As a third-culture kid (TCK), born and raised in Indonesia, I have been blessed with an amazing array of tasty foods during my childhood. One of those great tasty dishes has been the great rujak tofu. This dish which originates out of Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia .
Let’s now explore rujak tofu in greater detail to gain a deeper understanding of this unique Indonesian dish.
Overview of Rujak Tofu in Palembang
Rujak Tofu is made by mixing fried tofu cubes with a sauce made from a blend of chili, tamarind, brown sugar, salt, and shrimp paste. The mixture is then served with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber, pineapple, papaya, mango, and bean sprouts, and topped with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds.
Rujak Tofu is known for its bold and complex flavors, combining sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements. It is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. It is also considered a healthy and nutritious dish, due to its high protein and fiber content from the tofu and vegetables.
If you’re traveling to Indonesia as a tourist and you’ve never tasted rujak before, you’re in for a treat! One of the things that makes rujak so unique is the complexity of its flavors. The sweet and sour notes of the fruits are balanced out by the spiciness of the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Rujak is also a great way to experience the tropical flavors of Indonesia and to taste some of the country’s most beloved fruits.
As a child growing up in Indonesia, my brothers and I would stop by the little food stalls on the side of a busy road. We would grab an order of rujak wrapped in banana leaves and have that as a snack before finishing our journey home from school.
We were tempted to get seconds but knew if we weren’t hungry for dinner, mom would be upset with us and give us a good scolding. But, at times that scolding was worth it for that second helping of scrumptious rujak with a good heap of sambal.
(Side note – Sambal is a spicy sauce or condiment that is commonly used in Indonesian, Malaysian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. The sauce is made from a combination of chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lime juice, vinegar, and other ingredients, which are ground into a smooth paste or chunky sauce. The spiciness level of sambal can vary from mild to extremely hot, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.)
Health Benefits of Rujak Tofu
There are several potential health benefits associated with eating rujak tofu (unless you are like me and love to pile on the peanut sauce). Here are a few:
- Good source of protein: Tofu is a plant-based protein source that is often used in rujak tofu. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Low in fat and calories: Rujak tofu is typically made with minimal amounts of oil and is therefore a low-fat and low-calorie option compared to other Indonesian dishes.
- High in fiber: Rujak tofu usually contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of dietary fiber. Fiber can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: The fruits and vegetables used in rujak tofu are high in various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. These nutrients can help support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Ingredients and preparation
Here is how you can make your own rujak tofu dish at home.
Ingredients:
300 grams of tofu, cut into small cubes
2 cups of bean sprouts
1/2 cucumber, peeled and cut into small pieces
1/2 sweet potato, boiled and cut into small pieces
1/2 pineapple, peeled and cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, coarsely ground
3 tablespoons of tamarind pulp, dissolved in 1/4 cup of water
1 tablespoon of palm sugar
2 red chilies, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Water, as needed
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, stir-fry the bean sprouts, cucumber, sweet potato, and pineapple for 1-2 minutes, or until they are slightly softened.
In a separate bowl, combine the tamarind water, palm sugar, ground peanuts, chilies, garlic, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
Add the paste to the pan and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are coated in the sauce.
Add the fried tofu to the pan and stir gently to combine.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.
Serve the rujak tofu immediately, garnished with some additional chopped peanuts and chilies (sambal) if desired.
Rujak Tofu Throughout Indonesia
Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of population and size. That means rujak tofu has a variety of different variations and flavors.
Here are some unique flavors of rujak tofu that you can find in different parts of Indonesia:
- Rujak Cingur from Surabaya: This version of rujak tofu is known for its unique blend of flavors, which comes from the use of cingur, or boiled cow’s nose cartilage. The dish also includes tofu, tempeh, and a spicy sauce made from chili, shrimp paste, and tamarind. This is the one of my favorites growing up in Indonesia.
- Rujak Tahu Kupat from Yogyakarta: In this version, the tofu is mixed with ketupat, or steamed rice cakes, and served with a sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, chili, and garlic.
- Rujak Juhi (dried or smoked squid) from Jakarta: This version of rujak tofu features dried squid, or juhi, as one of the main ingredients. The dish is typically served with a sauce made from palm sugar, tamarind, chili, and lime juice.
- Rujak To’ak from Makassar: In this variety, the tofu is mixed with noodles, eggs, and various vegetables such as bean sprouts, cucumber, and lettuce. The dish is served with a spicy sauce made from chili, tamarind, and palm sugar.
- Rujak Bebek (duck) from Bali: This version features duck meat as one of the main ingredients. The dish is typically served with a sauce made from chili, tamarind, palm sugar, and shrimp paste.
Brief history of Palembang
The city of Palembang is located on the southern part of the island of Sumatra.
The island of Sumatra is known for many things such as:
- great surfing on the western side of the island
- great wildlife like the Sumatran tiger and proboscis monkey.
