Doing food the Asean way

A brand new Asean travel channel – kickstarted by Malaysia during its tenure as Chair of Asean in 2015 – GoAsean serves as a platform to promote travel and spur economic growth within the region.

 

One of its ventures is Food Maps which features short segments of two to three minutes that introduces local delicacies in the member countries of Asean. It is branded as a must-see show for foodies and travellers.

 

Rinrin is one of the hosts selected to introduce viewers to the wide array of mouth-watering cuisine available in Indonesia. Here, she plays food ambassador to Jakarta. The tiny chef takes viewers on a quick gastronomical tour of the bustling capital.

 

From Sate Padang, to Nasi Uduk to Sup Buntut, she shares the story behind each dish and destination. Find out where to get mouthwateringly good Gado Gado, sweet desserts like Es Teler and Ketan Susu, and why people line up for hours at a particular Martabak stall in the city.

 

“Food Maps will definitely help promote Indonesian cuisine to everyone around the world. Each segment tells you about the top culinary destinations in Jakarta and around it,” she said in an email interview.

 

 

Chef Rinrin Marinka is Indonesia’s latest food ambassador. Photos: GoAsean

 

A celebrity chef in her homeland, Rinrin is known for her chirpy and bubbly personality – and of course, her love for Indonesian food. Rinrin published her first cookbook Fantastic Cooking in 2011, in which she featured 30 recipes inspired by international and Indonesian cuisine. She also runs her restaurant Mars Kitchen in Jakarta.

 

“I studied at Le Cordon Bleu Sydney for two-and-a-half years before graduating in 2000. However, I first realised my love for food at seven, when I cooked my very first Bolu Kukus or Indonesian Steamed Cake, and everyone loved it,” said Rinrin. She worked in Sydney for a few years before returning to Indonesia, where she freelanced as a cooking instructor.

 

Her first foray into television came when she was approached to host Cooking In Paradise – a cooking show with a twist.

 

“I didn’t cook in a kitchen, but out in the open instead. It was quite challenging because I had to cook outdoors, introduce new recipes and on top of that, make sure that the food taste great. So, I spent a lot of time experimenting with new and creative recipes,” she said.

 

The chef is excited to be back in front of the camera with Food Maps, but this time only to share everything that she loves about Indonesian cuisine.

 

“I fully support Food Maps because it aims to do what I have set out to do – to take Indonesian cusine to the next level and make it popular around the world,” she said.

 

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http://www.star2.com/food/food-news/2016/01/07/doing-food-the-asean-way/