can buy local snacks, souvenirs, and toys here. The spectacle usually continues with a night carnival.

Pesta Baratan

Pesta Baratan (The Feast of Baratan) is a traditional festival in Jepara Regency, Central Java. This feast is not held in the exact Ramadan month, but two weeks before the first fasting day. Locals celebrate this event by doing series of ritualistic activities, such as cleaning their houses inside out, lighting candles or torches, and praying together at local mosques. After eating traditional foods, locals will start a parade.

The Baratan parade involves people of various ages, many of them play special characters. For example, there are people who parade with scary masks and costumes, symbolizing temptations everyone must outcome during Ramadan. People also wear costumes that symbolize Queen Kalinyamat (daughter of Demak king who fought against Portuguese troops) and her families.

Malamang

If you love traditional foods when visiting certain areas, you must visit West Sumatra to see malamang. This is a cooking tradition that has been around for centuries, and it is still conducted in areas such as Bukittinggi, Payakumbuh, Solok, Painan, Padang, and Pariaman. The name malamang came from lemang, traditional food made of steamed sticky rice and coconut milk.

In this tradition, women (usually those who live close to each other) gather to make lemang using traditional methods. The snacks are cooked by wrapping them in banana leaves and steaming them in long bamboo stalks. The snacks are served to any guests that visit. Malamang is usually done during Ramadan, Eid, and special occasions such as a wedding.

Megengan

Megengan is a perfect event for you to taste traditional foods and snacks of Central Java. Held annually in Demak Regency to welcome Ramadan, this cultural festival is where locals sell traditional foods and snacks in temporary street stalls, from Demak Square to Simpang Enam and Chinatown. One of the most prominent snacks is apem, a type of cupcake made of rice flour. The cake is chosen because its pronunciation resembles the word “sorry” in Arabic, reflecting the spirit of forgiveness in Ramadan.

Ramadan traditions in Indonesia are never dull, thanks to the country’s diverse culture. Make sure to see these events when you visit this country next time.

5 Authentic Pencak Silat Organizations in Indonesia You Should Know

5 Authentic Pencak Silat Organizations in Indonesia You Should Know

Pencak silat is one of the foremost martial arts originating from Indonesia that makes a point of the shape of full-body fighting. It combines three sorts of motion allowing the striking, wrestling, and not to mention non-weaponry throwing to stand out. The existence of this masterly heritage indeed can’t be apart from the main role of local associations. They unbelievably go with a valuable goal to maintain the sustainability of the hereditary tradition.

Here are five leading authentic pencak silat organizations in Indonesia you need to find out:

Tapak Suci Putera Muhammadiyah

Tapak Suci Putera Muhammadiyah or better known as Tapak Suci is one of the oldest pencak silat organizations. Founded on July 13, 1963, in Yogyakarta, this union was initially formed to face the threatening state specifically when the communist party of Indonesia was in charge. The fact that Tapak Suci becomes one of the ten historical schools of the Indonesian pencak silat association indicates that it deserves high appreciation either from the society or the administration.
In terms of galvanizing to its members, Tapak Suci always carries out the priority regarding the proper physical silat techniques and the same is true with the breathing method and exercise. Unlike other Indonesian martial art organizations, Tapak Suci doesn't allow the individuals that joining the group to learn so-called body invulnerability (in Bahasa, this term basically refers to ilmu kebal). Although it is closely related to the certain religion affiliation – in this case, is Muslim, it's open to everyone regardless of the faith and race. 

Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate

Earlier than the Indonesian independence time in 1945, Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate or Setia Hati was established. The prominent figure behind the progress of this martial art organization is none other than Ki Hadjar Hardjo Oetomo. The precious teaching of this man concerning the attitude in life is that the human being is not supposed to oppress and be oppressed. Setia Hati has a significant contribution to the nation, striving hard to liberate from the Dutch occupation. 
Arguably, Setia hati owns a lot of members coming not only from Indonesia but also from abroad. It turns out that becoming a member of this high-flying martial art association has never been proven to be trouble-free. A wide range of tests considered heavy and serious should be performed by the applicants. Speaking of the achievement both at the national and international level, this respected organization keeps remaining its best.

Perisai Diri 

Perisai Diri is widely known as one of the authentic pencak silat organizations in Indonesia that were founded by a reputable person whose name is Raden Mas Soebandiman Dirdjoatmodjo precisely on July 2nd, 1955. This famed association belongs to the members of Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia known as IPSI. It significantly fetches the progress in respect of the development of Indonesian martial arts.
On the whole line, Perisai Diri comes with levels divided into two portion – the first one is called Dasar level (covering white belt, black belt, and red belt) and the second one is named Keluarga level considered superior (the belt ranges from white to red-yellow). When it comes to the motion techniques, this group is preferential. It primarily has senam kombinasi – warming up before implementing the proper methods to face another fighter so that the good reflex can successfully be demonstrated. 

