Episode Details

Why is one of the world’s most flavorful cuisines still flying under the global radar? In this episode, we dig into the mystery of Indonesian food—a culinary giant at home, yet shockingly scarce in cities like New York and London. From richly spiced rendang to the layered warmth of soto, Indonesia offers some of the world’s most complex, nuanced dishes. So why aren’t there more Indonesian restaurants abroad? We explore how colonial history, diaspora patterns, and the high cost of herbs and spices keep these dishes from achieving the fame they deserve. It’s a story of world-class flavors hiding in plain sight—and the greatest gap between deliciousness and global recognition.

https://www.economist.com/culture/2022/09/01/indonesian-food-is-delicious-but-little-known