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Chicken Katsu, or Chikin Katsu (チキンカツ), is a globally beloved Japanese dish.1 A cousin to the original tonkatsu (pork cutlet), this dish is celebrated for its incredibly crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside.2 It’s a prime example of yōshoku—Japanese cuisine influenced by Western cooking—yet it has developed a uniquely Japanese identity, becoming a staple…
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A Taste of Jakarta History Es Teler, a seemingly simple glass of shaved ice and fruit, holds a storied place in Indonesian culinary history. Its origin dates back to the 1970s in Jakarta, credited to a simple es campur (mixed ice) vendor named Tukiman Darmowijono and his wife, Samijem, who were struggling to make a…
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The Story Behind the Spice Nasi Pecel is arguably the most democratic of Indonesian dishes. It is a simple, nutritious meal of steamed rice, boiled vegetables, and a generous coating of peanut sauce. While variations exist across Java, the Nasi Pecel from Blitar—a city steeped in history as the resting place of Indonesia’s first President,…
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This recipe uses a blend of ground and aromatic ingredients for a rich, well-rounded broth that hits all the flavor notes. Servings: 4-6 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 30 mins Ingredients The Essential Vegetables (Cut into bite-sized pieces) The Flavor Base (Aromatics and Seasoning) The Bumbu Halus (Ground Spice Paste) Instructions 1.…
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Ayam Woku Kemangi is more than just a chicken dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of the tropical flavors and fiery heat that define the cuisine of Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This iconic dish—whose name simply means ‘Chicken cooked in Woku spice with Basil’—is a must-try for any culinary adventurer seeking bold, aromatic, and unapologetically spicy…
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A culinary cross-section of Indonesian and Chinese flavors, Ayam Goreng Mentega (Butter Fried Chicken) is a dish that has captured the hearts and palates of many across the archipelago. Far from a simple pan-fry, this dish features deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a decadent, glossy, and intensely savory sauce.1 Rooted in the Chinese-Indonesian (Peranakan) culinary…
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Nasi Daun Jeruk is a simple yet luxurious rice dish that has exploded in popularity, often served alongside viral dishes like Ayam Geprek or spicy shrimp. The secret to its appeal lies in the powerful, citrusy fragrance of kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk), sautéed with butter, garlic, and sometimes lemongrass, before being cooked with the…
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Fluffy pancakes are a universal comfort food, and in Indonesia, making them at home using a standard Teflon (non-stick) pan is the easiest way to enjoy this sweet treat. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and no special equipment, guaranteeing perfectly golden, soft, and delicious pancakes every time. Why This Recipe is So Popular Recipe: Simple…
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Cumi Hitam, or Black Squid, is a revered Indonesian seafood dish, particularly popular in East Java. It is defined by its dramatic, jet-black appearance, which is achieved by cooking the squid entirely in its own ink sac. Far from being merely visual, the squid ink acts as a natural seasoning, infusing the dish with an…
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This recipe replicates the famous smoky, sweet, and spicy grilled fish served along the beachfront restaurants in Jimbaran, Bali. The key is the unique paste that combines the richness of Balinese spices with the sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). Ingredients A. Main Ingredients: B. The Base Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus): C. The Jimbaran…