Our Founder
Welcome to The Archipelago Eats — a little corner of the Internet where the rich, bold flavors of Indonesia are documented.
This project was born from the heart of an Indonesian mother, a librarian by trade, living far away in the Netherlands. Far from the islands she once called home, she found herself craving more than just food — she longed for connection, for stories, for the taste of heritage carried in every spice and every dish.
With a love for books and a love for family, she set out to build a bridge — a place where the warmth of Indonesian kitchens could reach across oceans and borders. A place to share the stories behind the sambals, the rendangs, the satays; to celebrate the rich flavors that make Indonesian food so memorable.
Here, every restaurant and story is more than just a place and texts. It’s a doorway to a memory, a tradition, a moment shared around a table. It’s a way to keep the spirit of her homeland, Indonesia, alive. No matter where life takes us.
So whether you’re an Indonesian soul far from home, a curious traveler hungry for new tastes, or a passionate cook eager to share your craft — welcome. Let’s explore this delicious journey together, one bite at a time.
Selamat datang dan terima kasih for being part of this story.
Why We Do What We Do
Because at the heart of every dish is a story worth sharing.
Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Indonesian cuisine is more than just flavor. It’s a living museum of history, culture, and identity. Each dish tells stories of trade routes, colonial struggles, religious influences, and community celebrations. By documenting our culinary traditions, we preserve essential cultural knowledge for future generations while making it accessible to food enthusiasts worldwide.
Our Vision
The Archipelago Eats serves as a three-fold resource:
- Global Restaurant Directory: Discovering authentic Indonesian establishments worldwide, from humble warungs to Michelin restaurants.
- Knowledge Hub: Exploring the historical influences that shaped Indonesian cuisine – Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Dutch colonial impacts across the archipelago. We document regional variations, ceremonial dishes, and the evolution of cooking techniques that make Indonesian cuisine one of the world’s most complex culinary traditions.
- Cultural Events: Featuring food festivals, cooking demonstrations, and cultural celebrations that showcase Indonesian culinary heritage both within Indonesia and throughout the global diaspora.
Our Mission
Here, our mission is to bring the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesian food to people all over the world. We want to help Indonesian restaurants and stores get discovered by food lovers everywhere. This is a way of giving back to our beloved homeland and we’re proud to taking this small part of building a digital bridge that hopefully connects more people with our gastronomy.
Our goal is to make it easy for everyone to find and enjoy real, authentic Indonesian dishes no matter where they live. We are committed to:
- Authenticity: Highlighting traditional Indonesian recipes and cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
- Accessibility: Creating a simple and reliable way for people to find Indonesian food wherever they are in the world.
- Community: Building a strong network of food enthusiasts, business owners, and cultural lovers who share a passion for Indonesian cuisine.
- Education: Sharing the stories, ingredients, and culture behind each dish to deepen appreciation and understanding.
We believe that food redefines how people connect and share their stories. Through The Archipelago Eats, we want to celebrate the unique tastes and traditions of the Indonesian archipelago.
Last update: May 2025