- and one can’t forget the great Lake Toba, the world’s largest crater lake as well as being the largest lake in all Southeast Asia.
The city of Palembang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, with a rich history dating back over 1,300 years. The city was a major center of the Srivijaya Kingdom. It was a powerful maritime empire that controlled much of Southeast Asia from the 7th to the 13th century. During this time, Palembang was an important trading hub for spices, textiles, and other goods.
Over the centuries, Palembang has been ruled by various empires and kingdoms, including the Majapahit Empire, the Sultanate of Demak, and the Dutch East Indies Company. The city also played a significant role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule that began in the early 20th century and lasted till the late 1940s.
Today, Palembang is known for its rich cultural heritage, as well as its delicious cuisine. Rujak Tofu, which is a popular local dish, is just one example of the many delicious foods that can be found in Palembang.
The city is also home to numerous historical sites and landmarks, including the Great Mosque of Palembang, the Ampera Bridge, and the Kuto Besak Fortress. Additionally, Palembang is an important center for industry, trade, and education in Indonesia, with a vibrant economy and a growing population.
Where to Find Rujak Tofu in Palembang
When you are visiting Palembang, you will be able to easily find great rujak tofu dish throughout this great city. If you are currently searching for one, you may want to consider checking out the following locations. As we all know, “change is always in the air,” so this information may be outdated by the time you visit Palembang.
- Rujak & Asinan Pak Tole: This street vendor in Palembang is known for its delicious rujak and asinan (pickled fruit and vegetable salad). The rujak tofu is made with a spicy and tangy peanut sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Rujak & Asinan Pak Darwis: Another popular street vendor in Palembang that serves tasty rujak and asinan. Their rujak tofu is topped with a sweet and spicy sauce that complements the crispy tofu and fresh vegetables.
- Rujak Es Krim Pak Edi: This dessert shop in Palembang is famous for its unique twist on rujak tofu. They serve a dessert version of rujak tofu that is topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles.
- Rujak Kuah Pindang Sari Wangi: This restaurant in Palembang serves rujak with a spicy and savory broth made from pindang fish. The broth adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish, and the tofu is soft and tender.
- Rujak Lontong Pak No: This street vendor in Palembang is known for its rujak lontong, a variation of rujak tofu served with rice cakes (lontong). The rujak is topped with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce and garnished with chopped peanuts and fried shallots.
What is the best way to reach Palembang from Jakarta
As a tourist, or an old timer like me who knows his way of getting around Indonesia, I am a big on ease of travel. Here are three of the easiest ways to get to Palembang from Jakarta, Indonesia.
- By Air: The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Jakarta to Palembang is by air. I usually opt for this option. You can take a flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport in Palembang. The flight takes around 1 hour and there are several airlines that operate this route, such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air. My wife and I love Garuda Indonesia. They are the best when traveling in Indonesia and throughout SE Asia.
- By Bus: You can also take a bus from Jakarta to Palembang. The journey takes around 18-24 hours. The bus departs from several terminals in Jakarta, such as Pulo Gadung, Kampung Rambutan, and Lebak Bulus. However, this option is also not recommended for those who are short on time or have limited travel experience in Indonesia.
- Or you can hire a car and driver. Sometimes my wife and I like doing this, especially when we have time on our hands and want to enjoy the great Indonesian countryside. I also had this growing up as a TCK.
A Third Culture Kid (TCK), like me, is a person who has spent a significant part of their childhood years outside their parents’ culture, typically due to their parents’ job or faith-based work. As a result, they form a unique cultural identity that blends elements of their home culture, the host culture, and other cultures they have encountered. TCKs often have a global perspective, are adaptable, and have a heightened ability to navigate cross-cultural situations.
My folks served in Indonesia for over 30 years where us boys were born and raised. I spent most of my formative years on the island of Madura. Then, at the age seven, we lived the rest of my childhood on the island of East and West Java. My brothers and I graduated from Jakarta International School (JIS) in the mid-80s to early 90s in South Jakarta. I always like to say that the best seat for a TCK is at a window seat on an international flight heading across the pond.
Don’t Forget to Travel Safely!
When planning for international travel to Indonesia and beyond, one crucial step that often gets overlooked is purchasing travel insurance. No one wants to anticipate accidents or mishaps, but the truth is that they happen more frequently than we realize. At Good Neighbor Insurance Global Brokerage, we’ve been serving travelers like you for over 26 years and have heard too many heartbreaking stories that could have been avoided with the right protection.
As fellow seasoned travelers, we know firsthand how important it is to have the appropriate health insurance while abroad. That’s why we’re here to assist you in finding the ideal plan to meet your specific needs. Our team at Good Neighbor Insurance is dedicated to ensuring that you and your loved ones are safeguarded while on your international journey, so you can enjoy a worry-free and successful trip.
Also, we have created a lot of great videos on how to use your travel insurance best. Our Ask Doug series of videos are located here.
We sincerely hope you enjoy your travels to Indonesia and beyond!
