5 Popular Foods in Indonesia During Ramadan

Ramadan in Indonesia isn’t just a time of fasting and reflection; it’s also a time when food plays a big role in bringing people together. As the sun sets and the call to prayer echoes, families gather to break their fast with heartwarming dishes. Across the archipelago, you’ll find tables loaded with special treats and traditional favorites that only make their grand appearance during this holy month.

Here are five of the most popular foods Indonesians enjoy during Ramadan:

1. Kolak

🧡 The Sweet Way to Break the Fast
Kolak is practically the signature dish for iftar (the meal to break the fast). This sweet dessert is made from slices of banana (pisang), sweet potato, and sometimes pumpkin, cooked in coconut milk with palm sugar and fragrant pandan leaves. Warm or chilled, kolak is a comforting first bite after a long day of fasting.

👉 Why it’s popular: It’s sweet, filling, and easy to digest, making it perfect for breaking the fast.

2. Es Buah (Fruit Cocktail)

🍓 Fresh, Cold, and Hydrating
After fasting in Indonesia’s tropical heat, nothing hits the spot like Es Buah. This refreshing drink is a colorful mix of chopped fruits like melon, papaya, pineapple, and avocado, often topped with shaved ice, syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Some versions include basil seeds or jelly for extra texture.

👉 Why it’s popular: It cools you down and helps rehydrate the body after fasting all day.

3. Gorengan (Fried Snacks)

🥟 Crispy Bites Everyone Loves
Gorengan refers to a variety of deep-fried snacks that are staples on the Ramadan table. Favorites include bakwan (vegetable fritters), tahu isi (stuffed tofu), tempe mendoan (thinly sliced tempeh), and risoles (stuffed pastry rolls). Street vendors selling piping hot gorengan are everywhere as Maghrib (sunset) approaches.

👉 Why it’s popular: Crispy, savory, and satisfying—gorengan is the ultimate comfort food to munch on after breaking the fast.

4. Kolak Pisang Ubi (Banana and Sweet Potato Stew)

🍌 A Ramadan Classic with a Twist
While similar to standard kolak, this version focuses on bananas and sweet potatoes. The ingredients are simmered in coconut milk and palm sugar until soft and tender, offering a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor. It’s often served warm, giving a sense of nostalgia for many Indonesians.

👉 Why it’s popular: Traditional and easy to make at home, it’s a favorite during family gatherings in Ramadan.

5. Bubur Sumsum

🥣 Soft, Silky, and Sweet
Bubur Sumsum is a silky smooth rice flour porridge served with a drizzle of palm sugar syrup. Sometimes it’s paired with black sticky rice (bubur ketan hitam) or mung beans (bubur kacang hijau). It’s light, sweet, and gentle on the stomach, making it a great choice for iftar.

👉 Why it’s popular: It’s simple yet delicious, and its soft texture is easy to digest after a day of fasting.

Ramadan in Indonesia is a season filled with spiritual reflection—and some of the most delicious traditional foods you can find. Whether you’re breaking your fast with kolak, sipping on Es Buah, or grabbing a handful of gorengan, these beloved dishes bring comfort, joy, and togetherness during the holy month.

If you want, I can add more dishes or even recipes! Any favorites you’d like to highlight?