Gado-Gado is one of Indonesia’s most iconic and beloved dishes—a vibrant, hearty salad that showcases the diversity of Indonesian cuisine through its rich peanut sauce, colorful array of boiled or blanched vegetables, and an assortment of toppings like tofu, tempeh, eggs, and crackers. Often described as an Indonesian mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce, gado-gado offers a perfect balance of textures, flavors, and nutrition, making it popular both as a street food and a homestyle favorite.

The name “gado-gado” literally means "mix-mix" in Indonesian, which reflects the essence of the dish—a mixture of various ingredients, all brought together by a deeply flavorful bumbu kacang (peanut sauce). It is served at room temperature and typically enjoyed as a main course, thanks to its generous portion and nutritional richness.

Gado-gado is not just a salad in the Western sense; it’s a complete meal that brings together plant-based proteins, starches, and fresh vegetables in one bowl. It is particularly appreciated for being vegetarian-friendly, though variations can include non-vegetarian additions.