Indulge in Westin Jakarta's 'Flavors of India'

The Westin Jakarta has brought authentic Indian cuisine to Jakarta with its “Flavors of India” program in collaboration with the Indian Embassy. 

Running from March 12 to March 23 at the hotel's Seasonal Tastes restaurant, guest chef Nandan Singh Dhami from the JW Marriott Mumbai is in charge of the featured cuisine.

Ambassador of India Shri Pradeep Kumar Rawat opened the event on Monday and said in his speech that Indian food could have both medicinal and meditative effects.

Westin Jakarta general manager Arun Kumar said that India and Indonesia shared cultural similarities, remarking that "Hari Krishna Murti" would be perfect as an Indian and an Indonesian name. Regarding the event, he said, “The way to the heart is through the stomach.”

Guests can enjoy the flavors of India through thali sets, the Indian way of serving a selection of dishes on a round platter.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Sunter

The Westin Jakarta's Indian sous chef, Chiko Kiki Fonia, said both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options were available for diners.

The non-vegetarian set consists of lamb biryani, butter chicken and prawn masala, accompanied by refreshing condiments such as raita (yoghurt with sliced cucumber), mint chutney, and gulab jamun, a dessert made from powdered milk.

A 'thali' set is a traditional Indian service that comes complete with main courses, condiments and dessert on a single tray. (JP/Wening)

The vegetarian set includes til wale aloo (potatoes with sesame seeds), sabji peshwari (a mixed vegetable curry), pickled ginger, condiments and papadam (a crispy flatbread made from seasoned dough).

Fonia mentioned that the rice used in biryani dishes have less gluten than the typical Indonesian rice. “It may look dry, but it melts in the mouth,” he said.

Flavors of India is available for lunch (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) from Monday to Saturday for Rp 388,000++ per person, and on Sunday for Rp 438,000++ per person.

A dinner option is also available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily for Rp 408,000++ per person.