50 World Foods to Try Before You Die

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Gado-Gado - Indonesia

Considered one of the national dishes of Indonesia, gado-gado (literally "mix-mix") is a refreshing salad composed of a mix of blanched, raw or steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes, fried tofu and tempeh, boiled eggs, and lontong (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves). Everything gets tossed in the famous peanut sauce dressing for a wonderful combination of slightly sweet, spicy and savory flavors. It's a beloved dish throughout the country, with multiple variations depending on where you try it.

Where to eat: For the best gado-gado in Jakarta, you can't go wrong with the eatery that bears its name: Gado-Gado Cemara. Now with several branches throughout the city, its loyal local following cites the perfectly boiled vegetables, delectable peanut sauce and huge portion sizes as some of its best qualities.