Balinese Food: Some Balinese Culinary Treats you have to Try

By: Prima Frambawati

Visiting Bali is simply not complete if you don’t explore the Balinese cuisine. The Indonesian stereotype is that Balinese are too busy performing the many daily Hinduistic rituals and traditions to cook. Actually the opposite is true. Food often takes the center stage during ceremonies and celebrations.

Balinese food is known for its spiciness and enthusiastic use of bold flavors. The basa gede is an essential Balinese spice paste that consists of different spices for different dishes. It always incorporates sweet, salty, sour and spicy ingredients. Just like everything else in Bali, it’s all about the balance and harmony between these flavors.

These are some essential Balinese dishes and tips on where to enjoy them.

Thai Green Papaya Salad Recipe

By: Emma Kwee

Ahhh… time for a refreshing Thai style papaya salad. Som Tam as it is called in Thailand, is great as a side dish or even as a crunchy healthy lunch. The typical well balanced Thai flavor that incorporates sweet, sour, spicy and salty tones hits every taste bud spoon after spoon. You need to get your hands on a green (unripe) papaya instead of a ripe one (the fruit should be firm and an even shade of green).

Other essentials are a grater and a mortar and pestle, because we have some pounding to do before serving up our papaya salad!

Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf

By: Jack Lato

Overcome your petty associations though and you will notice that ikan mas are quite enak (tasty)! Delicious and aromatic,this dish is fantastic to serve family and friends. Opening the banana leaves is almost like opening a present. You can of course also use other fish, such as tuna, cod, trout and so on.

Mie Aceh Recipe

By: Kafil Yamin

Get somebody to chat about Aceh’s separatism or political issues, he or she might instantly frown or shrug off in reluctance. But take him/her to taste the Aceh noodle, you’ll get a smile and exciting response. And if you like to impress people, make the Mie Aceh yourself. It will be a flurry of fun. But make sure your fellows have an appetite for spicy grub. Go to a nearby Asian Market, and you’ll find all the necessary ingredients.

Begedil Recipe

By: Erna Dyanty

One of the many snacks I love to make is the Begedil. Potato patties with minced meat. Variations of this patty are found in several Southeast Asian countries. In Indonesia they make Pergadel kentang (potato) or Pergadel jagung (corn patties). This recipe comes from my grandmother, which makes it extra nice ;-)

Sweet potatoe and Corn Pudding

By: Erna Dyanty

Ramadhan is the month that families come together to break the  fasting. It is also during this time, recipes are shared between mothers and daughters. This year I've been fortunate to have my mother in-law share her delicious sweet potato and corn pudding recipe with me and in the spirit of Ramadhan, I will now share it with you!

Roti Jala (Net-Like Pancakes) Recipe

By: Erna Dyanty

Roti Jala is a favourite snack, especially in Ramadhan. Almost every kuih stall would sell this think pancakes served with chicken curry. Sold in the markets for about RM3.50 for a pack of 5. To achieve the net like effect, you can either use your fingers and in a clock wise motion - you drip the batter onto a hot pan. You can also use a laddle with holes. Roti Jala is a favourite snack, especially in Ramadhan. Almost every kuih stall would sell this think pancakes served with chicken curry. Sold in the markets for about RM3.50 for a pack of 5.To achieve the net like effect, you can either use your fingers and in a clock wise motion - you drip the batter onto a hot pan. You can also use a laddle with holes.

Tahu Isi Recipe

By: Chandra Drews

One of my favourite childhood snacks, this stuffed tofu dish is one of the main starts of Indonesian fried street food (gorengan). I mean think about it for a minute, it's fried tofu, hollowed out in the middle, stuff with veggie goodness, sealed up with batter, and then deep fried again for a second time. Indonesian street food at its finest...

And since we at Latitudes are oh-so-nice people, here is the recipe for you to try at home:

Kuih Cara Berlauk Recipe (Malaysian Mince Beef Dumplings)

By: Erna Dyanty

Kuih cara berlauk is a Malay inspired dumpling cooked on a hot plate like the Japanese style dumplings called Takoyaki. It’s a savoury snack that can be prepared for breakfast or tea. Suitable to serve during special occasions. It is also great served as appetizer during a fancy party.

If you have a special takoyaki pan, use that, if not use any flat frying pan.

Ayam Kecap Manis Recipe

By: Chef Heroe

Chicken with kecap! One of Indonesia’s all time favorite dishes. Crunchy, tasty chicken, sweet soy sauce…a combination made in…well a simple pot actually, and within 45 minutes!

Chef Heroe shows you how to make this delicious Ayam Kecap manis!