Airbnb has partnered with chefs Arnold Poernomo and Reynold Poernomo to introduce an exclusive recipe book inspired by Indonesia’s culinary heritage, encouraging travelers to explore local ingredients and recreate Indonesian dishes in Airbnb kitchens during their stays.

The collaboration comes as culinary experiences become an increasingly important part of travel in Indonesia. According to Airbnb’s internal data, Food & Drinks has been among the three most popular Airbnb Experiences categories in Indonesia since its launch in May 2025. Searches for Airbnb stays with kitchen facilities also increased by more than 20% year-on-year, comparing February–March 2025 with the same period in 2026.

The Airbnb x Poernomo Recipe Book was developed with Nusa Gastronomi Indonesia and focuses on ingredients commonly found in Indonesian traditional markets. Each ingredient forms the basis of a dish while also providing an entry point into its cultural and culinary history.

Among the recipes are Steak Jawa and Jimbaran Squid by Chef Arnold, and Churros with Pandan Custard by Chef Reynold. The dishes highlight three Indonesian ingredients in particular: kluwek, kecap manis, and pandan.

Kluwek, which requires a lengthy preparation process before it can be consumed, gives the Steak Jawa its dark color and rich flavor. The Jimbaran Squid uses kecap manis, made from fermented soybeans, palm sugar, and spices, while pandan adds its distinctive aroma and natural green color to the Churros with Pandan Custard.

The research and stories behind these ingredients were developed by Mei Batubara, a culinary researcher at Nusa Gastronomi Indonesia. She notes that Indonesian cuisine is closely tied to the history and cultural significance of its spices, seasonings, and aromatic plants.

“Food is an inseparable part of Indonesian culture. When we cook, we not only enjoy the flavors, but also appreciate the history and origins behind each ingredient,” said Batubara.

The recipe book includes the complete recipes, measurements, and preparation steps, allowing travelers to recreate the dishes during their stays.

For Chef Reynold, the collaboration is also about encouraging people to spend more time cooking together. “Our collaboration with Airbnb is not only about sharing recipes, but also encouraging more people to spend time together in the kitchen and create dishes that reflect the richness of local culture,” he said.

Chef Arnold similarly views the kitchen as an important part of the travel experience, noting that home-cooked meals can create memorable moments through the process of preparing and sharing food together.

To support this experience, the chefs also selected three Bali Airbnb stays based on their kitchen facilities and communal spaces: Modern LOFT • Glass Pool • River Ravine View, a three-bedroom villa with an open kitchen connected to the dining area; ALPHA HOUSE, a four-bedroom villa designed by architect Alexis Dornier with a loft-style kitchen and concierge services that can assist with grocery shopping and market visits; and 12BR Myosotis & Veni Vidi Vici Dual-Villa, a two-villa property with six bedrooms each, premium kitchen equipment, and automatic stoves.

Through the recipe book and accompanying stay recommendations, Airbnb positions cooking as another way for travelers to experience Indonesia beyond dining out, using local ingredients and shared meals as a way to connect with the country’s culinary traditions.