ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Michelin Guide has been the benchmark for fine dining since 1926. As it expands globally, the question is: will Michelin come to Indonesia? With its rich food heritage and growing reputation as a foodie destination, Indonesia is ripe for Michelin’s attention. But when and where will the stars arrive?
What Countries in Asia Have Michelin Covered?
Michelin entered Asia in 2007 with the launch of its first Asian guide in Tokyo, Japan. Since then it has expanded to several countries in the region. Today, the Michelin Guide covers Japan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and India. These countries have a wide range of Michelin-starred restaurants from high-end establishments run by famous chefs to humble street food vendors like Bangkok’s Jay Fai.
But there are notable omissions in Michelin’s Asian portfolio. Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, with their rich and distinct food heritage, have not been included in the Michelin Guide. The reasons vary but often boil down to market readiness, infrastructure and the guide’s priorities.
Why Indonesia Should Have Michelin Stars
Indonesia’s food landscape is a treasure trove of flavours, techniques and cultural influences. The country’s 17,000 islands have 17,000 different cuisines, each reflecting its unique history and resources. From Padang’s bold rendang to Yogyakarta’s sweet gudeg, Bali’s smoky babi guling to North Sulawesi’s spicy rica-rica, Indonesia’s food is as diverse as its geography.
Beyond traditional dishes, Indonesia has a growing fine dining scene that combines local ingredients with modern techniques. Cities like Jakarta and Bali have restaurants that could rival Michelin-starred restaurants anywhere in the world. Restaurants like Locavore in Ubud and KAUM in Jakarta have gained international recognition for their innovative take on Indonesian cuisine. And Indonesia’s vibrant street food scene, with icons like nasi goreng, satay and soto ayam, could be of interest to Michelin’s increasing focus on authentic and affordable dining.
Where in Indonesia Would Michelin Go First?
If Michelin were to come to Indonesia, certain regions and cities would be the first to be covered due to their established food scene and global appeal:
Bali
Bali is a natural first choice for Michelin’s Indonesian guide. A global tourist destination, the island has stunning natural beauty and a developed hospitality industry. Bali’s food scene is a mix of high-end restaurants like Apéritif Restaurant and warungs serving local dishes. The island’s reputation as a food destination has been growing so it’s an obvious choice for Michelin.
Jakarta
As Indonesia’s capital and largest city, Jakarta has a lively food scene that reflects the country’s cultural diversity. The city has many fine dining restaurants like Namaaz Dining and KAUM that serve modern Indonesian cuisine. Jakarta’s street food scene could also be of interest to Michelin inspectors looking for hidden gems.
Yogyakarta and Surabaya
Less likely than Bali or Jakarta, but still possible, are cities like Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Yogyakarta’s strong cultural identity and traditional dishes like gudeg and bakpia could be a unique experience for Michelin inspectors. Surabaya as a major city in East Java has a dynamic food scene that combines tradition and modernity.
Summary
Indonesia deserves Michelin’s attention. With its uniqueness, richness and growing global recognition, the country has all the ingredients to become a Michelin star destination. Bali and Jakarta with their established food scene and global appeal will be the first to be covered.
As Michelin expands across Asia, Indonesia’s inclusion is not just possible but necessary. When that happens, it will not only showcase the country’s culinary greatness but also put Indonesia on the global food map. (***)
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