Beef Rendang (rendang)

When CNN took a survey to come up with the world’s best foods, Indonesian rendang is the dish that took the number 1 spot. Although some things on the list (potato chips?) are questionable, I’m quite alright with rendang being the winner. Rendang is truly an outstandingly delicious Indonesian food.

Often made with beef, rendang is a dish that originates in the western part of Sumatra from the Minangkabau people, and is commonly served at Nasi Padang restaurants. Rendang is popular across Indonesia and also in Malaysia and Singapore.

There are two main variations of rendang, one that’s quite dry (this is supposedly the original authentic version), with all the spices coated onto the meat, and another that has a more of a curry gravy sauce to it. Both are fantastic, depending on your preference; I don’t think I can pick a favorite.

In order to make rendang, spices like cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and dry chilies, garlic, and shallots are cooked with the meat. Where the recipes differs from other curries is that one of the key ingredients is desiccated coconut, which gives the rendang curry a grainy texture of the dry coconut, mixed with all the incredible spice flavors.

Where: Again, this is a dish available at Nasi Padang restaurants throughout Indonesia. Rumah Makan Surya Masakan Padang; Address: Jalan Bendungan Hilir Raya No.15, Bendungan Hilir, Jakarta; Open hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily; Prices: I paid 165,000 IDR ($12.52) for a bunch of dishes.