bisnisrakyat.id - Indonesia is a culinary paradise with an unrivalled diversity of flavours, ingredients and traditions. Each region has a speciality food that reflects its culture, history and local wisdom. Here are some of Indonesia's legendary cuisines that you must taste at least once in your lifetime.

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1. Rendang - West Sumatra

Who doesn't know rendang? This Minangkabau speciality is often cited as one of the best foods in the world. Rendang is made from beef cooked with coconut milk and various spices until dry. The cooking process takes hours to produce the rich flavour and tender texture of the meat. Rendang is not only the pride of West Sumatra but also a symbol of Indonesian cuisine on the international stage.

2. Gudeg - Yogyakarta

A culinary icon of Yogyakarta, gudeg is a sweet dish made from young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk, brown sugar, and spices. Gudeg is usually served with side dishes such as opor chicken, pindang eggs, and sambal goreng krecek. The sweet and savoury taste of gudeg goes perfectly with the warmth of the thick Javanese culture.

3. Satay - Various Regions

Satay is a simple food but has many variations throughout Indonesia. Some famous types of satay are Madurese Satay with its distinctive peanut sauce, Padang Satay served with a thick, spicy gravy, and Balinese Satay Lilit made from fish and wrapped in lemongrass stalks. The combination of the aroma of grilled meat and marinade makes satay a dish that is hard to resist.

4. Pempek - Palembang

Pempek is a Palembang speciality made from mackerel fish and sago, then fried or boiled. Pempek is served with a sour, sweet and spicy vinegar sauce, creating a refreshing blend of flavours. Variants such as pempek kapal selam (egg-filled) and lenjer make this dish a favourite across Indonesia.

5. Nasi Goreng - National

Fried rice is so iconic that it is considered one of Indonesia's ‘national foods’. Made from rice stir-fried with seasonings such as sweet soy sauce, garlic, and chilli, fried rice is often served with the addition of sunny side up egg, shredded chicken, or crackers. Every region in Indonesia has its own variation of fried rice, making it a versatile dish loved by all.

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6. Ayam Betutu - Bali

Ayam Betutu is a richly flavoured Balinese dish. Chicken or duck is stuffed with speciality spices, then slow-cooked until tender. The long cooking process allows the spices to seep into the meat. This dish is usually served in traditional ceremonies, but can now be enjoyed in many Balinese restaurants.

7. Coto Makassar - South Sulawesi

Coto Makassar is a Makassarese soup made from beef and offal, cooked in a flavourful soup with spices and peanuts. Served with ketupat or buras (a type of Sulawesi rice cake), Coto Makassar offers a rich and warming flavour. It is a symbol of the warm hospitality of the Bugis-Makassar people.

8. Bika Ambon - Medan

Despite the name ‘Ambon,’ Bika Ambon actually originated in Medan. This cake has a soft texture with distinctive cavities, which are obtained from the fermentation process. It is sweet and fragrant, making it a favourite souvenir from North Sumatra.

9. Sop Buntut - National

Sop buntut is a soup made from oxtail cooked until tender. The clear but flavourful soup is the main attraction. Complemented with sliced carrots, potatoes and spring onions, sop buntut is often a mainstay in fine dining restaurants and street food stalls.

10. Papeda - Papua and Maluku

Papeda is a speciality of Papua and Maluku made from sago, shaped like glue. Papeda is usually eaten with a yellow sauce of tuna or mubara seasoned with turmeric and spices. Despite its unique appearance, the flavour of Papeda offers an unforgettable culinary experience, typical of eastern Indonesia.

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Culinary delight, a reflection of cultural richness

Tasting Indonesia's legendary cuisine is a way of experiencing the nation's rich culture and diversity. Every bite carries stories, traditions and warmth from across the archipelago. So, when you're travelling to different parts of Indonesia, don't miss the opportunity to try these legendary dishes.

Not only do they pamper the palate, they also strengthen the connection with the nation's history and cultural identity. Have a great flavour adventure!