Cultural discovery through Gado-Gado

Gado-Gado opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The sweet-savoury flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. Indonesian cuisine spans over 17,000 islands with dramatically different regional traditions. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.

I learned that coconut milk is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a Padang restaurant with displayed dishes setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. jamu herbal drink completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.