When you’re living in Indonesia, especially as an expat, understanding local eating habits can really help you blend in and make the most of your experience.
Indonesian food is super flavorful, diverse, and filled with unique traditions. You’ll find that eating like a local means exploring tons of tasty dishes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel like a local at the dining table.
4 Indonesian Eating Habits You Need to Know
Here are four unique local eating habits that add flavor to every meal experience.
1. Staple Foods You’ll Eat All the Time
Rice and noodles are going to be your daily companions if you’re staying in Indonesia. Rice is basically everywhere, and it comes with almost everything like meat, veggies, you name it.
It’s usually paired with sambal, a spicy sauce that locals love but can be super hot for newcomers. So start small with that!
Another one is tempe, a kind of soybean cake that’s fried, grilled, or cooked in all kinds of ways. It’s healthy and cheap, which is why you’ll see it all over the place.
2. Warung: Where Locals Eat
Want to experience Indonesian eating habits? You’ve got to visit a warung. These cozy, local spots are perfect for enjoying authentic Indonesian dishes at a low cost.
Each warung is different, but they all have that homey feel. Ordering is super casual, as you can just point to the dishes you want from the display, and they’ll load up your plate.
Once you’re done, you head to the cashier and the person working there will tell you the cost of the meal. It’s easy on the wallet too, with meals usually costing between IDR 10,000 and IDR 50,000.
3. Unique Local Eating Habits
Some unique Indonesian eating habits make meals more interesting. For one, don’t be surprised if you see people sitting on the floor to eat, a style called lesehan.
Using hands to eat, known as muluk, is also super common here, especially with rice dishes. It might feel a bit odd at first, but it’s totally worth trying.
Indonesians also love to have lighthearted debates over food. One common one is about whether to stir chicken porridge or not. They can go on about this for ages!
4. Budget-Friendly Eats for Expats
For expats trying to save some cash, Indonesia offers plenty of affordable eating options. First up is Indomie, for it’s cheap, easy, and available everywhere. You can dress it up with whatever you’ve got, like vegetables or an egg, to make it more filling.
If you’re eating out, local spots like warung will serve you a full meal for as low as IDR 10,000. They offer a number of different dishes!
Want some chill advice on living it up in Indonesia as an expat? Check out this article "4 Essential Tips for Expats Living in Indonesia".
Conclusion
Understanding Indonesian eating habits is all part of the adventure when living here. From warungs and sambal to quirky food debates, there’s a lot to take in.
Trying local dishes helps you connect with the culture and keeps costs down, too. You’ll find that every meal is a new experience, full of flavor and local vibes.
Also, if you’re in Jakarta and looking for a healthier option that’s easy to get, check out Healthy Food Catering Mealfit. We offer meals delivery with Australian quality, so you can enjoy nutritious food and have a balanced diet with ease!