Traveling to Indonesia as an Indian brings a rich opportunity to explore a new culinary world but it also comes with a few challenges, especially for vegetarians, vegans, Jains, or those with dietary preferences rooted in Indian food habits. Indonesian cuisine, while flavorful and diverse, often includes ingredients like meat, shrimp paste, and fish sauce, which might not align with your preferences.Whether you're a street food explorer or someone who prefers the comfort of Indian spices, this guide ensures you enjoy your meals without compromising your values or health.
DOS
1. Explore Vegetarian Indonesian Dishes
Try:
Gado-Gado: Boiled vegetables with peanut sauce.
Tempeh or Tahu Goreng: Fried tempeh or tofu.
Sayur Lodeh: Vegetable curry in coconut milk.
Urap: Veggie salad with spiced grated coconut.
Phrase Tip: "Tanpa daging, tanpa ayam, tanpa ikan" (No meat, chicken, or fish).
2. Ask Specifically About Ingredients
Many dishes contain shrimp paste (terasi) or fish sauce, even if they look vegetarian.
Always confirm with: "Apakah ini benar-benar vegetarian?" (Is this truly vegetarian?)
Or: "Tidak pakai terasi atau saus ikan." (No shrimp paste or fish sauce.)
3. Seek Out Indian or Indian-Friendly Restaurants
Cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta have good Indian food options.
Look for:
Ganesha Ek Sanskriti (Bali, Jakarta)
Queen’s Tandoor
The Royal Kitchen
Little India
4. Embrace Local Fruits & Vegetarian Snacks
Try tropical fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, salak, durian.
Snack on klepon (rice balls), pisang goreng (fried banana), kue lapis (layer cake).
5. Use Halal-certified Options if Avoiding Pork/Beef
Halal restaurants avoid pork and may offer more clarity about meat usage.
Look for the “Halal” logo on eateries and packaged food.
DON'TS
1. Don’t Assume “Vegetarian” Means No Animal Products
Local definition may include seafood or meat broth.
Always ask clearly and check if cooked separately.
2. Avoid Street Food If You Have a Sensitive Stomach
Hygiene may be a concern, and many dishes include hidden animal products.
Stick to reputable or tourist-friendly eateries.
3. Don’t Expect Indian Staples Everywhere
Roti, dal, or paneer are rare. Rice is the staple grain.
Carry Indian snacks or instant meals as backup.
4. Be Cautious With Sambal (Chili Sauce)
Spicy and often contains shrimp paste.
Request: “Sambal tanpa terasi” (sambal without shrimp paste) or skip it altogether.
5. Don’t Forget to Check Food Labels
Read ingredients or look for Halal/vegetarian indicators.
Many instant noodles, chips, and sauces may include animal byproducts or gelatin.
Regional Tips
Bali
Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to find in places like Ubud and Seminyak. Try: Shady Shack, Sattvic, Earth Cafe.
Jakarta
Many Indian restaurants and vegetarian-friendly cafes, especially in Kemang, Blok M, and Kuningan.
Yogyakarta & Central Java
Traditional foods are often sweet and may contain hidden meat. Use translation apps to communicate.
Remote Areas / Lombok
Limited veg options. Carry dry snacks, ready-to-eat meals, or stay in places with a kitchen.
Dietary-Specific Tips
Vegan
Avoid eggs and dairy in dishes.
Say: “Tanpa telur, tanpa susu, tanpa daging.”
Jain
Extremely limited local options. Bring your own supplies.
Avoid onion, garlic, and root vegetables in local dishes by confirming with hosts or cooks.
Gluten-Free
Rice-based dishes are safe.
Avoid soy sauce (contains wheat). Ask for alternatives or plain rice-based items.
Similar Indonesian Dishes for Indian Taste Buds
What to Pack (For Veg/Jain/Gluten-Free Travelers)
Ready Meals: MTR, Gits, Haldiram packs.
Snacks: Thepla, khakhra, dry fruits, sev.
Masala Box: Travel-size with basics.
Cutlery: Spoon, fork, foldable plate if needed.
Translation App: For ingredient verification.
Cultural Etiquette & Awareness
Eat with your right hand only if using hands.
Respect fasting customs during Ramadan (e.g., avoid public eating in Muslim-majority regions).
In traditional homes or warungs, wait to be invited to begin eating.
Indonesia Phrases for Food
Traveling to a new country is an exciting journey for the senses especially for food lovers! But for Indian travelers, particularly vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, finding the right food in a country like Indonesia can be both a delightful discovery and a cautious endeavor.This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate Indonesian cuisine confidently whether you're a strict vegetarian, vegan, Jain, or simply looking to avoid certain ingredients like beef, pork, or seafood. From understanding local dishes and food labels to discovering where to eat and what to say, this guide ensures that your culinary experience in Indonesia is safe, satisfying, and culturally respectful.
