Eat Smart Culinary and Cultural Tour to Indonesia
Embark on a Tasting Adventure
with Co-Leaders William Wongso and Joan Peterson
June 19-29, 2025
Sold Out
Embark on a Tasting Adventure
with Co-Leaders William Wongso and Joan Peterson
June 19-29, 2025
Sold Out
Join us in getting to the heart of Indonesian culture through an exploration of her tantalizing cuisine. Sample the infinite variety of regional Indonesian specialties in their natural setting. Delve into the secrets of Indonesian dishes by participating in a cooking class. Also included will be talks on culinary topics and visits to bustling markets to learn about the herbs, spices and condiments that are prevalent in Indonesian cookery.
We will also see the major tourist sights, yet still have time to shop and relax along the way. You’ll come away with a knowledge of the culinary traditions of Indonesia and a deep appreciation of the magnitude of history and culture that this ancient archipelago possesses.
Our Culinary and Cultural Tours are perfect for those with special dietary needs. Because we work closely with all of our chefs on our tours, we can easily accommodate dietary choices and restrictions.
Do you have limited mobility? We can make special arrangements to accommodate most limited mobility situations. Please ask when inquiring about our tours.
We will also see the major tourist sights, yet still have time to shop and relax along the way. You’ll come away with a knowledge of the culinary traditions of Indonesia and a deep appreciation of the magnitude of history and culture that this ancient archipelago possesses.
Our Culinary and Cultural Tours are perfect for those with special dietary needs. Because we work closely with all of our chefs on our tours, we can easily accommodate dietary choices and restrictions.
Do you have limited mobility? We can make special arrangements to accommodate most limited mobility situations. Please ask when inquiring about our tours.
Day 1 - June 19, 2025 - Arrive in Jakarta, Java
Selamat datang di Jakarta! Upon arrival, meet and greet your guide at the airport.
Check in to hotel and relax before dinner; check-in time starts from 3 pm.
Optional dinner for those who arrive early enough (at our own expense).
After dinner, return to the hotel.
Day 2 - June 20, 2025 - Jakarta to Medan
Early morning check out with a breakfast box to go.
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Medan, the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra.
Welcome Lunch at Roma Batak Restaurant to experience the food of the Christian Batak ethnic group.
Following lunch, at Bika Ambon Medan, we will see how to make the popular cake called bika Ambon, a soft and chewy yeast cake originating in Medan, and enjoy a sample afterwards. Its main ingredients are tapioca flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk, and can have a variety of flavors. It is also called honeycomb cake because of its texture.
Afterwards we will check-in at the Hotel in Medan.
Late afternoon enjoy spring roll snacks at Popiah Yose Rizal.
Dinner at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - June 21, 2025 - MedanWe start with a breakfast experience at two different locations. We will sample a traditional dish at each location:
- Hock Seng Restaurant for Prawn Noodle, a favorite of the Chinese community in Medan.
- Sinar Pagi Restaurant for Soto Medan, a chicken or beef soup in a spiced-based broth, served with steamed white rice, a local specialty of Medan.
Visit to old Medan Private Mansion Tjong A Fie. This Mansion, a registered landmark, is a cultural heritage building and a museum. It is one of the most opulent buildings representative of the Peranakan culture in Indonesia. The Peranakans are an ethnic group descended from Chinese settlers.
At noon we’ll have a cooking demonstration of the dish called Fish Arsik Batak, a spicy Indonesian fish dish that originated with the Batak Toba and Mandailing people of North Sumatra. The dish is usually made with carp, also known as ikan mas or goldfish. It features andaliman, a spice similar to Sichuan pepper that only grows in the Batak highlands, and torch ginger fruit.
After Lunch visit to the Museum Negeri Sumatra Utara. The exhibits at this small, state-owned North Sumatra Museum provide a wonderful, well-curated overview of the local history and culture of North Sumatra.
Before returning to our hotel, we’ll have a taste of what many say is the best BBQ pork in Medan at Chasio Asan.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - June 22, 2025 - MedanBreakfast at Bihun Bebek Asie for their featured Medan specialty: Asian herbal duck soup rice vermicelli.
After breakfast visit to the Traditional Market Pasar Petisah, a must-visit for those who want to experience a traditional Indonesian market. It's known for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of local delicacies. The market is also a great place to find textiles, wooden statues, woven bags, embroidery, jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets, clothing, and traditional Indonesian batik.