Persinas ASAD

Persinas ASAD or simply Persinas is a leading pencak silat association established on April 30th, 1993. The fundamental principle of it relies on the philosophical theory of the country popularly recognized as Pancasila. The aim why this group exists is to preserve the culture of the nation. When the accomplishment becomes the essence, Persinas always makes the archipelago state proud. According to a reliable source, it wins the Chungju World Martial Arts Festival held in South Korea. It also goes with numerous belts turning up with meanings. The white belt, for instance, it represents sincerity and purity as well.

Merpati Putih 

Talking about the most legendary pencak silat organization, it must refer to Merpati Putih. Can’t you imagine that it has already existed since the 1550’s? That’s no wonder that the oldest martial art association serves as the tangible cultural heritage succeeded by the ancestors. Once becoming the members, the individuals should have a couple of qualities that include having honesty and compassion, being confident, being capable of balancing the daily life, as well as carrying out the religious values with devotion. Speaking of the technique, it is prone to be different from the rests. Instead of going for the motion, it manages to breathe. 
To sum up, the five authentic pencak silat organizations in Indonesia majorly lead to the better change and great progress when it comes to taking care of the Indonesian heritage following the martial arts.

A Review on Es Cendol (The Refreshing Traditional Drink from Java)

A Review on Es Cendol
(The Refreshing Traditional Drink from Java)

The exotic island of Java is not only renowned for its majestic historic temples, most active volcanoes, or delicious cuisine, but the gem also offers a range of cooling refreshments, great for your hot summer companion. One of the highlights, becoming the center stage, is definitely es cendol.

Here is a review on es cendol you might learn for a while:

The Favored Indonesian Drink

Es cendol is sought-after across South East Asia. In Indonesia, this dessert gains a lot of attention because of its smooth texture and delicious taste. Cendol, also recognized as Dawet appears as droplets of elongated jelly made of sago or rice flour. Although it varies in color, the green sort is all the rage. At a glance, it looks like a swarm of swimming worms. It might be a bit stomach-churning regarding outer shell, but the flavor is not supposed to be so.

Meanwhile, es cendol is the whole refreshing and sweet mixture comprised of the cendol (the long jelly made of sago or rice flavor), coconut milk, thick simple syrup made of traditional palm sugar (this type refers to the one called gula jawa), and ice cube. In the name of enhancing the taste, an additional ingredient like the aromatic sliced jackfruit sometimes is added. The savory flavor acquired from the coconut milk, the smooth texture of the colorful jelly, plus the original sweetness from the sugar liquid has made an awesome combination tantalizing your taste buds.

How to Make the Cendol Jelly, Brown Syrup and Santan Gravy 

Is it that hard when it comes to making the cendol jelly? The answer is undoubtedly not. The basic ingredients to create the flavorful green vermicelli cover rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, food coloring (specifically green), salt, and surely water. After preparing them, the early step to do is to mix all of the ingredients and cook in the medium heat. Once the desired consistency that is gluey and sticking is got, pour the batter into the cendol mold while it is hot. Immediately and slowly press it down with your wooden spatula. The worm-look jelly then comes out.

For the thick, brown syrup, you are required to provide gula jawa (a type of traditional brown sugar), water, and salt and not to mention the pandan leave. The approach of making this sweet liquid has never been proven to be tough; simply heat the water, add the rest of ingredients and finally simmer the mixture. What about the coconut milk gravy or santan? This one is nothing yet effortless too. You just let it gently boiled for less than 15 minutes along with salt and pandan leaves.

The Greatest Complements of This Nice Refreshment

Whether the way you enjoy is by slurping or biting into it, es cendol will always be the prime drink. Nonetheless, this beverage would be way better unless you don’t include some worth-tasting additions such as jackfruit (as mentioned previously), mung bean, and the same is true with lychee. Not only do these healthy complements serve as a chic decoration on your drink but it incredibly enriches the feel of the substance, the tastiness and pungency as well.

Add the Hun Kwee Flour for Another Variety!

