Indonesian Ambassador Sees Promising Business in Indonesian Restaurants in Armenia

The increasing number of Indonesians abroad opens up promising business opportunities for Indonesian restaurants, according to the Indonesian Ambassador to Ukraine, concurrently for Armenia and Georgia, Arief Basalamah. “The wider spread of Indonesians abroad, especially in Armenia and surrounding countries, makes Indonesian restaurant businesses a profitable investment,” he said in a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, on Tuesday (14/4). He stated that with professional management, Indonesian restaurants can attract customers not only from Indonesians but also tourists and food enthusiasts interested in the flavours of the Archipelago. Arief added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian representations can facilitate workshops on Indonesian culinary business opportunities. Such activities could bring in successful restaurant owners to share lessons and best practices with stakeholders, including the private sector. One example of an Indonesian restaurant is Little Bali, located in Yerevan, Armenia. The restaurant, themed around Indonesian nature, is near Cascade Park, one of the popular tourist destinations in the city. Established in 2024 by Indonesian diaspora member Fugen Chandra, the restaurant offers dishes such as nasi goreng, Madura chicken soto, and nasi Padang. “Currently, customers come not only from Indonesia but also local residents, foreign tourists, and expatriates in Yerevan,” he said. Based on data from the Indonesian Embassy in Kiev and its Extension Office in Tbilisi, there are around 30 to 50 Indonesians and the Indonesian diaspora in Armenia. Most are migrant workers and Indonesians married to locals.