Coffee break at Kedai Kopi Apek, an old institution coffee house (an option if all interested), followed by rest time at the hotel.
Lunch at Padang Sidempuan Restaurant for Batak Muslim Food.
Afternoon visit to Gallery Ulos Torang Sitorus to learn about Batak ulos handwoven textiles.
Back to the hotel & refresh.
Dinner at Babi Panggang Tesalonika Restaurant for Batak Grilled Pork Andaliman.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - June 23, 2025 - Medan to BaliWe will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Kualanamu International Airport for our flights to Bali. On route, stop for Breakfast at Dimsum Ayong Babura Restaurant.
Check in to hotel. Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6 - June 24, 2025 - BaliAfter breakfast and checking out of the hotel, visit the UNESCO Jatiluwih Rice Paddies. You will be astounded at the beauty of the lush green paddies that cascade in terraces from the upper reaches of volcanoes down to the deep valleys below, following along the slopes of the mountain sides. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are the best example of Bali's outstanding picturesque rice fields.
Brunch at Green Talas for some Bubur, a traditional Indonesian porridge of hulled, uncooked red rice and baked meat.
Early afternoon traditional Balinese Lunch at Dapur Bali Mula, a traditional Balinese kitchen located in Desa Les, North Bali, run by esteemed Balinese chef, Jro Yudi.
Enjoy the view of the Tejakula traditional salt farm along the seaside.
Afternoon Cooking Class at Dapur Bali Mula.
Transer to Hotel to rest and relax until dinner time.
BBQ Dinner at Dapur Bali Mula, accompanied by the traditional musical instrument “tingklik,” the bamboo xylophone.
After dinner return to Hotel.
Day 7 - June 25, 2025 - Bali to Ubud
Early morning check out from the hotel.
Breakfast at Dapur Bali Mula. Enjoy Balinese Mengguh, a type of savory porridge that originated in North Bali. It’s made from a mixture of fish, chicken, egg, vegetables, and ground spiced peanut sauce.
After breakfast depart for Klepon Village Gianyar, and stop at Batur Mountain and
Batur Lake on the way.
From Klepon Village Gianyar, transfer to the village of Ubud, Bali.
Morning visit to the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets.
Late morning transfer to Pak Darta’s Place (traditional Balinese dishes, Private
lunch – Balinese Traditional Family Meal “Megibung”). Private Lunch & Storytelling with Pak Darta.
Early afternoon coffee at Seniman Coffee.
Leisure time for shopping in Ubud Central, and Ubud Art Market in Ubud. The Ubud Art Market is a great place to find beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, statues, kites, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats and many other hand-crafted goods.
Transfer to Hotel, Check-in, and free time.
Dinner at Nusantara by Locavore.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - June 26, 2025 - Ubud
Visit Ubud Traditional Market and enjoy Breakfast.
Mid-morning check out of hotel.
Cooking Demo and Lunch at Nasi Ayam Kedawetan Ibu Agung in Ubud.
Early afternoon visit to the Neka Art Museum in Ubud. The Neka Art Museum is a brilliant art museum established in 1982 by Pande Wayan Suteja Neka, a Balinese art dealer who collected Balinese art. The museum is unique because it includes the work not only of Balinese artists, but from other Indonesian artists, even foreign artists, whose work reflected the beauty and culture of Bali.
Mid Afternoon transfer to Hotel near the Airport and check-in.
Enjoy some free time before dinner.
Dinner at Nasi Wardani / Laota near the Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel near the airport.
Day 9 - June 27, 2025 - Bali - Manado in the Province of Sulawesi
Early morning check-out and Breakfast box to go. Transfer to Soekarno Hatta Airport Domestic Terminal.
Flight to Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado transit (1 stop) at Hasanuddin Airport Ujung Pandang.
Upon arrival at the Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado, transfer to the Gardenia Country Inn.
Late afternoon transfer to Puncak Tetetana to enjoy the sunset.
Dinner at the Inn.
Day 10 - June 28, 2025
Manado
Breakfast at the Inn.
Visit to a local market.
Cooking Class making Traditional Minahasan dishes, followed by Lunch.
Visit Lake Linow, a volcanic crater lake known for its changing colors. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Enjoy some downtime at the Inn.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Gardenia Country Inn.
