Indonesian food is diverse, and the best place to enjoy it is at a local eatery or from street food vendors. Not only do you get to taste the authentic flavours, but as an expat or foreigner, you also get to experience the typical hospitality of Indonesians.
As shown in @zingwibrothers‘ video on TikTok, which shows him visiting Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
He and his friend stopped by a roadside stall and ordered coffee.
“Do you like your coffee black or with milk? 🇮🇩#Indonesia #Coffee #Coffee,” he wrote in the video caption.
@zingwibrothers Do you like your coffe Black or with Milk?🇮🇩 #Indonesia #Kopi #Coffee ♬ Anxiety – Doechii
Apparently, the stall was busy with drivers from one of the online taxi services in Indonesia. The drivers warmly welcomed the foreign tourists. They chatted and even offered snacks to the tourists.
There is even a scene where a driver introduces a unique Indonesian culinary tradition—drinking coffee from a small plate.
Nyeruput Kopi, in Javanese traditional terms, refers to enjoying a cup of coffee by pouring it onto a plate (lepek) while enjoying traditional market snacks.
So, simply sipping coffee from a small plate is not about taste or enjoyment, but rather to reduce the temperature.
The two foreign tourists did not hesitate to follow this method. At the end of the video, the tourist comments on the hospitality:
“What friendly guys, that’s really nice. In Indonesia, you walk on the street casually and they greet you, they come to you, invite you for a coffee. That’s just how it is here,” he said.
The video was flooded with comments confirming the foreign tourist’s statement.
“You’ll miss all this hospitality and the warmth of people’s treatment… Only in Indonesia… a true paradise 😁😁😁😁,” wrote one netizen.
“It’s common in Indonesia; sometimes they will ask you to eat together. Indonesia is mostly Muslim, and guests must drink or eat together,” wrote another netizen.
The Tradition of Inviting Others to Eat Indonesian Food Together
Indonesians often invite people to eat, as eating together is considered a moment of togetherness and helps strengthen social relationships. Beyond that, eating is also a fun activity and an opportunity to share stories.
Here are some reasons why Indonesians often invite others to eat:
Togetherness and Social Relationships
Eating with friends, family, or co-workers is a common way to strengthen relationships and create moments of togetherness.
Enjoying Food Together
Eating together can make the food taste more delicious and enjoyable, especially when shared with people you like.
Seeking Opportunities for Closeness
Sometimes, sharing a meal can also be a way to get closer to someone or to build a deeper connection.
