RIJSTTAFEL

(Dutch: rice table), an elaborate meal of Indonesian dishes developed during the Dutch colonial era. Because of its political overtones, the rijsttafel is seldom served today in Indonesia, but it is popular in The Netherlands and at both Dutch and Indonesian restaurants abroad. In essence the rijsttafel consists of rice and foods to accompany it: curried meats, fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, relishes, pickles, sauces, condiments, nuts, eggs, and so on. The diner is served a plate of rice and chooses from among the side dishes to achieve a balance of salty, spicy, sweet, and sour accompaniments. A rijsttafel of 40 dishes was not uncommon, the meal sometimes taking three to four hours to consume.