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Summer in Jogja: Where Sweet Meets Spicy in a Bowl of Gudeg It was the height of the dry season when I stepped off the train in Yogyakarta . The air was warm and still, the sky a deep blue without a cloud in sight. Streets buzzed with life—artists sketching on sidewalks, batik shops with bold colors spilling into the alleys, and the distant hum of motorbikes weaving past becaks and tourists. It was just past noon, and the heat had settled like a blanket. My guide, a friendly local named Dimas, suggested we eat before heading to see the famous Prambanan Temple. He led me to a small warung tucked behind the Pasar Beringharjo, where the only English on the wall was "Spicy Chicken Gudeg – Very Local Taste." I’d heard of Gudeg before—a sweet jackfruit stew, slow-cooked in coconut milk until it melts in your mouth. But this version was different. It was served with spicy shredded chicken , thick sambal, and warm rice wrapped in banana leaves. The contrast between the caramel-li...

Indonesia is not only a paradise for travelers but also a treasure trove of culinary heritage. Among its vast variety of traditional dishes lies an ancient secret: many Indonesian recipes are packed with medicinal properties. Passed down from generation to generation, these dishes not only delight the taste buds but also nurture the body. In this article, we explore five Indonesian dishes known for their healing properties and provide simple tutorials to make them at home. 1. Jamu Kunyit Asam – The Turmeric Tamarind Tonic Health Benefits : Anti-inflammatory Detoxifying the liver Eases menstrual pain Boosts immunity Ingredients : 100g fresh turmeric root (peeled and chopped) 50g tamarind pulp 100g palm sugar (gula aren) 1L water A pinch of salt Tutorial : Boil the turmeric with water for 15–20 minutes. Strain the liquid into a pot. Add tamarind pulp, palm sugar, and salt. Simmer for another 10 minutes until sugar dissolves. Cool and store in a bottle. Can be serv...