Indonesia is a country with rich traditions and culture. One of the most important Muslim holidays is Eid al-Fitr, also known as “Lebaran.” The variety of traditional Eid cuisines prepared and shared among families and friends is one of the most exciting aspects of this festive occasion.
These dishes are an important part of the celebration, and each region of Indonesia has its specialities that are a must-try for anyone interested in the country’s culinary diversity. Indonesia’s Eid cuisines will tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more, from sweet to savoury, spicy to mild.
Ketupat
Ketupat is a popular Indonesian dish commonly served during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. It’s made by wrapping rice in a woven palm leaf pouch and boiling it until the rice is cooked and the pouch has expanded. The result is a delicious and fragrant rice cake that is a holiday staple.
Ketupat is frequently served with savoury side dishes such as rendang (spicy beef stew), opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk), or sambal goreng (spicy fried tempeh and tofu). By adding palm sugar syrup and coconut milk, it can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat. This Eid cuisine is not only delicious, but it also represents the Indonesian people’s unity and togetherness as they come together.
Rendang
Rendang is a spicy meat dish that is popular in Indonesia during Eid. It is traditionally made with beef or buffalo that has been slow-cooked for hours with aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chilli. Slow cooking yields tender and flavorful meat infused with the rich and complex flavours of the spices.
Rendang is frequently served with steamed rice and traditional Eid dishes like ketupat and lontong. Rendang’s popularity reflects the diversity and richness of Indonesian cuisine, and it is a must-try dish for anyone looking to sample the country’s culinary offerings.
Opor Ayam
Opor ayam is a common Indonesian dish served during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. It’s a creamy chicken stew made with a spice blend and coconut milk. Traditionally, the dish is made by cooking chicken in a spiced coconut milk mixture until it is tender and flavorful. Lemongrass, galangal, and other aromatic herbs give it a distinct and fragrant flavour.
Opor ayam is commonly served with other Eid dishes such as ketupat and rendang. The creamy and aromatic stew perfectly complements the rice cakes and spicy meat dishes, making it a traditional Indonesian festive dish. It is a must-try for anyone who wants to sample Indonesia’s rich and varied cuisine.
Nastar
Nastar, also known as pineapple tarts, is a popular Indonesian cookie served at Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The cookie is made of buttery pastry dough and filled with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam. The pastry dough is typically made of flour, butter, and egg yolks, and the filling is made by cooking pineapple with sugar and spices until it becomes a thick and fragrant jam.
Nastar is a popular Eid dish that is frequently given as a gift to friends and family during the holiday season. The cookie’s sweet and fruity flavour makes it an ideal treat to enjoy after a meal or to serve to visitors. Nastar’s popularity has spread beyond Indonesia, and it is now enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia and even the world.
Kaasstengels
Kaasstengels is a Dutch cookie that is frequently served at Indonesian Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The cookie is made with flour, butter, and sugar and is usually shaped into small rectangles or squares. It is frequently flavoured with vanilla or almond extract, which gives it a sweet and fragrant aroma.
Kaasstengels is a popular Eid dish that goes well with a cup of tea or coffee. Its small, bite-sized size makes it ideal for snacking throughout the day, and its simple yet delicious flavour makes it a popular choice among Indonesians. The cookie is also a popular gift during Eid celebrations, and it is frequently given as a symbol of love and appreciation to friends and family.
Looking for other food things to indulge in? Check out the other articles from Social Expat!