If you are about have a taste for another variety, the hun kwee variety could be the finest assortment to try. Compared to the common cendol jelly, the hun kwee (with tapioca and rice flour) is relatively less firm and shinier. This lovely version is either delicate or transparent. How to make it? Just prepare some ingredients like tapioca, rice flour, pandan essence to augment the color, salt, sugar, and water. Then, blend all the ingredients in the saucepan and cook for a couple of minutes with the medium heat. Like the earlier brief, the green dough is poured into the sieve then pressed down.
It’s Time to Serve Es Cendol

The locals frequently serve es cendol on a bowl. However, you can take advantage of a cocktail glass. For sure, it is somehow better-looking. To look fancier, be sure to fill up your beautiful glass with the green jelly (one-third of the glass space is recommended). When the worm-look edible pieces are set on the basis, then pour the brown liquid until it loads the bottom too. The final step is to add the white coconut milk gravy or santan as well as the ice cube. For the elegant twist, you are free to garnish the top with the pandan strip. It is trouble-free, isn’t it?

In conclusion, having a read on the review on es cendol truly broadens your horizon regarding the diversity of Indonesian cuisine. After getting this barely credible knowledge, there is no better way other than creating this enchanting dessert.

A Review on Nasi Padang (The Legendary Indonesian Cuisine to Consider)

A Review on Nasi Padang

(The Legendary Indonesian Cuisine to Consider)

Crowned as the best food across the globe in 2017, rendang gains much attention from people from different backgrounds. Don't you know that this delightful piece of spiced meat can't be apart from the authentic Minangese dish named nasi padang? Speaking of nasi padang, this worthy delicacy never fails to fascinate plenty of foodies not only in Indonesia but also in the world.

The reason why it is widely accepted to anybody’s palate is clearly described in this following review on nasi padang. Check it now!

What Makes Nasi Padang Special

Nasi padang or padang rice that originates from West Sumatra is a type of steamed rice served with an assortment of traditional dishes combining vegetables, meats, and fish. At a glance, the foods look like the Indian curry allowing a vast variety of spices from turmeric to cardamom to be included. In addition to the thick culinary delights, nasi padang always goes with the spicy sambal (be it the red or green version) and not to mention the blanched coconut leaves.  The presentation, the flavor, and the authenticity are the grounds why it is out of the ordinary.

In Indonesia, the presence of nasi padang totally is of the essence to numerous people especially the workers. A great number of calories of this dish easily helps to boost the individual’s energy and power. That’s no wonder that it is ubiquitously scattered all across the country available in warung Padang (a conventional restaurant supplying an array of Minangese foods).  Each eatery has a unique window display loaded with the nicely arranged stacks of plates filled with wide-ranging foods such as paru goreng, gulai tunjang, and ayam balado.

Chilies and Coconut Milk are the Key Elements Enhancing the Flavor of Nasi Padang

One of the fundamental spices that must be there in nasi padang is, for sure, the chilies. True to some population majorly in Asia, chilies play a significant role to augment the appetite. It doesn’t mean that the diners love munching on more and more, but it relies on the ritual value making the dining moment more meaningful. Additionally, this seasoning that might burn your tongue always lends color to the variety of Minangese dishes found in padang rice. Arguably, these pungent, peppery spices are the soul.

Beside chilies, another ingredient hard to take apart from Minangese dishes on nasi padang is nothing else but the coconut milk. The savory sensation coming out from the natural fat incredibly merges with the basic component pampering your taste buds. The use of this fresh white liquid is frequent due to the abundant supply of coconut thriving well on the Sumatran coast. The herby seasonings from turmeric to galangal also can’t be wrong about.  They indeed carry out the wealth of taste.

The Best Side Dishes for Nasi Padang
It is definitely true that the guy behind the insane taste acquired from nasi padang is the rendang – the chunk of beef cooked in the heavy coconut milk gravy and aromatic seasonings. However, the steamed rice will be more appetizing with other succulent complements bad to be missed. The first meal taking into your consideration should be gulai ayam. This curry-like, reddish-yellow dish is basically some pieces of chicken meat perfectly simmered with coconut milk and pungent spices. It is indeed perfect to be devoured with the warm rice.

Another edible companion is gulai kepala ikan kakap merah that is made of the head of red snapper fish. Some of you might think that this dish covered with light red coconut milk gravy is unpalatable and gross. To the contrary, it goes with the ultimate tenderness and tastes out of expectation. Missing this is such a big mistake. For the green variety, you can't leave out daun ubi tumbuk. Like the rests of Minangese cuisine, the spicy cuisine highlighting the ground cassava leaves is cooked along with coconut milk.

