With more than 17,000 islands populated by more than 300 different ethnic groups, Indonesian cuisine has incredible breadth, depth and variety. Home of the original “Spice Islands”, Indonesia has been a culinary destination for centuries, sharing spices like nutmeg and clove with the rest of the world while absorbing and reimagining Indian, Chinese, Arabic, Thai and Dutch influences. Indonesian food boasts many unique flavours, textures and ingredients worth exploring, and tonight Chef Elita of NaiNai shares a few distinctive and authentic Indonesian recipes.
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Gado-Gado
A refined interpretation of Indonesia’s classic vegetable salad. Lightly blanched seasonal vegetables, fresh lettuce, tofu, cucumber, and corn are composed and dressed in a smooth traditional peanut-based dressing with delicate notes of sweetness and savoury depth.
Otak Otak
A popular Southeast Asian street food; fresh fish ground together with spices like chili, lemongrass, turmeric and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and often grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish. The result is tender and light, infused with fragrant aromas, and the spicy hit of Elita's accompanying homemade chili sambal.
[Vegan: Grilled tofu satay finished with sweet Indonesian soy sauce]
Ayam Goreng
In August 2023 ayam goreng was voted the #1 Fried Chicken Dish in the World by TasteAtlas, and for good reason. The chicken is gently pre-cooked with traditional Indonesian spices such as galangal, garlic, coriander, turmeric, shallots, lemongrass, and bay leaves, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat before being fried until golden, creating a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
[Vegan: Fried seasoned tempeh]
Nasi Kuning
This aromatic, golden rice dish infused with turmeric and coconut is traditionally served at celebrations. (It's sometimes called "party rice"). Accompanied by savoury and aromatic urap, steamed vegetables delicately coated with seasoned grated coconut, and hot chili sambal on the side.
Dadar Gulung
Soft pandan-infused crepes filled with sweetened grated coconut (unti). Lightly sweet, fragrant, and delicately textured.
Golden Fried Banana with Ice Cream
Ripe bananas lightly battered and fried until golden and crisp, offering a contrast of warm sweetness and delicate crunch. Served with ice cream (optional)
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Chef Elita learned her craft from several generations of family chefs; her grandmother founded a popular noodle restaurant in Central Jakarta that has been a local staple for over 3 decades, and now owns a noodle factory in Indonesia. Her Mother continued the restaurant business with Elita at her hip. Those indelible experiences have inspired Elita to bring her own authentic Indonesian meals to Toronto through NaiNai Indonesian Food, her Indonesian restaurant in the Village by the Grange foodcourt — that was recently featured in the Suresh Dosh's 2025 Incredible Edible Bucket List for Toronto Life. @nainai.indonesianfood
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Every weekend The Depanneur invites an amateur or professional guest chef to host a fun, informal dinner party. @thedepanneur
