Is there a particular dish you’ve created that is deeply intertwined with a cherished memory or significant moment in your life?
Starting in 2023, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has created a concept of Majapahit Imperial Dinner, highlighting the cuisine from the Majapahit era. During the concept creation, I was excited to present dishes that I enjoyed during my childhood, such as urab genjer semanggi, gudeg bunga kelapa, sayur umbut kelapa, and other traditional dishes that are being forgotten by the current generation. Some of the dishes use ingredients that are rare and are no longer popular. Each dish has its own history and story, and my goal is to revive these culinary traditions so that the stories and flavors of ancient Indonesia are preserved and not lost to time.
What fundamental values do you prioritize in your culinary creations?
Our commitment to authenticity shines through as we stay true to our traditional roots, crafting dishes that honor time-honored recipes. We prioritize quality by sourcing the freshest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a testament to excellence. Sustainability is at the heart of our culinary philosophy; we minimize waste and champion local, ethical produce.
I focus on delivering exceptional flavor, balancing innovation with tradition, and ensuring guest satisfaction through meticulous attention to presentation and service. These values together create a memorable and meaningful dining experience.
What initiatives does Apurva Kempinski undertake to minimize food waste?
We take a holistic approach that integrates sustainability into every aspect of our culinary operations. Our initiatives include farm-to-table sourcing, efficient menu planning, and mindful portion control, all aimed at reducing waste from the outset.
We compost organic waste into eco-enzymes which is used to enrich our gardens, and regularly train our staff on best practices for waste reduction. Our chefs are constantly innovating, using every part of the ingredient to minimize waste and creating dishes that are both unique and eco-friendly. Additionally, we engage our guests in our sustainability efforts, ensuring that everyone contributes to reducing food waste. These comprehensive strategies reflect our commitment to combining luxury with sustainability.
How do you balance your culinary creativity with the responsibility of maintaining sustainable practices in menu development?
Balancing culinary creativity with sustainable practices is a philosophy at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. We achieve this by prioritizing seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, which not only support local farmers but also ensure freshness and reduce our carbon footprint.
We also take pride in preserving Indonesia’s Culinary Biodiversity. Hence, we created our iconic ‘Majapahit Imperial Dinner‘ an extraordinary culinary journey to the glorious past named showcasing a 5-course menu, where you discover the forgotten heritage deeply rooted in indigenous wisdom and the cultural connection with the land, waters and seas, as well as their invaluable contributions to our modern society, all of which are presented on one spectacular stage.
The menu included unique dishes like Urap Hayuyu, which embodies balance and harmony of the flavours of crab, moringa and jewawut millet. It is followed by Rawon Lembu, a thousand-year-old beef soup with a distinctive black broth enriched with Kluwek nuts. Botok Iwak, honoring Javanese tradition with salted fish, picung and sambal roa. The main course, Manuk Urang Manggar, is a flavorful blend of ancient Melik Parijatha Rice, free-range chicken, tiger prawn and young coconut flower. We conclude with Jadah Tape, a sweet black sticky rice dessert from Betawi tradition, reminiscent of village street vendors. By aligning our creative culinary processes with sustainable practices, we are able to offer a diverse and exciting menu that is sustainable, environmentally responsible and delightful for our guests.
If you could embark on a culinary journey to any destination in the world right now, where would you go and what local dish would be at the top of your must-try list?
Japan and India are top on my list! In Japan, I want to immerse myself in the rich culinary traditions and head straight to a local sushi restaurant to try authentic sushi, ramen and donburi. The delicate freshness makes it a must-try for any food enthusiast.
In India, I would explore the vibrant street food scene and indulge in pani puri, a popular street snack. This dish is an explosion of flavors and textures from the crispy puris filled with spicy, tangy water and savory fillings. I would also try some authentic royal. Additionally, I am keen to delve into India’s royal cuisine by trying biryani, particularly the Hyderabadi biryani known for its fragrant basmati rice, tender marinated meat, and rich blend of spices.
Chef Iswanti Endah Perwitosari (Chef Endah), is the Apurva Culinary Ambassador at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. With a passion for elevating Indonesia’s forgotten biodiversity and culinary heritage, Chef Endah brings these rich traditions to the international stage. As Executive Sous Chef, she oversees multiple dining outlets, including in-room dining and banquet operations, ensuring the resort’s culinary excellence.
Chef Endah’s extensive knowledge of Indonesian indigenous ingredients is pivotal in the resort’s commitment to preserving and raising awareness of the country’s forgotten biodiversity. Her culinary journey spans over two decades, taking her across Indonesia, Singapore, and Dubai, where she has honed her skills in various prestigious luxury establishments. A seasoned culinary artisan, Chef Endah is a driving force behind The Apurva Kempinski’s commitment to showcasing authentic Indonesian flavors and traditions, making her a true ambassador of the nation’s rich culinary culture.
About The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Standing atop the majestic cliff of Nusa Dua, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a tropical garden, The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers the epitome of beachfront luxury. This five-star resort in Bali presents itself as a majestic open-air theatre, an embodiment of Indonesian elegance. A collection of 475 iconic rooms, suites and villas are showcased, with 60% of the accommodation featuring its own private plunge pools. In pursuit of their commitment to sustainable growth, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has attained a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, making it the first hotel in Indonesia to obtain this recognition. From a unique culinary journey and indigenous spa treatments, to the spacious meeting rooms and alluring chapels, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a spectacular stage where curated experiences are brought to life. kempinski.com/bali
Read more about their sustainable initiatives here.
