Why you need to try Indonesian food in the Netherlands

Summary

Rice table, or rijsttafel, is a Dutch culinary tradition rooted in Indonesia's colonial past. Despite its popularity in the Netherlands, it's less common in Indonesia. Helena Smit, of Indo-Dutch descent, explores the history and evolution of Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands, from the influence of colonialism to the fusion of flavors in local snacks and restaurants. The video delves into the cultural significance of dishes like kuek lapis and spekkoek, and how the legacy of the Dutch-Indonesian relationship is preserved through food.

Takeaways

• 🍚 The rice table (rijsttafel) is a popular feast style in the Netherlands, but it originated in Indonesia.
• 🇮🇩 Rijsttafel is not as common in Indonesia as it is in the Netherlands, where it is part of the Indo-Dutch cuisine.
• 🍽️ The Netherlands has nearly 400 Indonesian and Indo-Dutch restaurants and shops, known as 'tokos.'
• 🗺️ Indonesian cuisine became popular in the Netherlands due to Indonesia being a Dutch colony for almost 350 years.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Many Indo-Dutch people today are exploring their colonial heritage and family roots, creating renewed interest in Indonesian culture.
• 🌍 Rijsttafel represents the colonial legacy of the Dutch, with dishes from different Indonesian islands brought together by chefs.
• 🍬 Popular Indonesian snacks include kue lapis, spekkoek, and other sweet and savory items like rissoles and lumpia.
• 🍟 Indonesian flavors have influenced Dutch snack bars, like serving fries with peanut sauce, though this may differ from Indonesian taste preferences.
• 🍛 Bami patties, now a typical Dutch snack, originated from leftover Indonesian dishes like bami goreng and nasi goreng.
• 🌶️ Authentic Indonesian dishes like rendang are famous for their spice, but Indo-Dutch versions in the Netherlands may not always match the spiciness of the originals.

Q & A

What is a 'Rice Table' or 'rijsttafel'?

Rijsttafel is a typical style of feast served on special occasions in the Netherlands, featuring a variety of Indonesian dishes, even though it is not very common in Indonesia itself.

How many Indonesian and Indo-Dutch restaurants are there in the Netherlands?

There are almost 400 Indonesian and Indo-Dutch restaurants in the Netherlands.

Who is Helena Smit and what does she do?

Helena Smit is the daughter of an Indonesian mother from Palembang and she runs 'Indofoodtours' in The Hague.

Why is Indonesian cuisine popular in Dutch culture?

Indonesian cuisine is popular in Dutch culture due to the historical connection as Indonesia was a Dutch colony for nearly 350 years, and many Indonesians fled to the Netherlands after the country's independence.

How did the Dutch colonial past influence Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands?

The Dutch colonial past influenced Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands by introducing a variety of Indonesian dishes and spices, which were part of the spice trade that originated in present-day Indonesia.

What are some typical Indonesian snacks mentioned in the script?

Typical Indonesian snacks mentioned include kuek lapis, koningskroon, spekkoek, rissoles, lumpia, and pastels.

What is unique about the snacks sold in the Indonesian 'tokos' in the Netherlands?

The snacks sold in Indonesian 'tokos' in the Netherlands are unique because they include a variety of sweets and pastries made with spices and flavors that are not commonly found in Indonesian snacks.

How have Indonesian flavors been adapted in Dutch snack bars?

Indonesian flavors have been adapted in Dutch snack bars by offering items like fries with peanut sauce, although the peanut sauce is described as more like warmed-up peanut butter rather than the spicy Indonesian version.

What is the origin of the deep-fried bami patties?

The deep-fried bami patties are based on the Indonesian noodle dish bami goreng, originating from Indo-Dutch people who repurposed leftovers from bami and nasi goreng.

Who is Ibu Lapek and what is her connection to Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands?

Ibu Lapek is a famous figure in the Netherlands known for serving authentic Indonesian food. The owner of Waroeng Padang Lapek, she prepares dishes from the island of Sumatra, using authentic Indonesian ingredients and flavors.

Why do some Dutch people think Indonesian rendang is not spicy enough?

Some Dutch people think Indonesian rendang is not spicy enough because the authentic rendang is meant to be spicy, and the versions served in the Netherlands are often toned down to suit local tastes.