Indonesia’s culinary landscape is shaped as much by its stories as by its ingredients, and few have dedicated their lives to preserving both quite like William Wongso. For decades, the renowned gastronome has journeyed across the archipelago, documenting forgotten recipes, learning from home cooks and spice traders, and championing regional cuisines long before culinary tourism became part of the global conversation. This August, his lifelong exploration takes centre stage in The Archipelago Table, an exclusive two-day dining experience at PA.SO.LA Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place.
Taking place on 1 and 2 August 2026, the collaborative showcase invites guests to experience Indonesia through a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by Wongso’s travels. Created alongside Executive Chef Willmer Colmenares and the hotel’s culinary team, the menu reflects the diversity of Indonesia’s regional traditions while presenting them through a contemporary lens, celebrating not only distinctive flavors but also the cultural narratives that have shaped them over generations.
Among the standout creations is Tuna Gohu in Pani Puri, an inventive interpretation of North Maluku’s beloved Gohu Ikan. Often described as Indonesia’s answer to ceviche, the vibrant preparation is reimagined inside delicate pani puri shells, creating an unexpected harmony of textures and influences that encapsulates Wongso’s approach to culinary storytelling. Other highlights include Rendang Beef Cheek, Garang Asam Salmon, and a collection of dishes inspired by memorable encounters and regional discoveries gathered throughout his decades of exploration.
Yet the experience extends well beyond the menu itself. Throughout his career, Wongso has consistently advocated that understanding a nation’s cuisine begins with understanding its people, geography, and traditions. Every recipe carries traces of migration, history, and family heritage, transforming each dish into a living archive of Indonesian culture. The Archipelago Table embraces this philosophy by inviting diners to engage not only with exceptional flavours but also with the stories that give them meaning.
For guests, the event presents a rare opportunity to meet one of Indonesia’s foremost culinary authorities in person. Beyond sampling the specially created menu, diners will gain firsthand insight into the experiences that have inspired Wongso’s influential body of work, including his celebrated book Flavors of Indonesia, which introduced countless international audiences to the country’s remarkable gastronomic traditions.
The collaboration also reflects The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place’s commitment to creating meaningful culinary experiences that celebrate local culture while connecting guests with the individuals behind it. As General Manager Sumit Joshi notes, the event is as much about William Wongso’s extraordinary journey as it is about the cuisine itself, offering an intimate encounter with the passion and curiosity that have defined his lifelong contribution to Indonesian gastronomy.
Adding another layer of significance, a portion of proceeds from The Archipelago Table will support fundraising initiatives ahead of the Marriott Business Council Indonesia Charity Classic Golf Tournament, helping finance clean water facilities in East Nusa Tenggara. It is a reminder that memorable dining can extend beyond the table, creating a lasting impact for communities while celebrating the richness of Indonesia’s culinary identity.
For more information, email pasola.jakarta@ritzcarlton.com, contact +62 8118061850 or visit ritzcarltonpacificplace.com.