It’s also Accompanied by Strange Side Dishes

It turns out that nasi padang has the bizarre face by way of its protein-based side dishes from innards to the brain and from foot tendon to bone marrow. Again, theses might seriously affect your appetite – however, never judge this array of weird stuff until you get a taste of them. The early one to go for a try is gulai otak; gulai means gravy and otak mean brain. Although it appears pretty similar to the human brain – still don't get worried – it is 100 percent from the herbivore mammal which is a cow.
Meanwhile, gulai limpo is basically made of the cow spleen cooked with a range of herbs and spices.

To make a long story short, gaining information after having a read on the review on nasi padang is such a great way to get to know the authenticity of Indonesian cuisine.

A Review on Nasi Pecel

A Review on Nasi Pecel
(The Finger-Licking Javanese Salad to Try)

While being bewitched by the ancient Hindu temple, escaping to the striking secluded beach, as well as exploring the brand-new attractions in East Java; make sure to get a taste of its most lip-smacking culinary delight – nasi pecel. This food has been legendary for a couple of decades. Missing it is totally a loss.

Here is an interesting review on nasi pecel you should go for a read:

Authentic Traditional Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

If the western culture is far-famed of its garden-fresh salad full of crispness, then Indonesia (specifically East Java) comes with nasi pecel. This exceptional dish available throughout the island of Java is such a perfect combination highlighting the steamed rice and Javanese-style salad. This edible preference should be in the vegan’s what-to-bite list.

Let’s speak of the public notice – the mixed greens. At a glance, it looks like gado-gado, a type of salad-based dish accepted far and wide in the tropical archipelago. The use of fresh vegetables varying in flavor and texture is that true. The key ingredients of it include some blanched or boiled veggies like spinach, cassava leaves, mustard greens, string beans, and bean sprout.  The raw ones like chopped cucumber and basil leaves might be added.

Herby Seasoning and Rough Texture of the Sauce

When the cooked greens are set on the warm steamed rice, the peanut sauce, relatively spicy, takes action. This thick, brown liquid is poured on the top of rice and veggies.  Unlike the sauce found in gado-gado, this variety doesn’t allow the usage of coconut milk. Apart from the ground peanut that has been deep fried, the peanut sauce is comprised of the aromatic kencur herb (kaempferia galanga), the sour tamarind, the hot bird’s eye chilies, salt, brown sugar, garlic, as well as kaffir lime leaves.

Compared to gado-gado’s peanut sauce, the pecel assortment is prone to be rough and grainy regarding consistency. When you take the bite for the first time, you will take pleasure in the crunch sensation. What about the acquired taste of it? Broadly speaking, it’s savory, sweet, spicy, and a bit sour. The level of spiciness of the reddish-brown gravy depends on the individual’s palate.

The Best Complements of This Special Dish

To perfect the serving, a plate of nasi pecel would be best with the crispy peanut cracker better known as rempeyek or krupuk (a kind of deep fried starchy cracker made of tapioca). Aside from this crunchy and greasy companion, it matches with other additional side dishes mostly fried such as tempeh (the whole fermented soybean), tofu, bakwan jagung (batter with corn and veggies), perkedel kentang (the Indonesian-style potato fritter). The greatest beverage to quench your dry thirst after savoring this unique salad is none other than es teh manis (the sweet ice tea).

5 Famous Varieties You Should Know

Nasi pecel generally is classified into 5 sorts – nasi pecel Madiun, nasi pecel Blitar, nasi pecel Kediri, nasi pecel Malang, and nasi pecel Tulung Agung. Nasi pecel Madiun gains much attention from the public not only in the city of origin but also in big cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. What makes this dish is out of the ordinary is nothing else but the green sprinkle of lead tree seeds (petai cina in Indonesian) topped on the sauce. Famous for its savory taste, the Madiun variety uniquely is served with the banana leaves instead of a plate.

Nasi pecel Blitar is the following cuisine you should include in your what-to-eat-in-East Java list. The peanut sauce of it tends to be smoother and sweeter than the rests. The seasoning highlights the use of kaffir lime leaf in a large amount. There is no surprise that it is way more aromatic. The population in the villages of Blitar occasionally adds the flowers of hummingbird tree or known as bunga turi, making the flavor so rich. It is often eaten with peanut crackers, fried tempeh, and fried tofu as well.

The taste of nasi pecel Kediri is not as strong as the rests since the locals don’t intensely use the kencur herb.  This version of which taste is sugary exclusively features sambal tumpang (typical sauce made of the decayed tempeh). Nasi pecel Malang itself is highly favored due to its powerful flavor tantalizing your taste bud. It uses the big number of chilies when it comes to seasoning – that’s why this salad is spicier. And the last variety which is nasi pecel Tulung Agung comes with no exception. This guy relentlessly burns the foodies’ tongue. Additionally, it highlights peanut sauce full of coarse texture. 

