Nusantara with a Twist: A Culinary Collaboration Celebrating Indonesian Heritage at The Kelusa, Ubud

Two Chefs, One Culinary Conversation

Indonesia's culinary identity reflects the diversity of its islands, communities, and local ingredients. From the bold seasoning of regional sambals to the freshness of coastal seafood and the comforting sweetness of traditional desserts, the archipelago offers an extraordinary range of culinary expressions.

Nusantara with a Twist brings two culinary perspectives together to explore this diversity.

Chef Iwan Sutrisno represents The Kelusa at Samsara Ubud, where Indonesian culinary heritage provides inspiration for the restaurant's dining experiences. Joining him, Chef Joshua Purwo Caroko, Executive Chef of REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort, brings his own culinary expertise to the collaboration.

Rather than simply recreating familiar recipes, the dinner explores how regional dishes and ingredients can be interpreted through contemporary techniques and presentation. The intention is to maintain a connection to their culinary origins while offering guests a fresh perspective on Indonesian gastronomy.

A Four-Course Journey Through Indonesian Flavours

The four-course menu draws inspiration from regional Indonesian culinary traditions, moving from a bold sambal-inspired opening to coastal flavours, the distinctive seasoning of Lombok, and a dessert inspired by East Java.

Amuse-Bouche by Nutrio: Terong Sambal Ganja

The evening begins with smoky eggplant, starfruit and torch ginger sambal, served with a cassava tartlet.

The dish takes inspiration from sambal ganja, also known as asam udeung, a sambal associated with Acehnese cuisine. Traditional versions commonly combine shrimp, chilli, shallots, aromatic herbs, and sour ingredients to create a distinctive balance of savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours. Despite its unusual name, the sambal does not necessarily contain cannabis.

In this contemporary interpretation, eggplant provides the foundation for a different expression of the sambal's bold character, complemented by the freshness of starfruit and the fragrance of torch ginger.

Appetizer by The Kelusa: Gohu Tuna

Inspired by gohu ikan, a traditional fish preparation associated with Ternate in North Maluku, this course reflects the coastal culinary traditions of eastern Indonesia.

Traditionally prepared with fresh fish and seasonings, gohu ikan highlights the natural flavour of seafood through a balance of aromatic and tangy elements.

For this menu, Gohu Tuna is accompanied by mango rujak, pickled beetroot, red onion, kemangi, and chile de árbol. The combination introduces contrasting notes of freshness, acidity, fragrance, and spice in a contemporary interpretation inspired by Indonesia's coastal cuisine.

Main Course by Nutrio: Chicken Taliwang

The main course draws inspiration from ayam Taliwang, a celebrated dish associated with Lombok, particularly Karang Taliwang in Mataram.

Recognised for its bold seasoning and characteristic spicy flavours, ayam Taliwang is an important part of Lombok's culinary identity. Its precise historical origins are not entirely settled, but the dish remains closely associated with the island's distinctive food culture.

Here, Chicken Taliwang is served with water spinach stuffing, crispy rice cake, beberuk relish, and plecing emulsion. These accompaniments bring together ingredients and flavour profiles associated with Lombok, presented through a contemporary culinary approach.

Dessert by The Kelusa: Angsle

The final course takes inspiration from wedang angsle, a traditional sweet preparation associated with Malang in East Java.

Commonly served warm, traditional angsle features a fragrant coconut-milk base with ingredients such as glutinous rice, mung beans, tapioca pearls, and petulo. Its appeal lies in the combination of textures and the comforting sweetness of its coconut-based preparation.

The Kelusa's interpretation brings together mung bean, sticky rice, pearl tapioca, vanilla crouton, and spiced coconut. Familiar ingredients are reimagined in a contemporary presentation, offering a distinctive conclusion to the evening's culinary journey.

An Evening at The Kelusa, Samsara Ubud

Located within Samsara Ubud, The Kelusa offers a dining setting surrounded by the lush landscape of Bali's highlands. Its views of the surrounding greenery provide a tranquil backdrop for an evening centred on food, conversation, and discovery.

For guests seeking a distinctive dining experience in Ubud, Nusantara with a Twist brings together regional culinary inspirations and contemporary creativity in a single evening. It is an invitation to explore Indonesia's culinary diversity while enjoying the atmosphere of The Kelusa.

Reserve Your Place

Join Chef Iwan Sutrisno and Chef Joshua Purwo Caroko for Nusantara with a Twist, an evening dedicated to Indonesian culinary heritage and contemporary gastronomy.

Friday, 6 November 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM

The Kelusa at Samsara Ubud

Four-course set dinner: IDR 550,000++ per person

Advance reservations are recommended. To enquire about the menu or reserve your place, contact The Kelusa team or visit the Reservation Page.