Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, has a culinary heritage that is a vibrant tapestry intricately woven with both indigenous and foreign influences. When one ponders about the strongest external influence on Indonesian cuisine, the vibrant spice trails lead primarily to India and China, as well as to the Middle East, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. Each of these cultures has left an indelible mark on Indonesian food, contributing to its eclectic mix of flavors and techniques.