INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL CULINARY: Nasi Krawu

Nasi Krawu - Recipe | (with English subtitles)

Just click Devina Hermawan's Youtube Channel https://youtu.be/RqWZDGZVChg

As you embark on a culinary tour across the diverse Indonesian archipelago, there's a good chance you might lose your way in the labyrinth of delectable dishes, each telling its own unique story. One such tale begins in the coastal city of Gresik, located in the East Java Province. A dish that beautifully represents this region's rich cultural heritage and vibrant food scene is the delicious Nasi Krawu.

Indonesian cuisine is noted for its exceptional use of locally sourced ingredients and bold, complex flavors. Every dish bears the imprint of the area's unique cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics. Nasi Krawu, in particular, holds such a special place in the hearts and palates of the locals that it has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Government.

The term 'Nasi' means rice in Bahasa Indonesia and serves as the foundation for countless meals across the archipelago. 'Krawu,' on the other hand, is a term used in Gresik that indicates a heap or pile of rice, alluding to the generous serving size of this dish. Served on a banana leaf, which adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish, Nasi Krawu is accompanied by a medley of side dishes that create an orchestra of flavors.

These side dishes typically include a beef cutlet, meat stew, beef offal, and serundeng (a mix of grated coconut and spices). However, the true soul of Nasi Krawu lies in the 'sambal petis' and 'sambal terasi' served alongside it. 'Sambal' is a type of hot sauce or paste made from a mixture of chili peppers and other ingredients, and it is a staple of Indonesian cuisine. In the case of Nasi Krawu, 'sambal petis' is a dark, richly flavored sambal made from fermented shrimp paste, while 'sambal terasi' is a fiery, fragrant sambal made with a different kind of shrimp paste.

Interestingly, Nasi Krawu is a dish that showcases the dynamic nature of culinary traditions. While it initially evolved from Madurese rice (a cuisine from Madura Island in East Java), it has since undergone numerous adaptations to suit the local taste of Gresik. This evolution of Nasi Krawu tells a fascinating story of how food traditions can change and adapt over time, absorbing influences from different cultures and adjusting to local tastes.

Moreover, the story of Nasi Krawu is an embodiment of Gresik's rich history as a bustling port city and a vital trading post for centuries. The diversity of its culinary landscape, with dishes like Nasi Krawu, showcases the myriad influences of traders from far and wide, making Gresik's cuisine a delicious blend of indigenous and foreign flavors.

Today, Nasi Krawu is more than just a popular dish in Gresik; it's a cultural symbol, a culinary tradition passed down through generations, and an emblem of the city's rich history and diversity. As you savor this sumptuous dish, you're not only indulging in a gastronomic delight but also partaking in a culinary tradition that encapsulates the essence of Gresik's vibrant culture and history.

So why not try your hand at creating this delightful dish at home? With Devina Hermawan's easy-to-follow recipe, you too can experience the authentic taste of East Java right in your kitchen. As you prepare and enjoy Nasi Krawu, remember that each ingredient

, each flavor, and each aroma is a tribute to Gresik's rich cultural heritage. And most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the journey as much as the destination because, in the world of food, the process of cooking is just as enriching as the pleasure of eating. Bon appétit!