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Indonesian Food Tradition

You might remember when asked whether you want your meal to be spicy on your last visit to Bali. Indonesia is home to spicy foods as chilli is added to almost everything you can think of. That’s only one among so many unique eating habits that might come as a complete surprise to you. And since food is a big part of the Indonesian culture, here are some insights into the most common Indonesian eating etiquettes for you to be like a native next time you visit the island lucky jet casino!

Eating barehand

Eating Barehand
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For some travellers, this might be one of the first culture shocks they have experienced when they first visit Indonesia. For locals, this is one of their favourite ways to eat. Researchers said that eating with your hands is beneficial for your health, as it helps to slow your intake for better digestion and helps to portion your food to prevent yourself from overeating. It is important to note that eating with your left hand is impolite (and so is handing over something with your left hand!) as believed that your left hand is “the dirty hand”. Would you try eating barehand? Do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before you try.

Spoon and fork

Indonesian Food
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While eating barehand is one of Indonesian’s favourite eating techniques, we use spoon and fork on most occasions. The fork, placed in our left hand, is used to help place food onto the spoon, while the spoon is used to deliver food to your mouth. This goes along with Indonesian locals’ attachment to rice; the spoon and fork duo make it easier for people to scoop their rice, finishing one’s meal with a clean plate.

Rice: The essential part of every meal

Rice
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Breakfast might be your most important meal of the day, but in Indonesia, rice is life. A saying goes, “if there is no rice, you have not had a (proper) meal.” It is not rare to see noodles paired with rice on an Indonesian menu; as much as they count as carbohydrates, noodles could be a substitute for meat for Indonesians. Some locals cannot even be full or satisfied without the presence of rice.

Offering to eat

Makan Keluarga
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You may be familiar with the saying “Itadakimasu!” (a Japanese expression that translates to “let’s dig in,” which is used before every meal). We have a similar phrase we say “Selamat Makan” (formal) or “Makan ya!” (casual). By saying this before digging in, you are reckoned as well-mannered and polite. And when we are invited to an Indonesian family’s home, we usually wait until the host replies with “Silahkan!” (please go ahead) before we start eating to be extra polite.

“Makan Tengah”

Padma Resort Ubud Makan Tengah
Image Courtesy: Padma Resort Ubud

Imagine having a dinner with your family for thanksgiving, where the turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy are all placed at the centre of your dining table for everyone to take at their will. The idea is exactly the same, yet Indonesians have become accustomed to the tradition that they can do every day. “Makan” translates to eat, while “Tengah” means centre. Combined, they define togetherness and the memories you make with friends and families. If you are a guest at such a supper, you will usually be offered to take whatever you want before everyone else does. As rice is a must, it is usually placed onto your personal plate before other meals come to join.

We don’t take no for an answer

blog Padma Resort Ubud
Image Courtesy: Djarum Super Adventure

Very often, Indonesians (usually the elderly) will offer us something we may not want. Though you have politely said no, you would be offered again until you accept and eat at least one bite of the food. It brings us so much joy when our home-cooked meals are enjoyed by many. Indonesians generally love sharing food with others, because sharing is caring right?

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