Day 11 - June 29, 2025 - Manado to Jakarta
Breakfast at the Inn.
Enjoy some free time to rest and pack.
Late morning Lunch at Gardenia Restaurant followed by check-out from the Inn.
Early afternoon visit to Tuur Maasering Village, a community-based tourism spot located on the hill. It offers a unique concept and combines natural tourism and local wisdom. We can see the traditional process of making Cap Tikus liquor which is the result of fermentation and distillation of sap water from palm trees.
Late afternoon depart for the airport and take off for Jakarta.
Arrive at Soekarno Hatta Airport Jakarta. Transfer to international flights.
End of Tour.
Selamat datang di Jakarta! Upon arrival, meet and greet your guide at the airport.
Check in to hotel and relax before dinner; check-in time starts from 3 pm.
Optional dinner for those who arrive early enough (at our own expense).
After dinner, return to the hotel.
Day 2 - June 20, 2025 - Jakarta to Medan
Early morning check out with a breakfast box to go.
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Medan, the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra.
Welcome Lunch at Roma Batak Restaurant to experience the food of the Christian Batak ethnic group.
Following lunch, at Bika Ambon Medan, we will see how to make the popular cake called bika Ambon, a soft and chewy yeast cake originating in Medan, and enjoy a sample afterwards. Its main ingredients are tapioca flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk, and can have a variety of flavors. It is also called honeycomb cake because of its texture.
Afterwards we will check-in at the Hotel in Medan.
Late afternoon enjoy spring roll snacks at Popiah Yose Rizal.
Dinner at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - June 21, 2025 - MedanWe start with a breakfast experience at two different locations. We will sample a traditional dish at each location:
- Hock Seng Restaurant for Prawn Noodle, a favorite of the Chinese community in Medan.
- Sinar Pagi Restaurant for Soto Medan, a chicken or beef soup in a spiced-based broth, served with steamed white rice, a local specialty of Medan.
Visit to old Medan Private Mansion Tjong A Fie. This Mansion, a registered landmark, is a cultural heritage building and a museum. It is one of the most opulent buildings representative of the Peranakan culture in Indonesia. The Peranakans are an ethnic group descended from Chinese settlers.
At noon we’ll have a cooking demonstration of the dish called Fish Arsik Batak, a spicy Indonesian fish dish that originated with the Batak Toba and Mandailing people of North Sumatra. The dish is usually made with carp, also known as ikan mas or goldfish. It features andaliman, a spice similar to Sichuan pepper that only grows in the Batak highlands, and torch ginger fruit.
After Lunch visit to the Museum Negeri Sumatra Utara. The exhibits at this small, state-owned North Sumatra Museum provide a wonderful, well-curated overview of the local history and culture of North Sumatra.
Before returning to our hotel, we’ll have a taste of what many say is the best BBQ pork in Medan at Chasio Asan.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - June 22, 2025 - MedanBreakfast at Bihun Bebek Asie for their featured Medan specialty: Asian herbal duck soup rice vermicelli.
After breakfast visit to the Traditional Market Pasar Petisah, a must-visit for those who want to experience a traditional Indonesian market. It's known for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of local delicacies. The market is also a great place to find textiles, wooden statues, woven bags, embroidery, jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets, clothing, and traditional Indonesian batik.
Coffee break at Kedai Kopi Apek, an old institution coffee house (an option if all interested), followed by rest time at the hotel.
Lunch at Padang Sidempuan Restaurant for Batak Muslim Food.
Afternoon visit to Gallery Ulos Torang Sitorus to learn about Batak ulos handwoven textiles.
Back to the hotel & refresh.
Dinner at Babi Panggang Tesalonika Restaurant for Batak Grilled Pork Andaliman.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - June 23, 2025 - Medan to BaliWe will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Kualanamu International Airport for our flights to Bali. On route, stop for Breakfast at Dimsum Ayong Babura Restaurant.
Check in to hotel. Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6 - June 24, 2025 - BaliAfter breakfast and checking out of the hotel, visit the UNESCO Jatiluwih Rice Paddies. You will be astounded at the beauty of the lush green paddies that cascade in terraces from the upper reaches of volcanoes down to the deep valleys below, following along the slopes of the mountain sides. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are the best example of Bali's outstanding picturesque rice fields.
