In 2017, CNN Travel compiled a poll on Facebook about The World’s best food from 35.000 votes, and the results were Rendang and Nasi Goreng counted in the 1st and 2nd place.
Previously, Rendang has also crowned the best food in 2011 on the World’s 50 best foods by CNN International. In 2018, Rendang was officially recognized as one of Indonesia’s national dishes by the Indonesian government. As the signature dish of Minangkabau culture, Rendang is traditionally served at ceremonial occasions to honor guests during festive events, such as wedding feasts and Lebaran.
Another Indonesian food, Nasi Goreng, also made it in the 2nd place. In most Indonesia, Nasi Goreng is cooked with ample amounts of sweet soy sauce that creates a golden brownish color, and the flavor is mildly sweet. Nasi Goreng is a popular staple served by street vendors, warungs, and traveling night hawkers that frequent residential neighborhoods with their wheeled carts. When accompanied by a fried egg, it is sometimes called Nasi Goreng Special. Nasi Goreng has also been considered a national dish of Indonesia with Rendang in 2018.
Besides Rendang and Nasi Goreng, Satay (Sate) also made it to 14th place by CNN’s World’s 50 Best Foods in 2017.