Living abroad for an internship will definitely be a new experience for you. Yeah, even though it is only for a few months, you will experience a new culture, new food, and a different environment. 
20 Oct, 2026

Missing Indonesian Food During an Internship Abroad? Bring these 5 foods!

Living abroad for an internship will definitely be a new experience for you. Yeah, even though it is only for a few months, you will experience a new culture, new food, and a different environment. 

Have you ever thought that you will definitely miss Indonesian food? Especially if you are used to eating rice, sambal (chili paste), and home cooked food every day.

Even though there are sometimes Indonesian restaurants abroad, the taste might not always suit your palate. That is why you can also consider bringing some dry side foods from Indonesia as long as they are still allowed to be brought in your destination country! 

Here are some side dish choices from Indonesia that you can bring:

1. Sweet and Spicy Crispy Potatoes (Kentang Mustofa) 

You must know this side dish, right? It is super practical as a side dish for rice. The taste is savory, crispy, spicy, and sweet. This can be a great choice when you want to eat rice with a simple side dish.

2. Instant Chili Paste (Sambal Instan)

For those who cannot eat without sambal! In Indonesia, you need to buy this instant sambal. The variations are diverse, and you can buy them at your nearest retail store. 

3. Indonesian Peanut Sauce (Sambal Pecel)

This is also one of the most comforting sauces. It comes in a solid block form, and the way to prepare it is super simple: just add warm water, crush it, and it is ready to eat!

4. Meat Floss / Shredded Meat (Abon)

Very practical, especially with its dry form. You can eat it directly, and it goes really well with rice as a complement to your meal. However, you need to be careful because abon that contains meat might be banned or restricted in some countries. 

5. Fried Shallots (Bawang Goreng)

This one is simple but incredibly useful! Just sprinkle a little over warm rice, instant noodles, or soup to instantly bring the comforting taste of Indonesian home cooked meals to your table. It’s practical, lightweight, and takes up very little space in your suitcase! 

Before you bring side dishes from Indonesia, always pay attention to this: check the rules of your destination country to see whether bringing the foods on your list is allowed.

Want to intern abroad? Prepare your food and start your new adventure with Bright Internships!