Brunch at Green Talas for some Bubur, a traditional Indonesian porridge of hulled, uncooked red rice and baked meat.
Early afternoon traditional Balinese Lunch at Dapur Bali Mula, a traditional Balinese kitchen located in Desa Les, North Bali, run by esteemed Balinese chef, Jro Yudi.
Enjoy the view of the Tejakula traditional salt farm along the seaside.
Afternoon Cooking Class at Dapur Bali Mula.
Transer to Hotel to rest and relax until dinner time.
BBQ Dinner at Dapur Bali Mula, accompanied by the traditional musical instrument “tingklik,” the bamboo xylophone.
After dinner return to Hotel.
Day 7 - June 25, 2025 - Bali to Ubud
Early morning check out from the hotel.
Breakfast at Dapur Bali Mula. Enjoy Balinese Mengguh, a type of savory porridge that originated in North Bali. It’s made from a mixture of fish, chicken, egg, vegetables, and ground spiced peanut sauce.
After breakfast depart for Klepon Village Gianyar, and stop at Batur Mountain and
Batur Lake on the way.
From Klepon Village Gianyar, transfer to the village of Ubud, Bali.
Morning visit to the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets.
Late morning transfer to Pak Darta’s Place (traditional Balinese dishes, Private
lunch – Balinese Traditional Family Meal “Megibung”). Private Lunch & Storytelling with Pak Darta.
Early afternoon coffee at Seniman Coffee.
Leisure time for shopping in Ubud Central, and Ubud Art Market in Ubud. The Ubud Art Market is a great place to find beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, statues, kites, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats and many other hand-crafted goods.
Transfer to Hotel, Check-in, and free time.
Dinner at Nusantara by Locavore.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - June 26, 2025 - Ubud
Visit Ubud Traditional Market and enjoy Breakfast.
Mid-morning check out of hotel.
Cooking Demo and Lunch at Nasi Ayam Kedawetan Ibu Agung in Ubud.
Early afternoon visit to the Neka Art Museum in Ubud. The Neka Art Museum is a brilliant art museum established in 1982 by Pande Wayan Suteja Neka, a Balinese art dealer who collected Balinese art. The museum is unique because it includes the work not only of Balinese artists, but from other Indonesian artists, even foreign artists, whose work reflected the beauty and culture of Bali.
Mid Afternoon transfer to Hotel near the Airport and check-in.
Enjoy some free time before dinner.
Dinner at Nasi Wardani / Laota near the Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel near the airport.
Day 9 - June 27, 2025 - Bali - Manado in the Province of Sulawesi
Early morning check-out and Breakfast box to go. Transfer to Soekarno Hatta Airport Domestic Terminal.
Flight to Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado transit (1 stop) at Hasanuddin Airport Ujung Pandang.
Upon arrival at the Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado, transfer to the Gardenia Country Inn.
Late afternoon transfer to Puncak Tetetana to enjoy the sunset.
Dinner at the Inn.
Day 10 - June 28, 2025
Manado
Breakfast at the Inn.
Visit to a local market.
Cooking Class making Traditional Minahasan dishes, followed by Lunch.
Visit Lake Linow, a volcanic crater lake known for its changing colors. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Enjoy some downtime at the Inn.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Gardenia Country Inn.
Day 11 - June 29, 2025 - Manado to Jakarta
Breakfast at the Inn.
Enjoy some free time to rest and pack.
Late morning Lunch at Gardenia Restaurant followed by check-out from the Inn.
Early afternoon visit to Tuur Maasering Village, a community-based tourism spot located on the hill. It offers a unique concept and combines natural tourism and local wisdom. We can see the traditional process of making Cap Tikus liquor which is the result of fermentation and distillation of sap water from palm trees.
Late afternoon depart for the airport and take off for Jakarta.
Arrive at Soekarno Hatta Airport Jakarta. Transfer to international flights.
End of Tour.
Highlights from a previous culinary tours to Turkey. Videos created by tour participant Barbara Jensen.
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Details
FOR A MINIMUM/MAXIMUM OF 10 PARTICIPANTS
$5,995 in Double Occupancy
$6,545 in Single Occupancy
Payment: A **non-refundable deposit of $500 US per person is required upon booking.
Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to arrival.
**Your deposit is refundable until you have been notified that the tour has filled and the deposits have been sent to our Africa tour operator, at which point the deposit is non-refundable.
