The journey across Indonesia's rich culinary landscape is set to reach its final destination as The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali welcomes Chef Jovan Koraag of Mata Karanjang to Ikan Restaurant & Bar for an exclusive culinary collaboration celebrating the bold, soulful flavors of Manado on 11 and 12 November 2026. As the closing chapter of this year's culinary journey, the event invites guests to experience a region where food is deeply woven into everyday life, culture, and tradition.

What began as a journey across the Indonesian archipelago has evolved into a celebration of the people, stories, and regional flavors that define the nation's remarkable gastronomic identity. Following collaborations with TAMU Restaurant, which showcased the heritage of Betawi cuisine, and Salira, known for its heartfelt interpretation of Minangkabau cooking, the series now concludes with a chef whose passion lies in bringing the flavors of Manado into the national spotlight.

KEY FACTS
Venue: Ikan Restaurant & Bar, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
Guest Chef: Chef Jovan Koraag, Mata Karanjang
Experience: Travelogues of the Archipelago Season Two, Chapter Three
Cuisine: Manado Cuisine, North Sulawesi
Dates & Time: 11 & 12 November 2026, 6PM – 10PM

A Journey Home Through Flavor
For Chef Jovan Koraag, the story of Mata Karanjang is deeply personal. Born and raised in Manado, North Sulawesi, the chef spent much of his professional career cooking cuisines far removed from his roots before coming full circle with the opening of the Jakarta restaurant. Conceived as a tribute to his hometown and the culinary traditions that shaped him, Mata Karanjang was born from a desire to share the depth and diversity of Manadonese cuisine beyond its most familiar dishes.

Long before he entered professional kitchens, Chef Jovan's connection to food was forged through childhood experiences in North Sulawesi, where gathering around the table was an integral part of everyday life and celebration. Influenced by a culture that values togetherness, gratitude, and communal dining, he developed a profound appreciation for the flavors, ingredients, and stories that continue to define Manado cuisine today.

At Mata Karanjang, Chef Jovan remains committed to preserving the authenticity of those flavors, sourcing key ingredients directly from North Sulawesi, from cakalang fufu and ikan roa to brenebon beans, daun pangi, and regional spices that are essential to the character of Manadonese cooking. His approach balances tradition with refined technique, resulting in dishes that honor their origins while remaining approachable to contemporary diners.

For this special edition of Travelogues of the Archipelago, guests will have the opportunity to savor a thoughtfully curated selection of authentic Manado dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of North Sulawesi. From Mata Karanjang, Chef Jovan Koraag will present signature specialties including Perkedel Milu, Bruine Bonen, Rahang Tuna, Bobocha, Tinorangsak, Rusuk Garo Rica showcasing the bold spices, smoky flavors, and vibrant character that define Manado cuisine. Complementing these creations, Chef Mohamad Raviel of Ikan Restaurant & Bar will introduce coastal-inspired interpretations rooted in the same culinary traditions, featuring dishes such as Panada Ikan Asap, Ikan Bakar Dabu Dabu, Cakalang Asap, and Bebek Bumbu RW. Together, the menu offers a celebration of authentic flavors, bringing the essence of North Sulawesi to Bali's shores.

Celebrating the Stories of the Archipelago
At its heart, Travelogues of the Archipelago is about bringing Indonesia's culinary heritage closer to the table. Beyond showcasing regional dishes, the series creates a space for chefs to share their personal connections to the cuisines they champion, allowing guests to experience the archipelago through a more intimate lens.

"Every chapter of Travelogues of the Archipelago has introduced our guests to a different corner of Indonesia through its food," said Dane Fernandes, Director of Food & Beverage at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. "As we conclude the second season, we are delighted to welcome Chef Jovan Koraag, whose dedication to preserving and celebrating Manado cuisine perfectly captures the essence of what this series stands for. It is fitting finale to a journey that has taken us across some of Indonesia's most remarkable culinary destinations."

Set against panoramic ocean views and the laid-back charm of Bali's southern coastline, Ikan Restaurant & Bar provides the perfect backdrop for the final chapter of this culinary journey. Through meaningful collaborations with celebrated chefs and restaurants from across the nation, the venue continues to champion Indonesia's rich gastronomic heritage, connecting guests with the diverse flavors, traditions, and stories that shape the archipelago.

As the closing chapter of Travelogues of the Archipelago Season Two, this collaboration with Chef Jovan Koraag of Mata Karanjang offers a fitting finale, celebrating the bold and vibrant flavors of Manado while honoring the people and traditions behind them.

Travelogues of the Archipelago Season Two, Chapter Three will take place exclusively on 11 and 12 November 2026, from 6PM – 10PM at Ikan Restaurant & Bar.