Public Voting Selects Nusantara Cuisine as Most Favourite Asian

Nusantara cuisine continues to demonstrate its competitiveness amidst the proliferation of various Asian dishes in Indonesia. Not only is it popular with the public, but various typical Indonesian dishes are also increasingly gaining recognition through appreciation events involving direct consumer assessment. One such proof comes from the Grab Bintang 5 Awards 2026. In the awards event organised by Grab Indonesia together with the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Sambal Bakar Indonesia won the Most Favourite Asian award, a category whose winner is determined by the voting of the Indonesian public. Chief Marketing Officer of Sambal Bakar Indonesia, Renaldo Akhira, said the Most Favourite Asian award is proof that Nusantara cuisine can be the public’s top choice amidst a variety of Asian culinary options. ‘From the beginning, our goal in building Sambal Bakar Indonesia was to make Indonesian food more loved. This award is proof that Indonesian food has a place in the hearts of the public amidst competition from other Asian cuisines. Thank you to the entire team, customers, investors, partners, and the big family of Sambal Bakar Indonesia,’ said Renaldo. Sambal Bakar Indonesia opened its first outlet on Jalan Veteran, Tangerang, on 15 July 2022 with a mission to elevate the rich flavours of the Nusantara. Embracing the concept of sambal grilled just before serving, the restaurant offers a distinctive aroma and taste sensation that sets it apart. The commitment to maintaining quality is realised through the use of selected raw materials, the application of consistent operational standards across all outlets, fast service, and a menu that has entirely obtained halal certification. This consistency is one of the factors driving customer trust in Sambal Bakar Indonesia. The award achieved by Sambal Bakar Indonesia also reinforces the significant potential of Nusantara cuisine in supporting the development of gastronomy tourism in Indonesia. Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Ni Luh Puspa, expressed appreciation for the Grab Bintang 5 Awards 2026, which she considered a form of recognition for culinary business players who consistently maintain quality. ‘This initiative shows that Indonesian cuisine has developed into an important part of tourism appeal and the nation’s cultural identity. We believe gastronomy tourism has great potential to drive quality tourism, present authentic experiences, and provide direct economic benefits for MSMEs and local communities,’ said Ni Luh Puspa.