Learn languages faster with AI

Learn 5x faster!

+ 52 Languages
Start learning

Food Slang in Indonesian Language

Food slang in the Indonesian language offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture, humor, and creativity of Indonesian speakers. These informal expressions often reflect local tastes, social interactions, and everyday life, making them an essential part of conversational fluency. For language learners eager to deepen their understanding of Indonesian beyond textbooks, platforms like Talkpal provide an interactive and practical way to master these colloquialisms. In this article, we will explore the most popular Indonesian food slang, their origins, meanings, and how to use them effectively in daily conversations.

Students' language skills flourish with AI in the library.

The most efficient way to learn a language

Try Talkpal for free

Understanding the Role of Food Slang in Indonesian Culture

Food is deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, symbolizing hospitality, community, and identity. As a result, many slang expressions related to food have evolved to convey emotions, describe people, or highlight specific situations in a playful and relatable manner. Indonesian food slang is not just about dishes but often uses food items metaphorically, reflecting social attitudes and humor.

Some key points about Indonesian food slang include:

Learning these expressions is crucial for language learners who want to sound natural and connect with native speakers on a deeper cultural level.

Popular Indonesian Food Slang Terms and Their Meanings

Below is a list of some commonly used Indonesian food slang, along with their literal meanings and figurative usage in everyday conversation:

1. Kepo (Derived from ‘Ke Poin’ or ‘Ke Penasaran’)

Although not directly food-related, “kepo” is often used in casual conversations involving curiosity, sometimes linked to food gossip or interest in others’ meals.

Meaning: Nosy or overly curious person.
Example: “Dia kepo banget soal makanan baru itu.” (He/She is very curious about that new food.)

2. Gendut (Fat/Chubby)

While “gendut” literally means fat, Indonesians use it affectionately or teasingly, especially related to someone who loves eating.

Usage: Can be playful or offensive depending on context.
Example: “Kamu gendut karena suka makan sate.” (You’re chubby because you love eating satay.)

3. Ngemil (Snacking)

A common slang for eating snacks between meals.

Usage: Often used to describe casual eating habits.
Example: “Aku suka ngemil kerupuk sambil nonton TV.” (I like snacking on crackers while watching TV.)

4. Jajan (Buying Snacks or Street Food)

Refers to buying street food or snacks, often by students or young people.

Example: “Mau jajan di kantin nggak?” (Do you want to buy some snacks at the canteen?)

5. Ngabuburit (Waiting for Iftar)

This slang is used during Ramadan when people wait for the time to break their fast by doing various activities, often involving food.

Example: “Kita ngabuburit sambil cari takjil.” (We’re passing the time waiting for iftar while looking for snacks.)

6. Kulit (Literally ‘Skin’ but Used in Food Slang)

In food slang, “kulit” can refer to the crispy outer layer of snacks, such as “kulit ayam” (chicken skin), often used to describe someone who is “thin-skinned” or sensitive.

Example: “Dia kulit banget, gampang baper.” (He/She is very sensitive.)

7. Kejujuran Nasi Padang (Honesty of Padang Rice)

This humorous phrase refers to the straightforwardness of Padang food portions—what you see is what you get.

Usage: Used metaphorically to describe honesty or transparency.
Example: “Dia jujur kayak nasi Padang.” (He/She is honest like Padang rice portions.)

8. Sambal Matah (Literal Meaning: Raw Chili Sauce)

Used to describe someone with a sharp or fiery personality, similar to the spiciness of sambal matah.

Example: “Ibu guru itu sambal matah banget, galak tapi pedas.” (That teacher is like sambal matah—strict but spicy.)

How to Use Indonesian Food Slang Appropriately

Using food slang in the right context is essential to avoid misunderstandings or offense. Here are some tips for language learners:

Why Learning Food Slang Enhances Your Indonesian Language Skills

Mastering food slang offers several benefits for learners:

Platforms like Talkpal are especially useful because they allow learners to practice these expressions with native speakers, receive instant feedback, and learn the nuances of pronunciation and usage.

Additional Indonesian Food Slang You Should Know

Here are more examples of food slang terms that frequently appear in casual Indonesian conversations:

Slang Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning Example
Abang Bakso Meatball Seller Someone who is persistent or always around “Dia kayak abang bakso, selalu muncul di acara kita.”
Kentang Potato Used to describe someone who is not good at something (like ‘couch potato’) “Dia kentang banget main bola.”
Nasi Bungkus Wrapped Rice Refers to something simple or modest “Kencan kita nasi bungkus aja ya, santai.”
Rujak Fruit Salad with Spicy Sauce Describes a mix or mess of things “Pikirannya rujak banget, nggak fokus.”

Conclusion

Food slang in the Indonesian language is more than just playful jargon; it is a rich cultural expression that connects language, identity, and social interaction. For language learners, mastering these expressions can transform basic communication into vibrant, authentic conversations. Using platforms like Talkpal can accelerate this learning process by providing immersive, real-world practice with native speakers. Whether you are curious about the subtle humor behind terms like “sambal matah” or want to impress friends with witty phrases like “abang bakso,” understanding Indonesian food slang is a delicious way to spice up your language journey.

Download talkpal app
Learn anywhere anytime

Talkpal is an AI-powered language tutor. It’s the most efficient way to learn a language. Chat about an unlimited amount of interesting topics either by writing or speaking while receiving messages with realistic voice.

QR Code
App Store Google Play
Get in touch with us

Talkpal is a GPT-powered AI language teacher. Boost your speaking, listening, writing, and pronunciation skills – Learn 5x Faster!

Instagram TikTok Youtube Facebook LinkedIn X(twitter)

Languages

Learning


Talkpal, Inc., 2810 N Church St, Wilmington, Delaware 19802, US

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.


Trustpilot