When I first stepped off the Shinkansen into the soft snow of Sendai five months ago, I was twenty-five, underprepared, and completely unaware of what would come to define my relationship with food.
Nasi Campur Bali is a vibrant and diverse Balinese dish that showcases the island’s rich culinary heritage in a single, colorful platter. Translating to “mixed rice,” this dish features steamed rice as the base, surrounded by an array of small portions of flavorful Balinese dishes like spicy grilled chicken
Nasi Liwet is a traditional Javanese dish from Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, known for its aromatic, savory rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, often prepared in a single pot for a communal meal. This comforting dish is infused with flavors of lemongrass
Nasi Kuning, meaning “yellow rice” in Indonesian, is a festive dish often prepared for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or religious celebrations. This vibrant, golden-hued rice is cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and aromatic spices like lemongrass and pandan, giving it a rich
When I moved to Jakarta three months ago, I expected the usual dazzle of a foreign capital—traffic, humidity, smiles, a new skyline. What I didn’t expect was the emotional pull of a plate of rice.
Ketoprak is a popular Indonesian street food from Jakarta, often enjoyed as a light meal or snack. This vibrant dish combines a variety of textures and flavors: chewy rice cakes (lontong), crispy tofu, fresh bean sprouts, and vermicelli, all drizzled with a rich, nutty peanut sauce that’s sweet, savory
Lontong Sayur is a beloved Indonesian dish that brings together the comforting texture of lontong—compressed rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves—with a rich, creamy vegetable curry. Popular as a breakfast or hearty meal, this dish features lontong slices
Tumpeng is a vibrant, iconic Indonesian dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. This ceremonial rice dish, shaped into a majestic cone, symbolizes gratitude and prosperity in Javanese culture. Often served at celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or… Read More »Tumpeng: A Festive Indonesian Rice Cone Celebration
Get ready to dive into the soul-warming world of Sop Konro, a traditional beef rib soup from Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This dish is a celebration of bold, smoky flavors, featuring tender beef ribs simmered in a rich, dark broth infused with a symphony of spices like cloves
If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s rich, aromatic, and steeped in tradition, let me introduce you to Coto Makassar, a beloved beef soup from the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors—think tender beef and offal simmered in a fragrant