JP\/19\/ARMFD<\/p>\n
Local food irreplaceable for Indonesians in America<\/p>\n
Armando Siahaan
\nContributor\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
Assimilation, a process whereby immigrants integrate with the
\nculture of the host country, is probably the norm for many
\nIndonesians who emigrate abroad to the United States.<\/p>\n
But there is one culture that many of them seem unwilling to
\nassimilate: food.<\/p>\n
It is true that during the initial stages, many Indonesians
\nare attracted by American food such as burgers, pastas and
\nsteaks.<\/p>\n
In due course, they reach a point where the flavor offered by
\nAmerican food just cannot replace the richness in flavor of
\nIndonesian food.<\/p>\n
The craving for Indonesian food was, in the past, an insoluble
\nproblem for Indonesian emigrants, because not many of them were
\nwilling to open an Indonesian restaurant.<\/p>\n
Today, finding Indonesian food is no longer a problem as there
\nis already a plethora of restaurants dedicated to the cuisine in
\na number of states.<\/p>\n
In New York, five Indonesian restaurants are scattered through
\nManhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Places like Borobudur Cafe and
\nUpi Jaya offer Indonesian food, with the latter specializing in
\nPadang cuisine.<\/p>\n
In Philadelphia, there is Indonesia restaurant, one of the
\nmost prominent of its type in America. The restaurant offers a
\nwide range selection of authentic Indonesian food, serving up to
\n119 items on the menu.<\/p>\n
Other states like California and Ohio are also home to
\nIndonesian restaurants. Many of those that live far from them
\ntravel to where they are located.<\/p>\n
For those who do not have the luxury of going to a restaurant,
\na new alternative is being offered by some immigrants. Some
\nemigrants use their kitchens as a basis for door-to-door home
\ncooking businesses.<\/p>\n
For example, Mbok Nana in Maryland serves up Indonesian food.
\nShe basically cooks the food at her apartment, sells it at US$7
\nper meal or set menu and delivers it.<\/p>\n
Aside from that, Indonesians can also enjoy their food at
\nevents organized by the Indonesian embassy, such as during the
\nfasting month (Ramadan), bazaars at the ambassador's residence,
\nor during celebrations of Independence Day.<\/p>\n
During these events, the large numbers of Indonesians
\nattending indicates the level of craving for food from back home.
\nMany are not ashamed to admit that they come to these events
\npurely for the food.<\/p>\n
A lot also admit that it is only during events like this they
\ncan enjoy Indonesian food in a vendor-like atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Living on foreign soil inevitably forces people to assimilate
\nand eventually reduces their appreciation of their own culture:
\nThat is almost inevitable.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, the Indonesian community in the U.S. can unite
\naround their food, which can also boost their sense of national
\npride.<\/p>\n
(The writer is an Indonesian studying at George Washington
\nUniversity, Washington, DC, U.S.)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jp19armfd-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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