Being vegetarian at home is pleasant, but when it comes to traveling, things become a bit more complicated and eating according to our lifestyle becomes a real challenge. But don't worry, vegetarians will always find their happiness during a stay in Indonesia! It is indeed very easy to find meat-free dishes throughout the Indonesian archipelago since vegetables and fruits are often given pride of place. We're sharing all our tips in this article for eating vegetarian in Indonesia and thus traveling with peace of mind!

Indonesia, a land of a thousand flavors

The staple foods in Indonesia remain rice, banana, coconut, peanut, and soy. You'll find very few dishes that don't contain one of these ingredients. The choice of meat depends greatly on the region you're in and the religion that predominates there. But rest assured, meat dishes are very often kept separate from vegetable-based ones.

As a general rule, vegetables are much cheaper and Indonesians are great consumers of them. Green vegetables, carrots, squash, cabbage, and more are very present in their dishes. These are most often stir-fried, cooked in a wok, or steamed. A real treat for lovers of vegetables and healthy foods!

Those who adore fruit will see Indonesia as a little paradise of flavors. Mangoes, bananas, citrus, pineapples… The Indonesian archipelago cultivates many varieties of fruit. It's also the perfect opportunity to taste local specialties like durian, rambutan, or markisa (passion fruit)! A guaranteed explosion of flavors!

Pineapple at a Bali market

The same goes for desserts since they are generally prepared with rice flour, rice, tapioca, coconut, or palm sugar. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to try es campur, made with shaved ice, colored gelatin, fruit, and coconut milk. Very refreshing when it's hot!

Indonesians are also very fond of tempe, cakes made from fermented and fried soy. They notably use peanuts to prepare their sauces. If you've had enough of rice, also opt for noodles as a side dish, called mie in Indonesian. Some islands notably prefer other starches such as corn or millet.

Our tips for eating well as a vegetarian in Indonesia

Fruit and vegetable stands at a Bali market

If you wish and have the opportunity to cook for yourself, nothing stops you from visiting a local market and choosing your fruits and vegetables to prepare them your way. This would give you a wonderful glimpse into local culture and allow you to immerse yourself in the daily life of Indonesians.

However, don't forget that you'll always find a warung (small street restaurant) that will easily offer vegetable dishes kept separate from meat dishes. In Java, food is generally sweeter than in Bali or Sumatra, where the population prefers more spiced dishes.

No matter which Indonesian island you find yourself on, don't hesitate to go for vegetable dishes like gado gado or cap cai.

Nowadays, most restaurants and hotels offer vegetarian dishes on their menus. It will therefore be easier for you to eat what you want. We also recommend visiting the website: https://www.happycow.net/, which lists many vegan or vegetarian Indonesian restaurants.

If you're going on excursions with an English-speaking guide, also inform them of your dietary preferences—they will always ensure that your meals match your expectations.

Be aware that most Indonesian dishes are very spicy and Indonesians love spicy foods. If you're not used to spices, don't hesitate to tell your hosts. They will prepare and serve you mild dishes that you'll surely enjoy!

Display of spices used in Indonesian cuisine

A bit of Indonesian vocabulary

• Nasi: rice
• Mie: noodles
• Ayam: chicken
• Udang: shrimp
• Sapi: beef
• Kambing: lamb
• Ikan: fish
• Pisang: banana
• Sayur: vegetables
• Telur: egg
• Susu: milk

You now have all the tools you need to enjoy a pleasant stay in Indonesia while treating yourself well!