September 22, 2025 | 01:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian cuisine has once again earned a top spot on the international culinary stage. TasteAtlas, an international platform that serves as a guide for traditional cuisine and culinary tourism, has unveiled its list for the World Food Awards 2024/2025. This curated list highlights 100 of the world's finest dishes, showcasing authentic traditional foods from various countries.
This year, Indonesia has earned a remarkable achievement by having five of its traditional dishes featured on the list. This accomplishment not only highlights the exceptional quality of Indonesian flavors but also confirms that Nusantara cuisine is increasingly gaining international recognition.
The inclusion of these signature Indonesian dishes on such a prestigious list demonstrates that Nusantara flavors can compete with well-known cuisines from culinary powerhouses like Japan, France, Italy, and South Korea.
Five Indonesian Dishes Among the Best
Here are the five Indonesian dishes that made the list:
Rawon
A specialty from East Java, Rawon secured a top-10 spot, ranking 8th globally with a rating of 4.62. This unique black beef soup, made with keluwek nuts, is praised for its rich, complex flavor. It is typically served with rice, bean sprouts, salted eggs, and chili paste. Rawon's popularity is not new; it was named the world's best soup by TasteAtlas in 2023.
Pempek
This Palembang specialty ranked 23rd with a rating of 4.54. Made from fish and tapioca flour, pempek is served with a distinctive sweet and sour vinegar sauce. It is a beloved dish in South Sumatra that is now gaining global recognition.
Nasi Goreng Ayam (Chicken Fried Rice)
Though a common dish, the Indonesian version of fried rice is celebrated for its unique blend of spices and cooking techniques. Its inclusion on the list proves that even everyday Indonesian food can captivate international palates.
Kecombrang Fried Rice recipe by Ida Saragih/Photo: Cantika/Ecka Pramita
Gulai
This golden-yellow curry, rich with spices, is a traditional dish often featuring beef, goat, or chicken. Its deep, savory flavor and aromatic spices distinguish it from similar dishes in other countries.
Rendang
The famous beef stew from West Sumatra once again made the list, ranking 67th with a score of 4.47. Known for its long cooking process with a complex array of spices, rendang is not only flavorful but also has a long shelf life. Its consistent international success showcases the enduring quality of Minangkabau cuisine.
Furthermore, TasteAtlas gave special attention to several cities in Indonesia. Jakarta, for example, secured the 16th position in the category of cities with the best local cuisine, even surpassing Kyoto, Japan.
Other cities such as Bandung, Surabaya, Solo, and Yogyakarta were also included on the list, demonstrating that the rich diversity of Indonesian cuisine is not confined to one area but is celebrated across various regions.
Mila Novita contributed to the report
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