Indonesian Gastronomy Week under way.

KARACHI -- With its 17,000 islands, white beaches, turquoise waters, deep jungles and active volcanoes, IndoneAsia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, also has a beautiful culture and traditions and, of course, delicious cuisine.

To get a chance to taste some of the country's most popular and traditional dishes, the Karachi Marriott Hotel in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia organised the Indonesian Gastronomy Week, which opened here at the hotel's Nami Zumi restaurant over the weekend and will conclude later this week.

Some of the things served, or rather the way they were served, also reminded one of Pakistani food.

Take, for instance, the Soto Madura Soup, which was served with condiments such as hard boiled eggs, fried onions, juicy limes cut into halves, sabudana fryums that resembled jalebi or amarti, if you may, though tasted like poppadoms.

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There was the white rice and Nasi Goreng fried rice along with fried noodles to serve as a base for whatever you would want to pour over it. For that you had Udang Bakar Jimbaran or prawns, Ayam Baker Bekakek or whole roaAsted chicken, Sate Kambing or mutton pieces served on skewers, Rendang Daging or tender caramelised meat, mix vegetables, Ayam Bakar Bunbu Rijak or spicy chicken with lots of salads, fruits and desserts for having on the side, ranging from desi Pakistani desserts such as kheer, as well as continental such as puddings, pastries, etc.

Now a bit of advice when trying Indonesian food. They like spicy food. Those green bits in your Nasi Goreng fried rice are not green onions but thinly sliced small green chillies. If you are not used to spicy food, also avoid the various sauces because then...