A delightful mix of fresh vegetables and flavorful peanut sauce from East Java, now captivating the world’s attention

Salads are beloved worldwide for their freshness and nutritional value. Typically composed of a variety of vegetables, fruits, or meats, and often served with a dressing or sauce, salads offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. What’s fascinating is that each culture has its own unique take on this dish, making it both versatile and diverse. One Indonesian version of salad, pecel, has recently gained international recognition, earning a spot among the top five best salads globally, according to TasteAtlas.

TasteAtlas, an organization that reviews culinary traditions worldwide, recently released its list of the best salads, ranking them on a scale from 1 to 5. Pecel has proudly secured second place with a rating of 4.53, an impressive achievement for Indonesia, especially for the people of East Java, where this dish originates.

In the rankings, pecel has surpassed several renowned salads from other countries. The top spot went to Dakos, a traditional Greek salad made with dry bread, tomatoes, and feta cheese, combining a crispy texture with a fresh, tangy flavor. Pecel’s success in securing second place is not only a point of pride for Indonesia but also an opportunity to showcase Indonesian culinary traditions to a global audience.

What is Pecel?

Pecel is a traditional Indonesian dish that typically consists of rice or lontong (rice cakes), a mix of boiled vegetables, basil leaves, and crackers or peyek (crispy fried snacks), all topped with a rich peanut sauce. The vegetables used in pecel vary, but common ingredients include long beans, cabbage, water spinach or spinach, bean sprouts, and even the flowers of the turi tree. Some variations also incorporate boiled banana hearts or Chinese petai seeds, adding even more depth to the dish’s flavor and texture.

The standout feature of pecel is its peanut sauce, which is made by blending fried peanuts, chilies, and garlic. This mixture is then enriched with tamarind, salt, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves, which give the sauce a distinctive fresh, tangy-sweet flavor. The resulting combination is a savory and spicy dressing that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

More Than Just a Dish—A Source of Pride

Pecel’s inclusion in the top five best salads list is a significant accomplishment for Indonesia, showcasing the country's culinary prowess on the global stage. It demonstrates that Indonesian food can compete with other well-known global cuisines. But beyond just being a delicious dish, pecel carries with it a deep cultural significance, reflecting local identity and values that deserve to be preserved and celebrated.

This achievement serves as a reminder that local culinary traditions have the potential to be recognized and appreciated worldwide, as long as efforts are made to preserve and promote them. Pecel’s success opens the door for more Indonesian cuisine to gain international recognition, offering a greater opportunity for people around the world to experience and enjoy the rich flavors of Indonesia.

photo source : sajiansedap.grid.id

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