Indonesian Consulate in Chicago Successfully Promotes Indonesian Food

CHICAGO, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian Consulate in the U.S. city of Chicago [KJRI Chicago] has taken advantage of the metropolis’ eclectic culinary scene to continue promoting Indonesian cuisine to the city’s people in particular, and the American public in general.

Titled Indonesian Gourmet Day, the event is held in conjunction with Minahasa, an Indonesian restaurant in Chicago.

“[Indonesian Gourmet Day] is designed to promote Indonesian cuisine in Chicago,” said the consulate in a press release received by Kompas.com on Wednesday, May 26.

“It is a part of a round of ‘gastrodiplomacy’ that the Consulate has been carrying out to promote Indonesian cuisine in Chicago, an American city known for its food scene.”

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Held at the Revival Food Hall in the center of Chicago, the venue attracted visitors who dropped by out of curiosity and the need to grab a bite.

The Indonesian décor played a role in drawing visitors, as does the promotion for chicken satay, one of Indonesia’s most iconic foods. The turnout relieved the organizers, among them Tasya Hardono, the owner of Minahasa.

“We noticed that most of the visitors are American citizens and a number of overseas Indonesians. Our goal all along was to introduce Indonesian food for them to savor,” she said.

“We were initially way of holding the event because of [the Covid-19] pandemic, so the turnout exceeded our expectations. Indonesian food is extraordinary and deserves a place in Chicago’s dynamic dining scene.”

SHUTTERSTOCK/OEN MICHAEL A plate of chicken satay

She pointed out that Minahasa is carving a niche for Indonesian food in Chicago, as its location in the center of town draws professionals working in nearby office buildings. The diners’ testimonies reflect Tasya’s observations.

“Minahasa’s sambal [chilli side dish] is a particularly delicious treat and a welcome change from habanero chilli, which I normally eat,” said Jesse Guerra, the President of the Midwest Chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisor [ASTA], who often takes American tourists to Indonesia.

“I cannot wait to take American tourists back to Indonesia to share its extraordinary culture.” Other americans reiterated Guerra. “We have never had Indonesian food before, and we find it very spicy,” said Alex and Trinity, two university students from Houston, Texas.

“But we enjoyed it. The food hits our taste buds in all the right places.” As with other visitors, they and Jesse found out about the event from social media.

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The head of the Indonesian Consulate in Chicago, Consul-General Meri Binsar Simorangkir, expressed her gratitude to Minahasa.