EMBASSY OF INDIA, JAKARTA

PRESS RELEASE

CULINARY CONNECTIONS – INDIA INDONESIA

India and Indonesia have shared close cultural ties for two millennia. This shared culture is to be found in every aspect of our contemporary lives. In the Epics –Ramayana and Mahabharata, our languages, sculpture, wood carving, ceramics, paintings, textiles, customs and rituals.

In an attempt to explore the links between the culinary traditions of India and Indonesia, the Embassy of India organised a show titled ‘Culinary Connections – India and Indonesia’ on 28th March 2013 at Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta. The show featured talks and lives cooking by Celebrity Chef William Wongso of Aku Cinta Masakan Indonesia and Nina Taneja. This event was attended by several high ranking people from the Government of Indonesia and the diplomatic community.

In his opening remarks Ambassador Gurjit Singh described the historical relations that India has with Indonesia. The relationship is getting stronger by the day. Such events go a long way in bringing to light the closeness of the lives of common people in both countries.

The two chefs tried to draw comparisons between the culinary traditions of the two countries. It was amazing to see the similarities in the use of spices and cooking styles that were brought out. Master Chef William Wongso expressed great satisfaction that such an event was organized by the Embassy of India and felt that it is the best expression of the wonderful ties between the two countries. The audience present sampled the dishes cooked at the event and marveled at show.

Among those present included Miss India-Indonesia Shirinjit Kaur and several prominent Indonesians and Indians. The show was covered by 7 news channels and large sections of the media.