Indonesia is a country full of amazing food, and at the heart of its rich culinary culture is rice — a simple yet very versatile ingredient. From nasi goreng (fried rice) to the rich, ceremonial layers of nasi tumpeng, each region in the country has its own unique rice dish that reflects local culture, ingredients, and traditions.
But with so many choices and thousands of islands, where should we start?
We have picked out seven traditional Indonesian rice dishes you really should try — along with the best places to enjoy them.
Here are some must-try traditional rice dishes you can try:
1. Nasi Padang
One of Indonesia’s famous rice dishes is called Nasi Padang, named after Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. It’s very popular and can be found almost everywhere in Indonesia. Nasi Padang is known for its variety of flavorful side dishes like rendang, cassava leaves, chicken curry, jackfruit curry, green chili sambal, and more. Because of its rich taste, both rendang and Nasi Padang were named among the world’s best foods by CNN Travel.
Where to try it in Jakarta:
Padang Merdeka, MaxOneHotels @ Platinum Hayam Wuruk
Address: Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.5, RT.6/RW.2, Kb. Klp., Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10120
Phone: (021) 21203406
Opening Hours: Everyday 09.00–00.00
2. Nasi Uduk
Another popular Indonesian rice dish is Nasi Uduk, a Betawi specialty. It’s made by cooking white rice with coconut milk and spices, giving it a rich, savory taste and nice aroma. Nasi Uduk is commonly eaten for breakfast and can be found in many parts of Indonesia. It’s usually served with side dishes like fried vermicelli, stewed or spicy eggs, sweet tempeh, spicy potatoes, peanut sauce, and topped with fried shallots and crackers.
Where to try it in Jakarta:
Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang Hj. Ellya
Address: Jl. Pesanggrahan No No.168N 2, RT.2/RW.6, Kembangan Sel., Kec. Kembangan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11610
Phone: (021) 58358260
Opening Hours: Everyday 10.00–22.00
3. Nasi Kuning
Nasi Kuning, or “yellow rice,” comes from Java and gets its color from turmeric. Its rich, savory taste comes from coconut milk. The side dishes served with it can vary by region. Nasi Kuning is often shaped into a cone (called *tumpeng*) for special events. The cone shape symbolizes a golden mountain and represents gratitude and prosperity.
Where to try it in Jakarta:
Nasi Uduk Bu Amah
Address: Jl. Pengukiran II No.6H, RT.6/RW.4, Pekojan, Kec. Tambora, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11240
Phone: (021) 6914356
Opening Hours: Everyday (exclude Sunday) 15.30–18.00
4. Nasi Timbel
Nasi Timbel is a must-try rice dish from the Sundanese people in West Java. It’s called “timbel” because the rice is wrapped in banana leaves and shaped like a fishing reel, known as “timbel” in Sundanese. The rice is cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, lime leaves, and salt until dry. It’s usually served with side dishes like salted fish, tempeh, chili paste, and fresh vegetables.
Where to try it in Jakarta:
Nasi Timbel Sukabumi
Address: Jl. Tebet Barat VII E No.4, RT.7/RW.7, Tebet Bar., Kec. Tebet, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12810
Phone: 0856-9567-6945
Opening Hours: Everyday (exclude Sunday) 09.00–17.00
6. Nasi Grombyang
The word grombyang comes from Javanese, meaning “to shake.” This rice dish from Pemalang, Central Java, is called Nasi Grombyang because it’s served with a lot of soup, making the rice look like it’s shaking. It’s similar to soto or rawon, but more complex to make. The dish uses beef, rich broth made from kluwak (picung fruit seeds), and is topped with fried coconut and beef fat. The soup is flavored with spices like galangal, ginger, turmeric, bay leaves, candlenut, and more. It’s usually served with beef tripe, intestines, or other beef cuts.
Where to try it in Jakarta:
Nasi Grombyang Mak Nyak
Address: Jl. Bambu Apus Raya No.1, RT.9/RW.3, Bambu Apus, Kec. Cipayung, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13890
Phone: 0857-1111-0309
Opening Hours: Everyday 10.00–21.00
7. Nasi Empog
Nasi empog, also known as nasi jagung, nasi ampok, or nasi empok, is a traditional Indonesian dish, particularly popular in eastern Indonesia, made primarily from corn. It serves as a staple food in some areas where rice is scarce. Nasi empog is often considered a substitute for rice, especially in rural areas.
Where to try it in Jakarta:
Sego Jagung Mbak Tin
Address: Grand Galaxy City Rukan RGA No.93, RT.001/RW.002, Jaka Setia, Kec. Bekasi Sel., Kota Bks, Jawa Barat 14147
Phone: 0822-4670-2440
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday 06.30–11.00
What other traditional Indonesian foods do you know, and where’s the best place to try them? Feel free to share in the comments!
