Satay seasoning becomes a unique adaptation of Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culinary storyteller Ade Putri Paramadita says satay seasoning has become a food item adapted uniquely in the Netherlands, not only as a spice but in the form of various light snacks. ‘It’s very interesting because satay as we know it is something that is mixed into skewered meat dishes such as chicken and beef or even fish. But they bring it as a snack they call ’satay’, including chips, even pau but with satay flavour,’ Ade said at the Indonesian Food in Netherlands discussion at Erasmus Huis, the Dutch Embassy, in Jakarta, on Friday. Ade says the satay sauce widely available in the Netherlands is more dominated by a sour aroma with vinegar, and there are some variants that include celery. Its texture is also quite different, with varieties such as mayonnaise or slightly firm like panna cotta. He also notes another unique aspect is that satay sauce in the Netherlands is commonly eaten with any dish, including vegetable salads. Ade said the uniqueness of this food approach is normal given the geographic conditions and availability of ingredients in the country. Although satay seasoning or sauce in the Netherlands is very different from what is usually found in Indonesia, Ade says there is a certain pride that another country knows one of Indonesia’s dishes even though the approach is different. Because, in his view, it is quite difficult to introduce Indonesian cuisine abroad because it requires many ingredients that are very complex, which may not be available in the country. He always invites other countries to sample Indonesia’s signature dishes at their place of origin even though in their country they have adaptations of Indonesian food. ‘So, at least they know its name. And of course, I always encourage you to come to Indonesia to try the original version of everything you try abroad,’ he said. According to him, having other countries know the naming of foods in Indonesian could spark curiosity to try or even delve deeper into information and history behind the food. Ade also says a more intimate approach is needed to introduce Indonesian food abroad so they are willing to try. One use of satay sauce in Dutch cuisine is Patatje oorlog, a fast food dish consisting of fries drenched with a combination of peanut sauce (similar to satay seasoning), mayonnaise, and chopped onions.