ASIATODAY.ID, BANDUNG — Indonesia reaffirms its status as a culinary paradise of Southeast Asia.
The Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, officially launched a gastronomic travel guidebook titled “Wisata Rasa di Bumi Pasundan” (Culinary Journeys in the Land of Pasundan), designed to highlight the rich flavors of West Java and promote themed tourism rooted in the nation’s culinary heritage.
The book’s launch in Bandung marks an important milestone in the development of gastronomy tourism in Indonesia. Compiled through cross-sector collaboration among local governments, industry players, gastronomy communities, academics, and creative consultants, the guidebook serves as a blueprint for sustainable culinary travel experiences.
“This book serves as a practical guide for tourism stakeholders, tour operators, travel agents, and the public to design authentic culinary journeys that reflect local identity and meet global standards,” said Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, October 19, 2025.
From the savory taste of nasi tutug oncom, the fresh crunch of karedok, to the sweet delight of burayot, every dish tells a flavorful story—an expression of heritage and identity. The book curates data and destinations that allow travelers to experience the authentic and sustainable culinary richness of West Java.
According to Minister Widiyanti, gastronomy is not merely about food—it represents an ecosystem connecting farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artisans, chefs, and local communities. This “from farm to table” approach strengthens community-based tourism, drives the local economy, and creates new jobs, making gastronomy an essential pillar of sustainable tourism.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s “Quality Tourism” agenda, which focuses on gastronomy, wellness tourism, and marine tourism as the nation’s flagship programs.
Indonesia’s Cuisine: Best in Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s culinary scene continues to gain international recognition. According to TasteAtlas, Indonesian cuisine ranks 7th globally and 1st in Southeast Asia. Moreover, six Indonesian cities—including Bandung—were listed among the 100 Best Food Cities in the world.
“The synergy between food and tourism creates authentic, character-driven experiences with high added value. This is what quality travelers seek—they want to taste, learn, and connect with the cultural stories behind every dish,” explained Minister Widiyanti.
Through strong collaboration between the government, private sector, communities, and media, “Wisata Rasa di Bumi Pasundan” is expected to inspire other regions to develop similar gastronomic travel routes across Indonesia.
“Developing gastronomy tourism is not only about selling food as a product—it’s about sharing stories, culture, and authentic experiences that strengthen Indonesia’s destination identity,” Minister Widiyanti concluded. (AT Network)
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