Nasi kucing is a unique and iconic Indonesian street food, a rice dish originating from Central Java, especially popular in cities like Yogyakarta, Solo, and Semarang. The name translates literally to "cat rice" (nasi = rice, kucing = cat), which refers not to the ingredients, but to the portion size — small enough to be a meal for a cat.
Nasi Kucing consists of a small scoop of rice served with simple toppings, usually wrapped in a banana leaf or brown paper. Common toppings include sambal, dried anchovies (teri), tempeh, shredded chicken, oseng-oseng (stir-fried vegetables), or sometimes a dollop of chili-fried tuna (abon or tongkol).
Nasi bogana is a traditional rice dish originating from Tegal, Central Java. The dish is prepared by spreading a wide banana leaf, then topping it with steamed white rice and fried shallots. The combination is then topped with side dishes such as dendeng (shredded meat), chili sambal, hard-boiled eggs, opor ayam (white chicken curry), fried chicken liver, tempeh, or string beans.
A smaller banana leaf is placed on top, the dish is wrapped and steamed to keep warm. Nasi bogana can be found at numerous warungs (street food restaurants). It's also a staple at weddings and similar celebrations. Pair nasi bogana with hot or iced black tea on the side.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Ketupat are unique Asian rice cakes, prepared and sold in traditional woven containers made out of palm, coconut, or pandan leaves. Although they appear in numerous shapes and sizes, the most common variety is the cube-shaped ketupat, resembling a tiny woven basket.
When the pouch is completed, the rice is securely sealed inside, and the whole packet is usually boiled in water, or occasionally in a mixture of coconut milk and water. After they have been boiled, the cakes need to be chilled, and because of their distinct texture they can easily be cut into slices.
MOST ICONIC Ketupat
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Nasi timbel is a traditional Sundanese dish from West Java that features steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves and served with a variety of savory accompaniments. The name "timbel" refers to the method of rolling hot rice tightly inside banana leaves, a practice that not only keeps the rice warm but also infuses it with a subtle, earthy aroma.
The rice, typically white or sometimes red, is the central element and is usually paired with a variety of side dishes such as fried or grilled chicken, fried tofu and tempeh, salted fish, or occasionally fried duck. These proteins are often accompanied by a generous helping of sambal terasi, a spicy chili sauce made with shrimp paste, and lalapan — a raw vegetable assortment that may include cucumber, tomatoes, cabbage, long beans, and fresh basil leaves.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.