Included Services:
• Accommodation in single or double rooms, including breakfast.
• Domestic flight in Indonesia.
• All bus transfers.
• All airport transfers and group transfers.
• Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Professional English speaking guide throughout the tour.
• Services of Chef William Wongso, co-leader, Joan Peterson, co-leader, Susan Chwae, co-host, Chef Ade Putri Paramadita , co-host.
• Entrance fees to museums and historical sites.
• All lunches and dinners, unless specified.
• Cooking classes and demonstrations.
• 1 soft drink, tea and coffee during lunch and dinner.
• Bottled water (available on the motor coach and at lunch and dinner).
• Tips for the porters at the hotels and airport.
• Tips for the wait staff.
Services not included:
• International flights for the participants.
• Alcoholic drinks during lunch and dinner.
• Tips for driver and guide.
Cancellation and Refund: If a written notice of cancellation is received from passenger 60-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance non-refundable deposits will be refunded. If cancellation is made 59 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 15 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 14 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost.
TRIP INSURANCE: It is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance. If you wish to purchase travel insurance, please contact Susan Chwae, [email protected], for more assistance.
FOR A MINIMUM/MAXIMUM OF 10 PARTICIPANTS
$5,995 in Double Occupancy
$6,545 in Single Occupancy
Payment: A **non-refundable deposit of $500 US per person is required upon booking.
Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to arrival.
**Your deposit is refundable until you have been notified that the tour has filled and the deposits have been sent to our Africa tour operator, at which point the deposit is non-refundable.
Included Services:
• Accommodation in single or double rooms, including breakfast.
• Domestic flight in Indonesia.
• All bus transfers.
• All airport transfers and group transfers.
• Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Professional English speaking guide throughout the tour.
• Services of Chef William Wongso, co-leader, Joan Peterson, co-leader, Susan Chwae, co-host, Chef Ade Putri Paramadita , co-host.
• Entrance fees to museums and historical sites.
• All lunches and dinners, unless specified.
• Cooking classes and demonstrations.
• 1 soft drink, tea and coffee during lunch and dinner.
• Bottled water (available on the motor coach and at lunch and dinner).
• Tips for the porters at the hotels and airport.
• Tips for the wait staff.
Services not included:
• International flights for the participants.
• Alcoholic drinks during lunch and dinner.
• Tips for driver and guide.
Cancellation and Refund: If a written notice of cancellation is received from passenger 60-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance non-refundable deposits will be refunded. If cancellation is made 59 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 15 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 14 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost.
TRIP INSURANCE: It is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance. If you wish to purchase travel insurance, please contact Susan Chwae, [email protected], for more assistance.
William Wongso - Co-Leader
Indonesian culinary expert, restaurateur and television host, William Wongso, is widely recognized as a food diplomat for his role as a humble Asian street food connoisseur. However, it is his tireless passion for putting Indonesian cuisine on the world's map that has earned him lasting praise and numerous accolades. Mr. Wongso is considered one of Indonesia's national treasures.
Joan Peterson - Co-Leader
Joan Peterson is the publisher of the EAT SMART series of guidebooks designed for travelers and cookbook lovers. To date she has written guides to the cuisines of Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Morocco, Sicily, India, Peru, and Norway.
She has traveled extensively for many years, and leads culinary tours to Southern Africa, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Scotland, and Sicily.
Indonesian culinary expert, restaurateur and television host, William Wongso, is widely recognized as a food diplomat for his role as a humble Asian street food connoisseur. However, it is his tireless passion for putting Indonesian cuisine on the world's map that has earned him lasting praise and numerous accolades. Mr. Wongso is considered one of Indonesia's national treasures.
Joan Peterson - Co-Leader
Joan Peterson is the publisher of the EAT SMART series of guidebooks designed for travelers and cookbook lovers. To date she has written guides to the cuisines of Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Morocco, Sicily, India, Peru, and Norway.
She has traveled extensively for many years, and leads culinary tours to Southern Africa, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Scotland, and Sicily.
Co-Host Susan Peterson Chwae began her career in the travel industry in 1997 when she joined the family’s publishing company. Since the inception of the company’s tour business, Susan has worked intimately with destination management companies and tour operators to create luxury culinary and cultural travel experiences. She has been co-leading or leading her own tours since 2005.