bakedbean

I'm slightly clueless. I imagine there must be quite a diversity, Indonesia being such a diverse and different country.

There's some criss-cross with Malay food I believe. Is Rendang Malay or Indon?

ex reg

Don't believe there's a definitive answer to this.

Same as which Malaysian State 'invented' Rendang.

Although we haven't been to Indonesia for some time I do like the food there as in many cases it's still traditional rather than a lot of stuff in Malaysia which has changed albeit slightly due to cooks nowdays taking the easy way out rather than making sauces etc with individual ingredients.

And don't mention the travesty that is 'local' Singaporean cooking.

Davita

Indonesia and Malaysia have many criss-crossings in history.
A read of history will provide the distinctions of gastronomy.
Malaysia has seen much diverse influence, in almost every aspect, from India/Pakistan/China than has Indonesia.....due to connections to UK and it's institutions like Government, Court, Banking systems... etc.

Indonesia, under Dutch, did not have that opportunity and independance created a xenophobic and nationalist view that is...imo... unsustainable
They created a constitution called Pancasila (for everyone) but is trending towards Islam religion as the political force...much like I see in Malaysia.

bakedbean

Well, totally off topic, but I beg to differ. Malaysia also has diversity. I imagine Indonesia does?? Bali is I believe more Indian than Muslim?

And, fact is, Penang is very predominantly Chinese and vast majority Christian and/or Buddhist. Quite a few of my Chinese friends are both. I don't think that will change.


But.... what about Balinese food? In one of my numerous cookbooks I have a recipe for Balinese Pork. Think.... ginger, soy sauce, onions, lime. Yum.

Davita

I suggest most Indonesians believe that Rendang is an Indonesian dish created by the Menangkabau people of Sumatra. My in-law neice made us 2 kilos to bring back to Bali where it will be the main dish at a dinner party we will host on Saturday.

Roast Pork is called Babi Guling here in Bali but pork is rare to find in Java or Sumatra...as it's haram to Islam. Whereas, to the Bali Hindu, cow meat is not popular.

Some info here...adventurefood: Babi Guling - Balinese Suckling Pig

bakedbean

What time is kick off?

ex reg

India has many religions.
The main one in Bali is Hindu???? Therefore the pork preponderance.

bakedbean

True . My mistake. Slaps wrist. Mixing race and nationality. Sigh.