Rendang: The Most Delicious Food in The World | Reno Andam Suri | TEDxJakarta

Summary

The script is a lively discussion about the Indonesian dish, rendang, celebrated as the world's most delicious food in 2017. It explores the cooking process involving three stages: gulai, kalio, and rendang, leading to a dry, everlasting dish. The conversation delves into regional variations, from chicken rendang in Padang to unique versions like rendang belut and rendang jagung. It also touches on rendang's cultural significance, used in traditional ceremonies and its adaptation in different regions, reflecting Indonesia's rich culinary heritage. The speaker encourages documenting and celebrating Indonesian food to prevent it from becoming mere legends.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Rendang, a traditional Indonesian dish, was named the world's most delicious food in 2017, highlighting its global recognition.
• 🍲 The term 'rendang' refers not only to the dish itself but also to the cooking process, which involves reducing the liquid to create a long-lasting dish.
• 🔥 The preparation of rendang consists of three stages: gulai (the first stage with a rich sauce), kalio (the second stage where the sauce thickens), and finally rendang (the third stage resulting in a dry, preserved dish).
• 🐔 Rendang can be made with various meats, with chicken being a popular choice, but regional preferences vary, including rendang made from buffalo, crab, or even plant-based ingredients.
• 🌿 The addition of various herbs and spices in different regions contributes to the diverse flavors of rendang, with some versions incorporating up to a hundred different leaves believed to have health benefits.
• 🎉 Rendang is not just a daily dish but also plays a significant role in traditional ceremonies, such as the installation of community leaders, where it is presented as a symbol of honor.
• 🏺 The influence of Minangkabau culture, known for their wandering spirit, has spread rendang and other culinary traditions to various parts of Indonesia and beyond.
• 📚 The speaker calls for better documentation and appreciation of Indonesian culinary heritage to prevent the loss of traditional recipes and food culture.
• 📸 Encouragement is given for individuals to document Indonesian food through various means such as writing, photography, illustrations, or even creating games, to help preserve and promote the country's rich culinary history.
• 🌟 The script concludes with a call to action for everyone to contribute to the preservation of Indonesia's extraordinary culinary legacy by documenting and sharing local food cultures.

Q & A

What year was rendang declared as the world's most delicious food?

Rendang was declared as the world's most delicious food in 2017.

What does the word 'rendang' signify in the context of cooking?

In the context of cooking, 'rendang' signifies not just a dish but also a cooking process that involves evaporating the water to make it everlasting.

How many stages are there in the process of making rendang according to the script?

There are three stages in the process of making rendang: gulai, kalio, and rendang.

What is the first stage in making rendang called and what is its significance?

The first stage in making rendang is called 'gulai', which involves cooking with a lot of liquid and simmering over low heat.

What is the second stage of rendang cooking known as?

The second stage of rendang cooking is known as 'kalio', where the liquid thickens and the oil rises to the surface.

What is the final stage of rendang cooking called, and what is its outcome?

The final stage of rendang cooking is called 'rendang' itself, resulting in a dry dish where all the water has evaporated, making it suitable for travel and preservation.

What type of rendang is commonly found in nasi kapau stalls according to the speaker?

Rendang ayam, or chicken rendang, is commonly found in nasi kapau stalls.

What is special about rendang lokan according to the script?

Rendang lokan is special because it uses lokan, a type of snail considered the base of the crocodile's food chain, making it a risk-taking choice for consumption.

How does the rendang from Batusangkar differ from other rendangs mentioned in the script?

Rendang from Batusangkar is known for being made with belut (python), and it is considered more delicious than meat by the locals, especially during Ramadan or Lebaran.

What is unique about the rendang in Malaysia as discussed in the script?

In Malaysia, rendang has adapted to local tastes, with versions such as rendang tok, rendang cili padi, and rendang maman being popular.

What role does rendang play in traditional ceremonies according to the script?

Rendang plays a significant role in traditional ceremonies, such as the installation of village elders, where it is presented as a symbol of honor and the host's ability to provide the best for their guests.

What is the significance of the year 1883 mentioned in the script in relation to rendang?

In 1883, the Dutch organized a large exhibition in Amsterdam where they brought the concept of Padang food, including rendang, to introduce it to other countries.