Some of you might not have heard the name Aziz Amri. Aziz Amri is an Indonesian man born in Jakarta in 1994. His name started to gain popularity after he participated in the famous cooking competition, Masterchef Indonesia, season 7. Not only that, but he also made it into the competition because of an Indian dish he prepared. What was that Indian dish, and what is the story behind his idea to cook it? The answers to these questions will be revealed in the following article!   When Aziz Amree was 7 years old, his parents were diplomats in India. The school lunches his parents packed for him consisted of Indonesian food, which he found boring. These included instant noodles, rice with a fried egg, rendang, and even his favorite dish, balado potatoes, which had also become tiresome. One day, he was talking with his Indian friend, who mentioned that he was also bored with his own country's food, like chapati bread. From that conversation, they came up with the idea to swap lunches every day. The first time Aziz exchanged food with his friend, he dipped his meal into a sauce that he didn't realize was vegetable-based. He was puzzled at how something made solely from vegetables could taste so good. He then thought about how meat is expensive in India, yet every time he was invited to eat at his Indian friend's house, the food was delicious despite not using expensive ingredients like meat. From this realization, he learned that tasty food doesn't always require expensive ingredients. Any ingredient can be turned into a delicious dish. Read More! Another India's related article : "Recommended! Best Indian Authentic Food in Jakarta" Aziz always enjoyed the food he exchanged with his Indian friend, so much so that he forgot to ask the names of the dishes. When he returned to Indonesia, he regretted not asking about them. Nonetheless, he kept trying to recall the names of those foods. As the years passed and technology advanced, he was able to search for the dishes he remembered on the internet. He said that his search for those recipes lasted for ten years.The dish from the common people of India that he had eaten was called Bhindi Masala. This childhood dish inspired Aziz to participate in the major cooking competition, MasterChef. When he presented the dish to the judges, they said they genuinely loved the Indian dish prepared by Aziz. But it wasn't easy for Aziz to gain fame from his initial success with Indian cuisine on MasterChef. Therefore, he wanted to prove to himself that he would always cook with all his heart. By 'all his heart,' he meant being consistent—consistent in ensuring that the quality and taste of his dishes would always remain the same. He believed that being a chef meant being an artist. Cooking is an art he said. As he talks about art, you might wonder why he seems so confident in stating that cooking is art, even though he's just a chef. Well, it's because he graduated with a master's degree in design and visual communication from the Bandung Institute of Technology. So he doesn't just know about food and how to cook it; he can also explain the correlation between food and art. What he meant that through cooking, the dishes could be shared with others, including his closest ones. To him, it's not just about sharing food, but sharing happiness and togetherness through the flavors experienced. And that is where the art lies. The beauty of a dish, according to Aziz.     Want to see more of Aziz Amri's art and cooking? You can find them through the links below. Aziz Amri's instagram Aziz Amri's LinkedIn Indoartnow

"Nestled in Kasauli, Brook & Pines is a culinary gem that harmoniously combines a multi-cuisine restaurant, microbrewery, and grill. Located on Garkhal Kanda Road, this establishment promises a unique dining experience, as one of the best microbreweries in Kasauli, it crafts fine beers with dedication. The diverse menu reflects a fusion of global flavors, from Indian to delicate continental dishes. The grill serves both veg and non-veg delights, creating a gastronomic celebration. With an open area providing breathtaking views, wooden oven pizzas, and a commitment to a surreal experience, Brook & Pines stands out. As one of the best restaurants in Kasauli, it invites you to savor every moment, offering a retreat where time slows down."

