Mirella Pandjaitan
May 26, 2025
Indonesian delicacy is a decadent, fearlessly expressive symphony of spices, textures, as well as regional traditions that turns every bite into a culinary adventure. The heavy-hitters are none other than rendang, nasi goreng, martabak, bakso, and the list goes on… But, what about Indonesia's most bizarre local eats?
Beyond the mainstream lies a bold and beguiling realm of flavours that often dance on the edge of taboo. This other side is not for the fainthearted and especially picky eaters—we’re addressing those who have no issue having their stomachs turn, similar to Andrew Zimmern in his hit TV show, “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern”. If you’ve never watched an episode, the essence of his 13-season spectacle is travelling to different countries and trying unusual items from the local food scene, which most might consider bizarre and even disgusting.
Now’s the chance for you to channel your inner gastronomical adventurer.
Each Indonesian dish, both typical and unusual, expresses tales, rituals, and defiant celebrations of tradition that locals hold dearly. It’s not just about cultural pride, it’s their identity.
For the curious expat or food-lover, these bizarre local eats are irresistible invitations to taste the untamed. Their shocking ingredients or curious names are a testament to Indonesia’s deep, diverse culinary roots and fearless approach to food. And who knows? What starts as a dare might just become a craving.
Dare to dine on Indonesia’s most bizarre local eats? Below, we explore some of Indonesia’s wildest — yet oddly treasured — culinary creations. Consider yourself warned: this list doesn’t hold back.
Ampo
There’s clay you can snack on, and it’s a traditional snack from Tuban, East Java. Ampo is sourced from clean earth, kneaded into a dough, sliced thin, and smoked until firm. Locals swear by it for curing stomach problems. Think of it as nature’s Tums… with a twist. Who knew edible clay could be medicinal?
Botok Tawon
Wasp nest in banana leaves is a beloved dish in Banyuwangi, East Java. Wasps (stingers, larvae, and all) are spiced and steamed in banana leaves. Packed with protein and antioxidants, the dish is revered for both its flavour and its cultural significance, often served during religious celebrations.
Ketupat Jembut
This rice cake with a bold visual hailing from Semarang, Central Java, has a playful name—that is, if your Bahasa Indonesia has reached the top level (which loosely references pubic hair). Back to the dish! The rice cake features a vertical slit, filled with vegetables, such as bean sprouts and cabbage. These days, during Eid al-Fitr’, families sometimes tuck money inside for kids — transforming it into a symbol of blessings, generosity, and, yes, a little naughtiness.
Kue Kontol Sapi
Despite the eyebrow-raising name (it translates to "cow penis cake"), rest assured this is a sweet treat, not an anatomical curiosity. Native to Cilegon, Banten, this crispy snack is made from glutinous rice and coconut, deep-fried and drizzled with brown sugar. Crunchy on the outside and chewy inside — it’s a cheeky snack best enjoyed with coffee and a sense of humour.
Sate Biawak
Biawak, or monitor lizard, is grilled into satay, similar to Thailand’s famed crocodile meat on a stick. Found in Jakarta, Denpasar, and beyond, this reptilian delicacy is chewy, spicy, and packed with purported health benefits. Locals claim it boosts vitality and cures ailments from chest pains to fatigue. But due to the animal’s fangs and forbidden status in some religious circles, it's not a dish for everyone.
Tikus Panggang
Hailing from Tomohon, North Sulawesi, tikus panggang is exactly what it sounds like: a whole rat, skewered and grilled over open flames. But don’t recoil just yet — these aren’t sewer dwellers. These are wild rats, caught in nearby forests, feasting on fruit and roots, not city trash. Often slathered in spicy rica-rica sauce and butter oil, this smoky delicacy is surprisingly popular and even considered a treat for special occasions.
Torpedo Kambing
Unlike the name-play pastries above, torpedo kambing is exactly what it claims to be: grilled or stir-fried goat testicles, often served with spicy rica-rica. A popular delicacy in Bantul, Yogyakarta, it’s rich in protein, iron, and B12 — and widely believed to be an aphrodisiac. It’s bold, it’s bouncy, and it’s not for the faint of heart (or palette).
Ulat Sagu
Straight from the forests of Papua are the fat, white caterpillars found inside rotting sago trees. Ulat sagu can be eaten raw, wriggling, or sautéed with veggies for a crunchy-soft contrast. Packed with amino acids, they’re considered a nutritional powerhouse — and a daring delicacy that blurs the line between food and fear factor.