There’s no food in the world more comforting than this noodle dish

The dish: Mie goreng, Indonesia

Plate up Serious question: is there anything in the world more comforting, more filling, more umami-packed and deliciously spice-laden than a huge, steaming plate of Indonesian mie goreng? Maybe tagliatelle bolognese is in with a shout. Maybe biryani. But for now, let’s consider the greatness of Indonesia’s ubiquitous fried noodles.

Foodie heaven… mie goreng.Credit: iStock

The dish begins with yellow wheat noodles, medium thickness, which are stir-fried in a screeching hot wok with shallots, garlic shoots, eggs, bean sprouts and sometimes cabbage, plus proteins such as prawns, chicken or beef. This piping melange is seasoned with soy, kecap manis, sambal oelek, oyster sauce, and sometimes even tomato sauce. Fry it fast and hot, slap it on a plate and serve. You’re in foodie heaven.

First serve It’s worth pointing out that there are actually two mie gorengs: mie goreng, and mee goreng. Same same but different? The first is from Indonesia, the second from Malaysia. And you can bet there’s absolutely no argument over whose was first. We’re not here to get involved with that though – all we’ll say is that both countries have leaned heavily on Chinese migration in the formation of their national noodle dishes, which are derived from the classic chow mein, with a few local twists. In Malaysia, the use of curry powder is a nod to Indian migration. In Indonesia, local additions include clams in Batam, thicker noodles and soupy sauce in Aceh, and chicken is popular in Java.

Order there If you’re calling through Jakarta, sample Aceh-style mie goreng at one of the classics, Mie Aceh Jaly-Jaly (mieacehjalyjaly.wordpress.com).

Order here This is going to sound weird, but the hottest mie goreng in Sydney right now is served in a sandwich: the Indo Mie Goreng Toastie at Dutch Smuggler (dutchsmuggler.coffee). In Melbourne meanwhile, try the standard dish at Pondok Rempah (pondokrempah.com.au). And in Brisbane, go for Mamaku Street Food (mamakukitchen.com).

One more thing There’s another way to sample excellent mie goreng, with what is surely Indonesia’s most famous export: Indomie Fried Mi Goreng Instant Noodles. This humble packet is one of the world’s great instant noodles, and with a few tweaks – some sesame oil, sesame seeds and a fried egg on top – it’s almost as good as the real thing.