Finally, the review on nasi pecel is such a helpful way to popularize the Indonesian cuisine to the world. This authentic dish shows how rich the flavor is and how appetizing it is.

Don’t Miss These 5 Must-Try Street Foods in Bandung

Don’t Miss These 5 Must-Try Street Foods in Bandung

Dubbed as Paris Van Java, Bandung comes with a captivating array of attractions from culture to nature that deserves a visit. Not only is the capital of West Java eminent for its redoubtable paradise for leisure but it’s also renowned for its best food destination – and one of the highlights you can’t skip out is its lip-smacking street food. The street foods in Bandung literally bring color and vibrancy enhancing your Indonesian culinary experience.

Siomay Bandung

Who can’t deny the authentic delicacy of Siomay Bandung? This worth-tasting street food available in the street-side food stalls across the corner of Bandung is a type of fusion highlighting Chinese and Indonesian style. It is a typical fish dumpling cooked by way of the steaming process. It is frequently served with the spicy reddish-brown peanut sauce. Arguably, this kind of dish shares similarity with dim sum. Siomay is accompanied by supporting steamed complements such as the boiled egg, rolled cabbage, tofu, bitter gourd, and to mention the potatoes.
The basic ingredients of Siomay Bandung include the diced chicken meat, chopped prawn, grounded fish, tapioca flour, egg, and dumpling skin. The seasonings of it are nothing but simple covering shallot, garlic, pepper, salt, and fish sauce. What about the peanut sauce? It turns out that it can’t be apart from these following things – roasted peanut, red chilies, and sweet soya sauce. For the final touch, it perfectly goes with the refreshing lime.

Seblak

Seblak is the brand-new dish recently invented since a few years ago. Favored by numerous elements of people from teenager to adult; this popular street food gains wide popularity not only in Bandung but also in Indonesia. The reason it serves the focus of attention is the elevated spiciness on it. What makes seblak distinctive is nothing else but the use of soaked raw cracker – normally, this side dish is fried and becomes the best crunchy companion for porridge.

Aside from the raw cracker, seblak contains a couple of ingredients mostly protein-based such as egg, sausage, meatball, and prawn. The starchy stuff like the noodle and macaroni pasta is also added. The basic seasonings, being the core of this bright, red dish, are chilies (for sure), shallot, garlic, pepper, salt, and kencur herb. Before simmering the key ingredient, the spices are ground first. There are two types of seblak – the dry and wet version.

Mie Kocok

One of the highly recommended street foods in Bandung you must go for a try is mie kocok. The noodle-based dish is made by applying a blanching and stirring technique. The method is slightly different compared to another noodle serving. The daintiness of it appears to be out of ordinary due to the presence of beef broth and kikil (the part of cow’s leg). Taking a mere 5-minute cooking process, this lovely cuisine is proven to be easy to make.
Besides the noodle and kikil, mi kocok makes use of bean sprout. What makes this sort pleasant and melt-in-your-mouth is the role of the spices including nutmeg, shallot, garlic, and dried tiny shrimp. In the end, it is beautifully served with fried shallot, chopped celery and spring onion, and lime juice. If you want it sweeter, you might add the sweet soya sauce or if you love something spicier, be sure to get a spoon of sambal.

Colenak Bandung 

Colenak standing for “dicocol enak” is a sort of sweet dessert made of tape singkong – this one is the steamed cassava that has been fermented. It is served with deliciously sweet sauce comprising brown sugar liquid as well as the grated coconut. To make the basis, you must grill the fermented cassava on the greasy sauce pan. The margarine is another essential addition to enrich the flavor – so, smear your pan with it. Once the color turns into the browner one, it is time to put the colenak on your plate and douse it with the sauce.

Cireng 

The starchy option when it comes to replacing the rice to fill in your starving stomach could be nice with this guy – cireng. This phenomenal coin-shaped dish is frequently presented on the food display both in a classy eatery and kaki lima (the Indonesian mobile food-cart). It is usually served with a variety of sauces from the peanut variety to tomato ketchup. The steps to create this favored snack are relatively easy. The locals simply mix the starch, tapioca flour, garlic, and chopped celery with the warm water. After the dough is completely shaped, it is deep fried in the sizzling cooking oil.

To make a long story short, street foods in Bandung are found to be exceptional. The meals becoming the residents’ favorite incredibly vary in form, taste, and look. Missing one out of them, while exploring Bandung, is such a big mistake.