Vegan in Indonesia
Tempeh was invented here, tofu is everywhere, and coconut milk replaces dairy entirely. The main obstacles are shrimp paste (terasi) and fish sauce in sambals and stir-fries.
Plant-based friendliness
81
Dishes that are already plant-based
Gado-gado
Vegetables with peanut sauce — ask for no terasi.
Tempeh orek
Sweet-savoury fried tempeh.
Nasi goreng vegan
Fried rice without egg, shrimp paste or kecap with fish.
Sayur lodeh
Coconut vegetable stew.
Market staples
TempehTofuRiceCoconut milkPeanutsCassava leaves
Phrases to use
- Saya vegan
- I am vegan.
- Tanpa terasi
- Without shrimp paste.
- Tanpa telur
- Without egg.
Watch out for
- Shrimp paste in sambal
- Fish sauce in stir-fries
- Egg in fried rice and noodles
Questions people ask
Is tempeh always vegan?
Plain tempeh is fermented soybeans only. Prepared tempeh dishes may be cooked with shrimp paste.