It also took me some time to accept the fact that most foods are fried here and that meals bought at shops and restaurants have less protein than I was used to. (Although many people do cook their own meals, it is also common for people to eat out frequently at small, affordable street stalls and restaurant-like shops.) Again, that is not necessarily a bad thing, but it was a big change for me, who was used to only having fried food sometimes, and having more protein and vegetables, as well as baking often (more on baking below). I have, however, really come to like the food here and have become used to everything being fried.
Most food is fried in palm oil in woks or frying pans, with some food being cooked without oil on a pan or grill. Soup is also common and is similarly cooked in a wok or a pan. I have not seen an oven yet, and it seems like baking is almost exclusively done in bakeries, which sell their bread products in supermarkets and convenience stores. Bread is usually seen as a sweet snack and is not a part of the diet here like it is in the U.S.
Earlier, I mentioned that most food is fried in palm oil and that vegetables are less often served, and in smaller portions than you might be used to in the U.S. That is because palm oil is produced in large amounts in Indonesia and is therefore very affordable.
