Introducing Narendra Archie Prameswara, a passionate Food Consultant and Culinary Adventurer who has embarked on a delightful journey across the Indonesian archipelago, unraveling its rich tapestry of flavors. Known as Archie Prameswara, he wears many hats, including that of a dedicated TV host, collaborating with governmental bodies, corporations, and NGOs to champion Indonesian gastronomy.
With a deep-rooted love for his country’s cuisine, he promotes its distinct flavors and showcases them to the world. His fondness for Indonesian cuisine is palpable, a sentiment he eloquently encapsulates by expressing that his most cherished culinary experiences revolve around his national cuisine.
Archie’s culinary expedition has been meticulously cultivated over years of global exploration. A journey that spans continents, it is steeped in a desire to acquaint the world with Indonesia’s culinary marvels. His culinary education flourished under the mentorship of experts like Chef Xavier Bouriot of Alain Ducasse, who imparted Mediterranean finesse, and Chef Ragil Imam Wibowo, a guru in the realm of Indonesian cuisine.
Practical knowledge grew as he honed his skills in diverse European settings, from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to Amsterdam’s trendy culinary hub, The Hoxton. Yet, his insatiable quest led him back to Indonesia’s heartlands, from the far reaches of Sabang to the southern corners of Merauke. Here, his immersive learning strategy involved cooking side by side with the unsung heroes of Indonesia’s culinary heritage, the revered “ibu-ibus.”
Hi! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your day-to-day activities.
Hi! My name is Archie Prameswara and I currently work as a food consultant, and TV host while working with the government, companies, and NGOs to promote Indonesian cuisine.
To you, what would make a perfect meal?
A perfect meal is a feeling. It need not be the most expensive meal, with the most exquisite ingredients and techniques. It just needs a good company, good food that satisfies, and a good amount of time.
What is the food that you love the most?
It would be Indonesian, of course! Because for anyone in the world to try and appreciate Indonesian food, you need first to love it.
What usually draws your attention to a place to eat?
Good review on Google, hahaha, or when a friend whose palate I trust gives me a recommendation on where to eat.
What is your go-to comfort food, and where do you usually get it?
My definition of comfort food would be anything that is hot and soupy. It could be ramen from Ramen For The Soul or Sop Kaki Kambing Dudung Roxy
Is there any food you can eat every day without getting bored?
Indonesian food, for obvious reasons! The range of it is just too big from Sabang to Merauke.
What are your favorite local dishes, and where do you go to eat them?
As a true resident of Jakarta, my love for Soto Betawi is undeniable. And my favorite is Soto Betawi Sambung Nikmat in Pondok Pinang.
What is your most recent dining destination that left a good impression?
One that left an impression on me lately was SUMA. I love everything about the new place! The interiors and the food served intertwine beautifully.
Where are your top three dining places always on your favorite list? And which food do you recommend getting at those places?
For me, it’s always Pantja for their Farm Bird. Akar for their Bebek Bakar Tono Tono. And Carbòn for their Lengua Negra.
Where do you usually hang out with friends or go for special occasions with family?
To places that I know and trust the chefs to give me whatever they have on a special day!
