Embracing Plant-Based Food

Since living in Java as a kid, I have tried traditional cuisines such as tempeh mendoan, sayur asem, putu cake, nagasari cake, and sate ayam Madura, among others whose names you might find difficult to pronounce. Growing up, I have come to understand that what I have eaten is just a small part of the rich tapestry of Indonesian foods. To be honest, it surprises me.

Another thing that adds to my surprise is the fascinating change I have witnessed in the Indonesian culinary landscape. When I was in my hometown of Cilacap, I ate a lot of traditional cuisines made with chicken and beef. But, upon moving to Jakarta, I heard my friends talking about plant-based food. It was something new to me and made me curious. So, I explored some restaurants in Jakarta, and I came to the conclusion that plant-based food, once a niche preference, is now a vibrant part of Jakarta's dining scene.

Allow me to take you on a journey through the world of plant-based cuisine, exploring its definitions, history, benefits, and drawbacks. I will also highlight some standout restaurants in Jakarta that have embraced this plant-based dieatary, so you can experience it for yourself.

Understanding Plant-Based Food

Plant-based foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and their processed forms like bread, pasta, cereals, fermented vegetables, and fruit purées. They also include ingredients like oils, sugars, herbs, and spices derived from these plants (Fardet, 2017). I find it fascinating how these ingredients, such as olive oil and white sugar, are extracted or processed from various plant sources to enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of plant-based dishes. For example, I often use olive oil, derived from olives, and white sugar from sugar cane. I also love adding spices like lemon basil and turmeric to my meals for extra taste and health benefits.

Plant-based foods focus on excluding meat and other animal products. This way of eating relies solely on foods that come from plants, making it a great choice if you’re looking to avoid meat for health, environmental, or ethical reasons. When you explore the wide range of plant-based options, from whole foods to processed items and derived ingredients, you can truly appreciate the diversity and versatility of a plant-based diet.

A Brief History of Plant-Based Eating

I learned that early human diets were largely plant-based, and major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism have supported vegetarianism from their beginnings. The first recorded instance of vegetarian nutrition dates back to the sixth century BC, by followers of the Orphic mysteries (Leitzmann, 2014).

In November 1944, I discovered on vegansociety.com that Donald Watson and five other non-dairy vegetarians, including Elsie Shrigley, gathered to discuss their lifestyle. They wanted a simpler term than 'non-dairy vegetarians' and eventually decided on 'vegan.' Watson explained that 'vegan' includes the first three and last two letters of 'vegetarian,' symbolizing "the beginning and end of vegetarian." You might find it interesting that early members, Mr. George A. Henderson and his wife Fay K. Henderson, suggested the names Allvega and Allvegan for the society and its magazine.

Years later, in 1949, Leslie J Cross noted that the society still needed a clear definition of veganism. I found out that he proposed defining it as “the principle of the emancipation of animals from exploitation by man,” aiming to stop the use of animals for food, commodities, work, hunting, and other exploitative purposes. The Vegan Society became a charity in August 1964, later evolving into a limited company in December 1979. By winter 1988, a refined definition of veganism was in place, which you can still see today, though the wording has slightly changed over the years.

The Pros of Plant-Based Eating

When you consider the benefits of a plant-based diet, I find that health advantages stand out the most. Numerous studies show that eating plant-based foods can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. This diet is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while being low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which contributes to overall better health.

In addition to personal health benefits, I see that plant-based eating has a positive impact on the environment. Plant-based diets are more sustainable because producing plant foods typically requires fewer resources such as water and land compared to meat production. This not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also lessens our overall ecological footprint.

Ethical reasons also play a crucial role in why people choose plant-based diets. If you’re concerned about animal welfare, you might appreciate that a plant-based diet avoids the ethical issues tied to animal farming, including the conditions in which animals are raised and slaughtered. This perspective helps many make the switch to a diet that aligns with their ethical values.

However, adopting a plant-based diet comes with some challenges. I’ve learned that, while plant-based diets can be healthy, they require careful planning to get essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in animal products. You might need to be extra mindful to ensure you’re getting everything you need from plant-based sources.

Finally, you might face social and cultural challenges when switching to a plant-based diet. In many cultures, including Indonesia, meat is a staple in traditional dishes. Adopting a plant-based diet can sometimes lead to feeling excluded from traditional food practices. Moreover, although plant-based foods are becoming more available, they can still be less accessible and more expensive in some regions, which can limit your ability to make the switch.

Top Plant-Based Restaurants in Jakarta

Jakarta has become a great place for plant-based dining. Here are some top spots you should try:

1. Burgreens: This place is a leader in Jakarta’s plant-based scene. They offer delicious vegan burgers and nutrient-packed smoothie bowls that make plant-based eating enjoyable.

2. Sophie Authentique: Famous for its French pastries, this restaurant also has plant-based options. Don’t miss their avocado toast and vegan quiche.

3. Greenly: Located in central Jakarta, Greenly serves a variety of healthy plant-based meals. You can enjoy vibrant salads and wholesome grain bowls made from fresh, local ingredients.

4. SaladStop!: Located in Jakarta, it offers customizable salads, bowls, and wraps filled with nutritious ingredients.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey through Indonesia's plant-based food scene, it’s clear that my early experiences with traditional dishes were just a glimpse into the rich diversity of Indonesian cuisine. Moving from Cilacap to Jakarta, I discovered a vibrant plant-based dining scene that has expanded far beyond my initial expectations. It’s fascinating to see how plant-based eating has evolved from a niche preference to a prominent part of Jakarta's culinary landscape.

In exploring plant-based diets, I’ve come to appreciate their many benefits, from improved health and environmental sustainability to ethical considerations. While there are challenges such as ensuring adequate nutrient intake and navigating social and cultural barriers, the growing accessibility and variety of plant-based options make it easier for you and me to embrace this green revolution. If you're interested in trying out plant-based food in Jakarta, I recommend visiting top spots like Burgreens, Sophie Authentique, Greenly, and SaladStop! for a taste of the city’s exciting plant-based offerings.