Culinary workshop: Experiencing food the Indonesian way

Indonesian ambassador’s wife hosts her first event for foreign women in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The new Indonesian ambassador’s wife, Rita Amri, introduced herself to the diplomatic circles this week by hosting an Indonesian culinary workshop during a monthly coffee morning organised by the Pakistan Foreign Women Association (PFWA).

Amri, who is also chair of the Islamabad chapter of Indonesian Women Association (IWA), said that food comprised an intrinsic part of all cultural profiles and connected communities and helped them understand each other.

She stated that though she had arrived in the city only last month, it was her first opportunity to meet friends and colleagues from the diplomatic community and PFWA; and other ladies from different sections of the society.

She said that she was looking forward to seeing the friendship grow and strengthen among the friends and colleagues present.

The workshop was conducted by Chef I Wayan Subrata, a renowned Indonesian Chef who is associated with a local hotel in Islamabad.

Four Indonesian dishes --- sate ayam (skewered grilled meat), nasi goreng (fried rice), gado gado (vegetable salad with a peanut sauce), and bubur injin (black rice porridge with ice cream) --- were prepared at the workshop.

These four recipes were selected from among thirty indigenous Indonesian recipes that had recently topped international polls.

The venue was beautifully decorated with various Indonesian textiles and artifacts were displayed to symbolise the diverse and rich culture of Indonesia.

Guests were also enthralled by Indonesian traditional Gemu Famire dance performances and poco poco dance by the members of the IWA.

The participants appreciated the experience, savouring the dishes for their texture and exotic taste.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2016.