Paying homage to the Majapahit Empire, The Apurva Kempinski Bali unveils its Imperial Dining culinary journey. The Majapahit Empire was renowned for its extravagant banquets and feasts, where cuisines were crafted with intricate and decorative presentations for special occasions, ceremonies and religious rituals. The cuisine was a mosaic of influences from Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and Arab cuisines, reflecting the trade and cultural exchanges of its time. The kingdom, which thrived from the late 13th to the early 16th century, is celebrated for its advanced agricultural practices where ingredients are divided into five cardinal growing techniques including ‘Pala Pendhem’ (grown underground), ‘Pala Kesimpar’ (grown on vine), ‘Pala Gumantung’ (hanging on trees), ‘Palawijo’ (all-around harvest) and ‘Pala Kitri’ (long-lived corps). Rice was transformed into a staple food while spices like cloves, nutmeg, lemongrass, galangal, coconut and pepper were not just flavor enhancers but symbols of the kingdom's opulence. Moreover, food preservation methods such as drying and salting were very popular in this era, along with smoking and fermenting. One exemplary dish that highlights the mastery of these techniques is ‘Ikan Asin’ or the salted fish.
"We are thrilled to present ‘Majapahit Imperial Dining’ at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. This culinary journey is a testament to our commitment to preserving and honoring Indonesia's cultural legacy. Our heartfelt gratitude to the key partners who are the experts having similar vision towards preserving Indonesia’s culture and heritage. Through this program, we invite guests to indulge in a memorable experience that combines history, flavors and traditions while savoring the essence of Indonesia's past elevated with unique performances. Moving forward, showcasing and preserving Indonesia’s biodiversity will continue to be part of guest experiences throughout the resort," said Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali.
The ingredients for this imperial dining have been meticulously sourced from organic farms and skilled fishers, ensuring every element adheres to principles of organic cultivation and sustainable practices. Moreover, the ‘Majapahit Imperial Dining’ is beyond merely a culinary celebration, it is an odyssey that brings the Majapahit legacy to life.