The launch of Indonesian Culinary Week marks a strategic effort to promote Indonesian cuisine as a tool of gastrodiplomacy while strengthening the presence of Indonesian culinary businesses in the United States.
“Through flavor, we can share Indonesia’s stories, identity, and values with the world, especially in the United States,” said Indonesian Consul General in San Francisco, Yohpy Wardana, during the opening ceremony at Wisma Indonesia in the US on Saturday (April 18).
In an official statement from the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) San Francisco, Yohpy emphasized that cuisine is an effective medium for building stronger connections between people and nations.
He also highlighted the global recognition of Indonesian food, including rendang, which was named one of the world’s most delicious dishes by CNN in 2011 and 2017.
The event, attended by more than 200 guests from diplomatic circles, local government officials, business leaders, academics, and food influencers in the Bay Area, also featured MasterChef Indonesia judge Norman Ismail.
Signature dishes showcased included Iga Kalua from Makassar and Ayam Galendo from Ciamis, combining modern cooking techniques with Indonesia’s rich traditional flavors.
A panel discussion was also held, focusing on Indonesia’s culinary richness, including the uniqueness of Nusantara spices and the global market potential of Indonesian cuisine.
Guests had the opportunity to interact directly with business owners to learn about the stories and processes behind each dish, including Indonesian coffee and chocolate, which continue to gain recognition in international markets.
The event involved five Indonesian culinary businesses in the Bay Area: Lime Tree, Fikscue, Dapoer Ngebul, Raphio Chocolate, and Beaneka Indonesian Coffee, offering a wide range of specialties from savory dishes to premium coffee and artisan single-origin chocolate from various regions of Indonesia.
As a form of appreciation, Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco, presented Certificates of Recognition to the five participating culinary businesses.
Through Indonesian Culinary Week, KJRI San Francisco hopes to increase global appreciation for Indonesian cuisine while opening wider collaboration opportunities for Indonesian businesses in the US market.
