Heaptalk, Jakarta — West Kutai Regency Government through the Tourism Department organized a local food cooking competition in celebration of the regency’s 24th anniversary.
The event took place at Sendawar Cultural Park, Barong Tongkok District (10/31). Adopting the theme ‘Efforts to overcome stunting in West Kutai’, this competition was attended by 13 participants who were representatives of every district in West Kutai.
One of the judges Chef Anshori conveyed that all of these food preparations caught the attention of the judges. The dishes in the competition were varied with all ingredients coming from nature in West Kutai.
“Apart from being varied, the taste is also delicious and healthy since they do not use MSG but mekai leaves,” said the chef who is a member of the Indonesian Chef Association for East Kalimantan Regional Management Board.
Mekai leaves Albertisia papuana are one of the typical plants of West Kutai which are used as a natural flavor enhancer by the Dayak Ethnic Community. Anshori added, “When these leaves are added to dishes, they produce a savory, salty and sweet taste.”
Anshori further admitted that he was happy with the competition as this was a manifestation of the West Kutai Regency Government’s concern for traditional cuisine. In addition, this event also showed the West Kutai Regency Government’s special attention to handling stunting. “The food served must meet health standards and be highly nutritious,” concluded Anshori. (Translated by Sinta)
