I am Aisyah, a 26-year-old Muslim woman living in a small village near Ubud, Bali. Many people know Bali as a tourist island with beaches and temples. But for me, Bali is home. I was born here, in a family that loves food, prayer, and tradition.
Gudeg is a traditional dish from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, known for its sweet and savory flavors, featuring young jackfruit (nangka muda) slow-cooked with coconut milk, palm sugar, and aromatic spices. This iconic dish has a rich, dark brown color, often achieved through hours
Rawon is a traditional beef soup from East Java, Indonesia, renowned for its rich, dark broth and deep, aromatic flavors. The dish gets its distinctive black color from the use of kunci (black nut or keluak), a unique ingredient that imparts a nutty, earthy taste
Pempek, a traditional dish from Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, is a savory fish cake celebrated for its chewy texture and tangy, sweet-spicy dipping sauce called cuko. Made primarily from ground fish and tapioca starch, Pempek comes in various shapes, with Pempek Kapal Selam
I was born and raised in a busy corner of Jakarta, in a house that always smelled like garlic being fried in coconut oil and children running everywhere. I am a mother of four now, living in the same house where I grew up — with my husband, my parents
Bakso is a beloved Indonesian meatball soup, cherished for its comforting, savory broth and springy, flavorful meatballs made from beef, chicken, or a combination. This iconic street food dish features tender meatballs served in a clear, aromatic beef broth
Soto Ayam is a fragrant and comforting Indonesian chicken soup, renowned for its vibrant yellow broth infused with turmeric, lemongrass, and aromatic spices. This hearty dish combines tender shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles, and a medley of fresh garnishes
Gado-Gado is a vibrant Indonesian vegetable salad, celebrated for its colorful medley of blanched and fresh vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and boiled eggs, all generously drizzled with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This dish, whose name translates to “mix-mix” in Indonesian
When my husband told me he got a job offer in Jakarta, Indonesia, I didn’t know how to react. I was 28, newly married, and had only ever lived in the U.S. Sure, I had traveled abroad a couple of times, but this was different. This meant packing up our quiet life in Portland
Sate Ayam is a beloved Indonesian street food featuring tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This dish is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, often accompanied by rice cakes (lontong) or steamed rice.