Just move to Indonesia? You might be wondering, “Is Indonesian food healthy?” With so many fried snacks and sugary treats around, it’s a fair question.
It’s easy to be tempted by all the delicious street food, but it’s not always the best for your body. As an expat in Indonesia, you might miss the balanced meals you’re used to back home.
But don’t worry. You don’t have to give up on good nutrition just because you’re here. Indonesia has a huge variety of fresh ingredients and healthy dishes you might not know about yet.
Well, it really depends on what you’re eating. You’ll find plenty of dishes that are packed with fresh veggies, lean proteins, and awesome flavors.
For example, dishes like gado-gado (veggie salad with peanut sauce) and ikan bakar (grilled fish) can be really nutritious.
However, Indonesians do love their fried foods, and you’ll see it everywhere such as fritters, fried chicken, and even fried bananas! Plus, sugary drinks are pretty popular, which can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Indonesia’s ingredients are fresh and flavorful, but the cooking style can vary. Most meals revolve around rice, with lots of veggies like carrots, spinach, and cucumbers on the side.
Tempeh and tofu are famous protein options and are actually very healthy. The catch? Frying is super common, so you’ll see a lot of deep-fried snacks and side dishes. That crispy goodness is tasty but can be heavy.
Sauces are also everywhere, often sweet, spicy, or creamy. You’ll also find coconut milk in soups and stews, which can make them richer.
Eating healthy in Indonesia can be tough for expats. You’re surrounded by street food, but a lot of it is deep-fried and loaded with sugar or salt.
Even when you try to order healthy, like getting a fruit salad, you might end up with something that has more mayo or syrup than fruit.
Grocery stores may not have all the familiar healthy ingredients from back home, either. You have to be willing to explore local markets to find fresh stuff and healthier meals.
Looking for more advice on living safely in Indonesia? Take a look at this article "4 Essential Tips for Expats Living in Indonesia".
If you’re looking for healthier Indonesian dishes, you’ve got some great options. One dish to try is gado-gado, which is a veggie salad with tofu, tempe, and boiled eggs, all topped with a yummy peanut sauce.
Another good choice is soto, a clear soup with veggies, chicken, or beef. It’s light but still full of flavor. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, go for bubur ketan hitam, a black rice porridge that’s healthier than most desserts.
So, is Indonesian food healthy? It can be, if you choose the right dishes and keep an eye on what you’re eating.
There are tons of delicious, nutritious options if you know where to look, and sticking to grilled or veggie-packed dishes can help you stay on track.
And if you’re living in Jakarta and want some help, a healthy catering in Jakarta is the answer! With Mealfit's healthy meal delivery service, you can get balanced, nutritious meals without the stress.
It’s a great way to try Indonesian-inspired dishes that meet Australian standards, so you can enjoy your food and stay healthy at the same time.