Coconut and Sambal: Recipes from My Indonesian Kitchen

Corn is a staple grain in Indonesia, second only to rice. It is essential to the cuisines and is used in many dishes, especially in street food and smaller snacks. Here is a very traditional dish that is the perfect small bite. This is a lovely snack; the corn pops with sweetness, and the spices complement it wonderfully. The aroma of kaffir lime is unmistakable, and the other spices make the fritter pop. This is a dish that depends on the perfect balance of sweet, herb and spice. The texture...

Bakso comes from the Chinese term "bak (meat) + so" (paste) and is a meatball soup of Chinese origins. The Chinese migrated to Indonesia...

I am happy making simple ice creams while we roast here in Bangalore. This has been the hottest month in recorded history, and my...

Sambal comes from the Javanese word  sambel,  and is defined as a “chile paste” or “relish.” In fact, any condiment that counts chiles as...

The basis for most Indonesian cuisine flavours comes from kecap manis . It is a thick, sweetened soy sauce with a tremendous "umami" feel...

Indonesia is known for fried rice, with nasi goreng being the most well-known dish (recipe coming soon). However, several other fried...

Stir fries are always a hit, no matter what kind. The aroma of flash-fried meat with spices is something I cannot resist. Stir-fries are...

There is magic in a perfectly roasted potato. The crisp outside, the soft inside, it is bliss. Finding an excellent, flavour-packed recipe is difficult, given the number of recipes available. This recipe combines a superbly roasted potato with a pop of Indonesian flavour. The skin is caramelised and crisp, the inside soft. The scallions and garlic add mild flavours, and the acid and salt from the soy and vinegar make it special. The acid cuts through the soft potato beautifully. This is a...

I love ice cream, everything from making it to a large bowl on a hot day. In Indonesia, ice cream is traditionally made using a canister...

Soto translates to "soup" and ayam to "chicken". This Indonesian national dish is a classic. Soto ayam has been traced back to the 9th...

This is a vegetarian version of the pork and prawn dumplings that are common throughout Borneo. These dumplings come from the Chinese...

Kecap manis is Indonesia's answer to ketchup. It is a syrupy, sweet soy sauce that is used abundantly in the cuisine. I first had it in a...

A lawar salad is the most essential dish in Balinese culture. Some form of this salad is made almost every day, but it is the highlight...

Satay, or sate, is the national identity of Indonesia. It is prevalent throughout the country, but varies across the regions. Satay is recognised as one of Indonesia's national dishes. The term "Bhinneka tunggal ika" means "Unity in diversity". The concept of sate is believed to have originated in Java, where it traded with Muslims and was exposed to Islamic kebabs. The concept was adapted and localised to local ingredients, bamboo skewers to hold the meat, and local spices, such as...

These croquettes are street food in Indonesia, sold on street corners as snacks. They are also made with ground mutton or beef, but here...

Eggplant is omnipresent in Asian cuisine across all countries. They are cooked in various ways, from dips to curries to grilled dishes. I love eggplant and try to cook it every way I can. This is a lovely contemporary dish that incorporates traditional flavours. The tomato sambal is spicy and bold and pairs well with the eggplant, making it pop on the palate. I also love how this dish looks on the table—bright and appealing. I enjoyed this dish. This is a beautiful cookbook on Indonesian...

I fell in love with congee during my working years. I used to travel to Asia quite often and I would seek out the small section of congee...

Sambals are core to Indonesian culture and come in various colours, spiciness and textures. The base is chillies, one or a combination of...

I visited Bali about 20 years ago and fell in love with the island, the art, the culture, and the food. At the time, it was still a...