Tokyo is famous for its perfect blend of old traditions with latest trends, and this shows in its amazing food scene as well. Whether you crave for freshly-made sushi or the mouth-watering street food, Tokyo offers something for every food lover. In this article, I’ll take you to discover some of the best places to eat in Tokyo— from authentic, traditional places, to the trendiest restaurants in town. And the best part? They won't break the bank!   1. Restaurant Chains (Ōtoya and Yayoiken) Source : https://www.quora.com/ Looking for an affordable but hearty meal to keep yourself going? Tokyo offers several budget-friendly options, like the well-known Sukiya and Yoshinoya. However, Ootoya and Yayoiken stand out for their wide variety of Japanese set meals called teishoku (定食). Here, you can enjoy a complete, healthy, and authentic meal for just ¥400 to ¥1000. The problem is, most of these chains are privately owned and don't come with English menus. But worry not, these menus always include pictures to help you understand the offerings, Additionally, you can always use a translation camera app like Google Translate to decipher any unfamiliar words.   2. Toriton Kaiten Zushi Source : https://www.tripadvisor.com/ Toriton Kaintenzushi, a sushi place located in Sumida City, Oshiage, is a perfect blend of both traditional food and modern technology. Kaitenzushi (回転寿司) - or conveyor belt sushi - is a convenient and affordable type of sushi restaurant characterized by the conveyor belt that winds through the restaurant. The conveyor belt carries plates of sushi past the diners, who can take whatever they wish. The sushi price varies from ¥130 to ¥990.  For more details, visit their official website at https://toriton-kita1.jp/menu/tokyo/   Read more! Another Japan's related article : "Your Anime Life Comes True : Activities and Attractions in Tokyo"   3. Yamataro Onigiri Source : https://tabelog.com/ Yamataro, a small onigiri restaurant in Zoshigaya, Toshima City, Tokyo, is one of the best places to try freshly-made onigiri—the famous Japanese rice ball. Here, you can enjoy these delicious treats at an affordable price, with options ranging from ¥320 to under ¥1,000. Plus, you can choose from over 20 fillings and even combine them for a truly personalized onigiri experience.   4. Yanaka Ginza Source : https://www.timeout.com/ Down for a culinary adventure and a little stroll? Try visiting Yanaka Ginza in Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo. This street offers a memorable experience with the captivating historic buildings, local shops, and traditional Japanese snacks vendors. Starting from a budget-friendly ¥300, you can enjoy various type of street foods, such as Takoyaki, beef mince croquettes, cat-tail-shaped doughnuts, ice creams, and onigiri. Many YouTubers have documented their visits here, so you can find numerous videos showcasing the market's atmosphere.   5. Ueno Ameyoko Source : https://en.japantravel.com/ There are so many markets in Tokyo, Ueno Ameyoko Market near Ueno Station stands out for its incredible street food scene. This bustling market offers a wide array of delicious food to savor, with prices ranging from ¥100 to less than ¥2,000. Don't miss trying takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), ramen (noodle soup), and karaage (fried chicken).   6. Seijo Seika Source : https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/ Let's end our Tokyo food tour with a steaming bowl of ramen! Seijo Seika, a ramen restaurant that opened near Roka Kouen station in June 2020, has quickly gained a loyal following. Open daily for lunch (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and dinner (5:00 PM to 11:00 PM), this restaurant offers a delicious and convenient option for any ramen enthusiast. Seijo Seika's well-deserved hype comes from its inclusion in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide in 2021. So, if you're looking for a taste of Michelin-approved ramen without breaking the bank, Seijo Seika is a must-try!     In Tokyo, the art of traditional food preparation is a cherished practice, offering a taste of authenticity in a rapidly modernizing world. Embracing Tokyo's traditional food is a delightful way to experience the unique blend of history and innovation that defines the city.   Read more! Another Country's article : "Taste the Bold Seasonings of Indian Cuisine"

Indian food might still be a bit of a mystery to some Indonesians since there aren't as many Indian restaurants in Jakarta compared to Chinese, Japanese, or Korean spots. But with its rich spices, Indian cuisine is definitely worth exploring. Well, you don't need to hop on a plane to India to enjoy these amazing flavors. Because Jakarta has plenty of Indian restaurants sprinkled around the city, and here are some recommendations based on star ratings on Google from people who have visited them!   1. Queen’s Tandoor Source : google review's photos Queen’s Tandoor offers a variety of authentic Indian dishes. If you visit this place, don't forget to try their favorite dish, chicken masala. However, their other menu items are equally delicious. You can try Biryani rice, Chicken Tandoori, Naan bread, and much more. For dessert, you can enjoy Mangolassi, made from a blend of yogurt and mango. You can find Queen’s Tandoor in the Thamrin area, specifically at Plaza Permata, Basement Floor, Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. Additionally, this restaurant is also located in the Sunter area, North Jakarta.   2. The Royal Kitchen Source : google review's photos The Royal Kitchen is an Indian restaurant in Jakarta with an interior that resembles the typical ambiance of India. Moms who love taking photos will definitely enjoy its very Instagrammable decor. Although designed with a typical Indian atmosphere, the appearance is quite luxurious, making it suitable for fine dining. As the name "The Royal Kitchen" suggests, it's no surprise that the food and drinks here can be quite pricey. However, this is justified by the delicious food, comfortable and romantic ambiance, and a variety of authentic Indian dishes to choose from.   Read More! Another India's related article : "Aziz Amri's Unique Story : Passes MasterChef Indonesia with His Childhood Indian Dishes" 3. Udupi Shree Krishna Source : google review's photos Udupi Delicious is an Indian restaurant that offers many healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes. You can easily find authentic Indian cuisine at Udupi Delicious, including masala dosa, tandoori roti, paneer palak, butter chicken, biryani chicken, and other traditional Indian foods. The restaurant also offers a variety of signature curries with spices that are said to be imported directly from India. You can visit this restaurant from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM every day, except on Mondays. It is located at Taman Kemayoran Condominium, Flamboyan Tower, Ground Floor, Jalan Haji Benyamin Sueb, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.   4. Ganesha Ek Sanskriti Source : google review's photos One of the special features of this restaurant is that many of the chefs are actually from India. In addition to a comfortable atmosphere, there is also a large and spacious room that is perfect for those looking to celebrate with family or friends, whether it's a birthday party or a private dinner with loved ones. Ganesha EK Sankriti is located at CP 901, BRI II Building, Center Park, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No. Kav 44-46, 9th Floor, Bend. Hilir, Special Capital Region of Jakarta 10210. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 11 PM.   5. Babooji Source : google review's photos Another Indian restaurant in Jakarta is Babooji. The tandoori chicken at this restaurant is very popular. Besides tandoori chicken, there are also various other Indian dishes available for order, such as biryani chicken, Indian curry, and many more. This Indian restaurant features a spacious interior with a modern industrial design. The walls have a brick pattern, and there are many wooden and metal household displays. If you plan to visit, it's a good idea to make a reservation in advance to avoid waiting. The restaurant is located at Soho, 3rd Floor, Jalan Gunawarman No. 61, Senopati, South Jakarta.