To Hearts Through Palates — Indonesian Culinary Festival in Germany

Nia said 20 German tour operators participated in the cooking class.

“During the presentation, the participants remained very formal and focused on its content. The atmosphere immediately became more relaxed once they put on their aprons,” Nia said.

The classical Indonesian dishes presented included soto ayam chicken soup, beef satay, gado-gado salad (vegetables with peanut sauce), rujak salad (fruits with sweet and spicy dressing) and mango sorbet.

“While cooking, the participants also talked and asked about Indonesia, the meanings and symbols of particular dishes, their origins,” Nia added.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said Indonesia is heading towards becoming the world’s favorite culinary tourism destination, thanks to promotional efforts abroad and with rendang being regarded one the world’s tastiest dishes.