Do Indonesians Like Eating Taro Balls for Iftar? 10 Authentic Indonesian Iftar Foods Uncovered (2024 Newest Edition)

In Indonesia, Ramadan is one of the most important religious holidays of the year, lasting for a month. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. In the evening, when the sun begins to set and the day's fast is coming to an end, people eagerly await "iftar," the time to break the fast.

Do you know what are the common iftar foods (takjil) during Ramadan in Indonesia? During Ramadan, I often see small vendors selling cups of sweet soup on the streets of Indonesia. I want to have a cup but I don’t know how to say it in Indonesian? Let Claire introduce to you 10 unique Indonesian iftar delicacies, including various Indonesian desserts and fried foods. She also encourages everyone to learn Indonesian!

1. Es Pisang Ijo (Green Banana Ice)

This is a green banana roll ice product originating from Makassar, and it is the number one ice product in Indonesia! Use coconut milk as a base, top with syrup and enjoy with ice .

2. Es Buah (Fruit Mixed Ice)

This refreshing ice cream is combined with a variety of fresh fruits and different toppings, making it a great way to cool down in the summer and is highly nutritious.

3. Es Teler (avocado jackfruit mixed ice)

This is an ice product mixed with avocado, jackfruit, and coconut meat. It has a smooth and chewy texture and a rich texture. It is very popular among Indonesians.

4. Bubur Ketan Hitam (Purple Rice Dew with Coconut Milk)

This is a traditional Indonesian sweet porridge, a sweet soup made from purple rice and coconut milk. Purple rice is also known as "blood-tonifying rice" and is rich in natural nutritional pigments and tryptophan. It is especially popular among those who love health. Indonesian girls welcome!

5. Biji Salak (Coconut Milk Taro Balls)

Does it look familiar? In fact, sweet potato delicacies are also popular in Indonesia like Taiwan. The taro balls are super tender and delicious. The essential essence is the pandan leaves that make the taste richer. When paired with coconut milk, it brings out a different Nanyang flavor.

6. Kurma (date palm)

Dates are known as one of the most nutritious dry fruits and can be found in every supermarket during Ramadan. Muslims like to eat dates as a snack before breaking their fast. Many people even carry dates while stuck in traffic to cope with sudden hunger pangs.


7. Martabak Telur (omelet)

Martabak, Indonesia’s favorite national snack, is available in both sweet and savory versions. The salty version is an omelette-like snack with a crispy crust and a filling filled with chopped green onions and spices.

8. Tempe Mendoan (fried tempeh)

In recent years, tempeh has become a new favorite in the vegetarian world. Fried tempeh pancakes are as crispy and soft as hash browns. They are so satisfying when dipped in sambal! It originated in Java and has high nutritional value. It is the choice of Indonesian people to satisfy their hunger.

9. Pastel (Curry Samosa)

If you have ever traveled to Singapore, you must have eaten curry puffs. The difference is that the Indonesian version usually uses potatoes , rice noodles and mixed vegetables as fillings, and then the store will add a few green chili peppers, allowing you to bite the chili while eating the curry samosas, and it will be so spicy in an instant.

10. Risol (fried spring rolls)

They look like spring rolls, but are made and taste slightly different. They are usually fried in bread crumbs and made of chicken and vegetable fillings. Some people also like to wrap ham or cheese.

After introducing the Iftar delicacies, Claire also called on everyone to be more supportive and understanding of the Muslim friends around them during Ramadan. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims, and they learn to abstain from temptation through Ramadan. We should give these Muslim friends more tolerance and care so that they can complete their fasting practice with peace of mind.

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