Bizarre Foods America Season 6 Episode 12 Indonesia

In Bizarre Foods America season 6 episode 12, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Indonesia to experience the vast range of flavors within the country's diverse cuisine. Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, each with its own unique culinary traditions influenced by neighboring countries such as China, India, and Malaysia.

Zimmern starts his adventure in Bali where he samples the famous babi guling or suckling pig. The pig is roasted in a pit filled with firewood and coconut husks, then seasoned with a fragrant blend of spices. He also tries the lawar dish, a mixture of diced meat or vegetables with a spice blend of Balinese aromatics. As he travels to the other parts of Indonesia, Zimmern discovers the bold, spicy, and sour flavors of Sumatra and the delicacies of Jakarta.

One of the highlights of the episode is Zimmern's visit to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The lake is a source of freshwater fish that are a staple in the local cuisine. Zimmern tries a fish soup made with pucung fish and a herb called andaliman which gives the dish a unique zesty taste. He also visits a local restaurant that specializes in saksang which is a dish made with pork, blood, and a flavor paste consisting of andaliman, turmeric, and ginger.

Zimmern then journeys east to Sulawesi where he experiences the cultural diversity and the unique cuisine of the island. He visits the traditional markets and tries a variety of street foods such as the tinutuan, a porridge made with mixed vegetables, rice, and corn kernels. He also tastes the famous pisang ijo which is a dessert consisting of steamed banana wrapped in green dough made from rice flour and pandan leaves, served with coconut milk and syrup.

Lastly, Zimmern travels to the island of Java where the capital city, Jakarta, is located. He visits a warung or local eatery that serves the city's favorite dish, nasi goreng or fried rice. The dish is made with an array of ingredients like chicken, prawns, eggs, vegetables, and topped with a fried egg. The episode ends with Zimmern taking a sip of the country's national drink, teh botol or bottled tea.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern showcases Indonesia's diverse cuisine and how it reflects the country's rich history and culture. He also reinforces the idea that some of the most delicious and interesting foods can be found in the most unexpected places.