Page 50 - Inzist Special Edition

TASTY

IN DIVERSITY

If eyes are the window to the soul then in the same vein perhaps we can propose a notion that culinary is the
window to a country’s soul. A window in which we can peek through to understand a nation’s culture because
inherently food is a culture in its own rights. As traditional cuisine is passed down from one generation to the
next, it also operates as an expression of cultural identity. In terms of its diversity, Indonesian cuisine is
arguably second to none.

The abovementioned analogy is the simple reason that drives me to continuously introduce a wide variety of
Indonesian cuisines throughout my time in Wellington. I remember vividly how various functions and occasions
we hosted over the years served as windows to introduce the richness and diversity of Indonesian cuisine. From
the spices-rich Acehnese food to those from eastern parts of Indonesia that draw similarities to Polynesian and
Melanesian cuisine.

In the larger context, I have always admired the exemplary spirit of entrepreneurship shown by members of the
Indonesian community in New Zealand through the opening of Indonesian restaurants in different cities. With
more of it existing, more windows are available for people in Aotearoa New Zealand to understand Indonesia by
experiencing its finest cooking.

It has been very reassuring for me to witness noticeable growth in the number of Indonesian restaurants across
New Zealand since I began my tenure in 2017. I recall the number stood at three nationwide. Three years later,
there were 14 Indonesian restaurants conveniently located in Auckland, Palmerston North, Napier, Hastings,
Christchurch, and Wellington.

I was also overwhelmed with delight knowing that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia
has taken interest to support the restaurant owners or what I called as Indonesian Culinary Ambassadors. Their
virtual meeting with the Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy in 2021 is reflective of the
government's commitment to support their endeavor.

Indonesian cuisine may often be demonstrated as complex in flavor. Yet I’ll be the first one to tell you that they
are, quite simply, finger-lickingly good.

Burhan - Garuda Food Truck

Melvin - Siji Coffee