Mandatory Lebaran Menu by Dude Harlino, Serving Rendang to Balado Chicken

"If this menu is usually available from year to year, there is ketupat, rendang, then what vegetable, maybe jackfruit curry, or later there will be crackers, and usually there is sambal. Because my mom is from West Sumatra, so usually the Padang dishes are already there," said Dude Harlino.

The presence of rendang and balado chicken is the most anticipated thing by all family members. Dude admits that these dishes are standard menus that have never changed from year to year. The spicy taste and strong spices are the characteristics that distinguish the dishes in his home from others.

The deliciousness of these dishes makes the moment of eating together after the Ied prayer very special. For Dude, enjoying the typical dishes from his hometown brings a certain satisfaction on the day of victory. He even firmly prefers rendang over chicken opor, which is also usually popular on Eid.

"There is rendang, there is chicken balado, that is usually the case. And that is the standard food during Eid, usually," explained Dude.

Although there are many other food options available in Jakarta, Dude remains loyal to his family's traditional menu. For him, the authenticity of the dishes made directly by his mother holds a high emotional value. This is also what makes the family atmosphere feel even stronger when everyone gathers at the dining table. "Rendang," said Dude.

Dude also added that the Padang dish is usually enjoyed with ketupat and crackers as complements. This combination has become part of the identity of the Eid celebration for Dude and Alyssa Soebandono throughout their years of marriage.

"Because my mom is from West Sumatra, so usually the Padang food is already there, usually," he concluded.