Street food. It’s something as Asian and as authentic as it gets. But what should you eat? And how do you avoid your stomach protesting a few hours later? Whether you’re heading to Lake Toba or elsewhere in Indonesia, keep reading. Hotel Barbara is here with the best street food tips!
The golden rule: follow the locals
Street food comes in all shapes and sizes, from dazzling setups to run-down stalls. Look past appearances; it’s all about taste. To navigate this world, remember one golden rule: follow the locals! If you see the local population enjoying a meal or receive a recommendation, you’re in the right place. If not, keep exploring; the options are vast.
The classic: Bakso
When asked what he remembers from his Indonesian childhood, President Obama’s answer was simple: Bakso. And it’s no wonder; the soup with noodles, beef balls (sometimes fish and tofu balls are available), and flavorful broth is simply delightful. You’ll often spot Bakso vendors with a scooter and a sidecar. That sidecar holds a complete kitchen, and they might even have small stools, transforming any spot into a makeshift dining area. It’s straightforward: flag down a passing Bakso vendor and place your order. Enjoy!
Fruit salad: Rujak
For a tasty snack, try Rujak. It’s a fruit salad featuring various fruits. Vendors also ride scooters, with a glass cabinet filled with delicious fruits at the back. You can choose your preferred fruits or let them surprise you. Typically, it comes with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, but you can request it without if you prefer.
Satay: a unique experience
In Indonesia is eating satay a special experience! In a mobile stall, there’s a small barbecue. The enticing aroma of grilled chicken (sometimes shrimp, tofu, or beef) wafts from it. Your satay comes with a delicious, slightly spicy peanut sauce and lontong, sticky rice. Bon appétit!
Where to eat?
As mentioned, many street food stalls roam around, but there are well-known routes where they’re often found. Hotel Barbara can provide you with the inside scoop! And for families and groups, we make it even easier: we can arrange for street food to come right to our hotel!
In conclusion, make street food a part of your Indonesia trip!