Indonesia’s rich and vast array of local dishes may be overwhelming for travellers who are new to the country. However, when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a portion of nasi goreng. This Indonesian fried rice dish comes in many iterations depending on which province you’re visiting and the vendor you’re purchasing from. Its versatility makes it a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans as well.
Whether you’re about to try the dish for the first time or are ordering it for the tenth time, here is everything you should know about Indonesia’s most popular food.
What is nasi goreng?
Nasi goreng, or fried rice, is a well-known Indonesian food consisting of rice, a choice of protein, and vegetables. It’s the go-to way of getting rid of leftovers in the fridge, essentially tossing everything into a pan with a mix of spices.
Many Indonesians will have this dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s normally served with a sunny side up egg and a side of crackers and freshly sliced cucumbers, topped with a generous amount of fried shallots.
What makes Indonesian nasi goreng different than other fried rice?
The most common kind of nasi goreng is one that hails from Java. This type of fried rice benefits from the ingredient kecap manis or sweet soy sauce. Not only does it give a sweetness to the dish, but it also adds to the “burnt” colour of the rice.
Ingredients in nasi goreng
While fried rice may vary between provinces, vendors, and households, the base ingredients remain mostly the same.
Rice is tossed in a pan with a spice blend of garlic, shallots, chillies, and often shrimp paste. The protein in the dish can be anything from chicken, beef, or goat, to sliced meatballs (bakso) or wieners for children.
Vegetables in Indonesian fried rice include chopped carrots and various greens.
Different kinds of nasi goreng
Depending on where you are in Indonesia, you may get a slightly different version of fried rice.
Nasi goreng Jawa
The Javanese would crush the above spice blend before frying it in the pan. This is traditionally done with a mortar and pestle. While proteins may vary, the staple ingredient in Javanese fried rice is sweet soy sauce.
Nasi goreng merah
This unique take on fried rice replaces sweet soy sauce with tomato sauce, contributing to the dish’s red hue. Originating from Makassar in the province of Sulawesi, nasi goreng merah or “red fried rice” includes proteins like sliced wieners, meatballs, and eggs.
Nasi goreng Bali
In Bali, fried rice is incredibly aromatic thanks to the rich blend of spices used. The Balinese spice blend include kefir leaves, shrimp paste, candlenut, bay leaves, turmeric, and chillies. As a result, Balinese fried rice is yellowish in colour. It’s often served with a side of sate lilit, a traditional Balinese fish satay.
Nasi goreng gila
More than just a meal, fried rice is also a comfort food. This particular kind is sold by street vendors and is only available in the evenings, making it a late night snack for many. It’s aptly named “gila” or “crazy” because of the wild mix of ingredients it contains: shredded chicken, sliced meatballs and wieners, gizzards, and an array of vegetables, all tossed in sweet soy sauce and fried until charred.
Is nasi goreng street food?
While locals will tell you that the best fried rice are the ones that come from street vendors, many mid-range and high-end restaurants have perfected the recipe to provide a more sophisticated touch to the classic dish.
For delicious nasi goreng in Bali, visit Merah Putih restaurant in Petitenget during lunch hours from 12:00 to 15:00. This Indonesian fine dining establishment offers elevated takes on the common nasi goreng. Your choice of protein include chicken and pork, with a vegetarian and vegan option available.
Book a table at Merah Putih restaurant and use these special gift vouchers.
FAQ
While fried rice may vary between provinces, vendors, and households, the base ingredients remain mostly the same. Rice is tossed in a pan with a spice blend of garlic, shallots, chillies, and often shrimp paste. The protein in the dish can be anything from chicken, beef, or goat, to sliced meatballs (bakso) or wieners for children. Vegetables in Indonesian fried rice include chopped carrots and various greens.
Nasi goreng normally served with a sunny side up egg and a side of crackers and freshly sliced cucumbers, topped with a generous amount of fried shallots.
Fried rice may contain vegetables such as carrots, greens, and cabbage.
In Bali, fried rice is incredibly aromatic thanks to the rich blend of spices used. The Balinese spice blend include kefir leaves, shrimp paste, candlenut, bay leaves, turmeric, and chillies. As a result, Balinese fried rice is yellowish in colour. It’s often served with a side of sate lilit, a traditional Balinese fish satay.
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