Rujak

Rujak is a traditional Indonesian fruit salad or a type of spicy fruit salad. It is a popular street food in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Rujak typically combines a variety of tropical fruits with a spicy and tangy sauce made from chili, tamarind, palm sugar, and other seasonings.

The exact composition of rujak can vary, but common fruits used in the salad include mangoes, pineapples, guavas, jicama, cucumbers, and green apples. These fruits are typically cut into bite-sized pieces or thinly sliced.

The spicy sauce, known as rujak sauce or bumbu rujak, is the key component that gives the salad its distinctive flavor. The sauce is made by grinding together ingredients such as chili peppers, tamarind pulp, palm sugar, salt, and sometimes shrimp paste (terasi). The resulting sauce is a balance of spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

To prepare rujak, the fruits are mixed together in a bowl or plate, and the spicy sauce is poured over them. The sauce is then tossed with the fruits, ensuring that the flavors are well combined. Sometimes, additional toppings such as roasted peanuts or fried shallots are added to enhance the texture and flavor of the salad.

Rujak is a refreshing and vibrant dish that showcases the tropical fruits of Indonesia. It offers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and flavorful street food experience in Bali.