Diplomacy Through Taste: Hungarian Embassy Holds 2026 Culinary and Cultural Festival in Jakarta and Surabaya

The inauguration of the 2026 Hungarian culinary and cultural festival in Jakarta (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Embassy of Hungary in Jakarta officially opened the 2026 Hungarian Culinary and Cultural Festival. This event is a bridge to introduce the richness of Central European traditions and authenticity to the Indonesian people, with a series of events spread across two major cities: Jakarta and Surabaya.

The Ambassador of Hungary to Indonesia, Lilla Karsay, said that this festival is not just a regular cultural exhibition, but a series of interactive programs designed to touch people's hearts through sensory experiences.

"For almost a decade of living in Indonesia, I have learned one important thing: the fastest way to build human connections is through their 'stomach'. In this case, Hungarian and Indonesian cultures have incredible similarities," said Ambassador Lilla in Jakarta, Thursday (26/3).

Expert Collaboration: Bringing the Budapest Authenticity to Nusantara

The festival, which will take place from March 26 to April 4, 2026, is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Hungarian Embassy, the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, and Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites.

To ensure the authenticity of the taste, this festival week will directly present the best culinary delegation from Hungary, ranging from talented chefs, pastry chefs, to mixologists. They are ready to serve iconic dishes that represent the thousands of years of Hungarian culinary heritage.

The Fusion of Contemporary Art and Tradition of Thousands of Years

General Manager of Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites, Faisal Tranggono, said this collaboration is one of the most important agendas in 2026. This festival seeks to combine the "Artistic Soul" of the hotel with typical Indonesian hospitality and contemporary art touches, creating a space where international tastes meet local warmth.

For culinary lovers who want to explore the taste of Central Europe, this festival is open to the public with a ticket price of IDR 380,000 per person. Visitors will not only be spoiled by delicious dishes, but also a thick cultural atmosphere, making this moment an educational and taste tourism destination in the city.