When you eat in Indonesia you savor the essence of the country. The abundance of rice reflects Indonesia’s fertile landscape, the spices recall a time of trade and invasion, and the fiery chili echoes the passion of the people.
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Indonesian cuisine is really one big food swap. Chinese, Portuguese, colonists, and traders have all influenced the ingredients that appear at the Indonesian table, and the cuisine has been further shaped over time by the archipelago’s diverse landscape, people, and culture.
Men, women, and children usually eat together when there are no guests. When guests are present the men often eat together in the living room, while the women and children act as servants.
Muslim Indonesians have traditionally used their left “dirty” hand to take care of wiping their dirty body parts and other “unclean” bodily functions. As a result, Muslim Indonesians never eat or touch someone with their left hand.
There are many street vendors selling food, but people who purchase food should always sit to eat because it is considered inappropriate to eat while standing or walking on the street. Food is eaten usually quite rapidly and without speaking with the fingertips or with a spoon and fork.
Water is generally drunk only after the meal when men (rarely women) smoke their distinctive clove-scented kretek cigarettes. It is impolite to eat or drink until invited to do so by the host.
Finishing a drink implies the desire for the glass to be refilled. People often sit on the floor when they eat and wash their hands from a bowl before sitting to eat. Indonesians talk less at mealtime than Westerners.
Meals are considered to a time to savor over one’s food. Among some Indonesians talking is impolite while eating dinner. The conversation is reserved for before or after the meal.
Don’t touch the serving spoon to your plate and pass the dishes by holding them with your left hand and supporting them with your right-hand palm down. Always rise when your host/hostess enters the room.
Wait for a signal from your host to begin eating or drinking. Show that you are finished eating by crossing your fork and your spoon on your plate. Don’t blow your nose, clear your throat loudly.
Guests are expected to try everything and leave nothing on their plates. In some situations, they are expected to ask for multiple servings. Refusing food or leaving food on your plate is considered bad manners.
