Nongkrong Festival: A Culinary Affair Embracing Indonesian-Australian Heritage in Melbourne

Indonesian diaspora in Australia, particularly in the Melbourne region, has something special to look forward to with the launch of the Nongkrong Festival. This event celebrates the unique Australian-Indonesian experience through gastronomy, music, and discussion in the hope of creating a space where members of the same-experience community can gather and empower their identity.

Initiated by the Indonesian-Aussie duo Moira and Darryl Tirtha, with fellow Indonesian creatives, the festival will run from 29 January to 3 February, with various events occurring at dining venues within Melbourne. Have a look at their agendas below and jolt them down your notes so you won’t miss it.

Sambal Workshop

Kicking off the festival on the first day is Sambal Workshop with Rosheen Kaul (Etta) and Eka Poedijono. Starting at 6.30pm at Julie at Abbotsford Convent, the two chefs will demonstrate and share the art of making Indonesian sambal, a chilli-based condiment that comes in different varieties. After the session, Lorcan Kan (Things Palace) welcomes the participants to a delightful dinner showcasing the use of sambal in dishes.

Make a reservation here.

Tare Kacang

On Wednesday, 31 January, the festival resides in Florian Eatery for Tare Kacang— a walk-in pop-up stall combining izakaya and Indonesian-style warung, serving the famed Sate and Yakitori with Anne Hasegawa. Head to the venue between 6pm – 10pm to relish the delightful spread of classic nibbles, pickles, Indonesian kerupuk, skewers, and a yaki onigiri in an Indonesian-style broth.

‘Who Gets to Cook Indonesian Food?’ Panel Talk and Dinner

Nongkrong Festival presents a panel discussion with Indonesian food practitioners, mediated by a journalist and journalism lecturer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Tito Ambyo. The event will discuss how to respectfully celebrate the authenticity of Indonesian food and how the community can take ownership of the cuisine as part of one’s identity.

The panel talk will be followed by dinner by a Balinese-Australian cook, Ayu Saraswati, and an Italian-Australian chef, Dora Mazzeo, together as WARUNG DORAYU. The event starts at 6.30pm at Cam’s Kiosk.

Make a reservation here.

A Long Lunch

On the festival’s closing day, 3 February, Dennis Yong (Furrmien) and Aldwin Hidajat (Wok Boi) set out to arrange a long lunch filled with experimental Indonesian food at Hope Street Radio. Come to the venue between 12pm – 3pm with an empty stomach to savour the culinary offerings.

Make a reservation here.

Nongkrong Day Party

The festival peaks on the last day of the Nongkrong Festival with a party at Collingwood Yards from 3pm – 11pm. Komang (Rosie Clynes) will bring her live performance to sway the crowd with trip-hop, 2000s R&B, gamelan music, Indonesian folk-pop, and Javanese court singing sindhenan.

The party continues with Rino Darusman’s emotional electronic music and Munir’s futuristic beats during the golden hour. As the sun sets, Sophie McAlister will take dancers to her world of house and disco. Finally, the dance-worthy atmosphere is closed with Bayu’s sonic music.

Stay hydrated during the dance session with Indonesian-inspired cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Those who prefer to munch and dance can find an array of delectable Indonesian dishes from various Indonesian restaurants in Melbourne and the Indonesian diaspora. Additionally, the Indonesian artisan’s merch stalls are worth checking out for.

Make your reservation here.

For more information, email nongkrongfestival@gmail.com or visit their Instagram.