Cuisine in Indonesia
While you likely have heard at least a little bit about Indonesia, the reality is that you actually may know very little about Indonesian culture and cuisine. Indeed, when it comes to cuisine and food related issues, what you likely know about Indonesia is that it is the location of the so-called Spice Islands. On the other hand, while you may have heard reference to the Spice Islands, it is very possible that you had no idea that these islands actually are a part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Indonesia is a very unique nation in that it is comprised of over 17,000 individual islands, of which over 6,000 currently are inhabited. Moreover, throughout the history of this sprawling archipelago, a variety of different nations have seized control of all or part of what is today Indonesia. Therefore, there has been a varied range of influences on Indonesian culture and cuisine through the years, all of which are evident today.
The most significant influences on Indonesian cuisine has come from the Chinese, Europeans, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. There are different regions in Indonesia at which these different influences on cuisine are far more pronounced.
Rice is the main staple food in the Indonesian diet - indeed, rice has been a staple in the Indonesian diet for centuries. Rice is served with sides dishes that are in the form of different meats and vegetables.
Spices play a significant role in different Indonesian dishes. Of course, as was noted at the start of this article, the Spice Islands are a part of the Republic of Indonesia. Thus, there is a ready source for different types of spices right in the country itself. In addition, various spices remain a significant export from Indonesia in the 21st century.
Spices (most significantly chili spice), coconut milk, chicken and fish are major elements of many, many Indonesian dishes today (and throughout the history of the region).
There are a growing number of ethnically diverse restaurants and bistros that are now open for business across Indonesia today. Once again, these different bistros reflect the Chinese, European, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures that have influenced the Indonesia archipelago for centuries.
As more tourists travel to Indonesia each and every year, a growing number of people are becoming exposed to the diversity and delight that is Indonesian cuisine. Indeed, as the number of people who visit Indonesia increases each year, Indonesian in all of its unique variations is becoming more available in different countries around the world. As more of the world does come to Indonesia, Indonesia is going to more of the world ... including the fine ethnic cuisine and regional cuisine that makes Indonesia unique in all of the world.
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