Indonesia Showcases Culinary Diplomacy with Multiple Wins in Ottawa

RRI.CO.ID, Ottawa - Indonesia made a strong impression at the 2026 Y Embassy Chef Showcase in Ottawa, dominating the awards at the international culinary diplomacy event. The competition, held on April 15, brought together 15 foreign missions in Canada to celebrate culture and cuisine.

The Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa secured three major honors: Best Dressed Booth, Best Beverage, and People’s Choice, while also finishing runner-up in the Judges’ Choice category behind Ethiopia and the Philippines.

Indonesian Ambassador to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, praised the achievement, calling it a testament to Indonesia’s strength in culinary diplomacy and cultural promotion on the global stage.

At the showcase, the embassy presented traditional dishes such as nasi kuning, rendang, kue talam, and srikaya Palembang. The Indonesian booth drew attention early on, earning praise for its presentation and immersive culinary experience.

The People’s Choice award reflected direct votes from attendees, highlighting the strong appeal of Indonesian cuisine among the international audience. Chief Judge Margaret Dickenson commended Indonesia’s performance, noting it as one of the standout participants in this year’s showcase.

The event welcomed around 500 guests from Ottawa’s diplomatic corps and professional community, while also serving as a charity fundraiser for YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) programs in the Ottawa region. Ticket sales at CAD 150 each helped raise more than CAD 59,000 in donations.

YMCA, also widely known simply as “the Y”, is a global nonprofit organization focused on youth development, community strengthening, and promoting healthy living.

The Y Embassy Chef Showcase has become an annual platform for cultural diplomacy through food. Indonesia’s success this year is seen as reinforcing its soft power, strengthening the global presence of Nusantara cuisine, and deepening cultural ties abroad. (Sri Wahyuni/Lasti Martina)