#ChineseFoodiesofIG: Antonius Wiriadjaja

@foodmasku

This is part of an ongoing series of interviews I’m doing with my favourite Chinese foodies that I follow on Instagram. Come and follow the #ChineseFoodiesofIG hashtag on Instagram and leave a comment showing your support for these talented folk!

Where are you from? Where are you really from?

I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. My parents are mixed ethnic Chinese and Indonesian. My mom is Betawi and my dad is from Padang. I am what you would call ‘campur campur’ - ‘mixed mixed’. I consider myself a New Yorker more than anything.

What does home taste like?

My grandmother is Minang and she taught my mother, her daughter-in-law, how to make rendang. When we moved to the USA in 1991, my mother had to reconfigure her recipes to utilize whatever ingredients were available in Asian markets. She created this really wonderful flavor I've never tasted anywhere else before. She had to make marinade from a reduction of soda and soy sauce because we couldn't find kecap manis.

Rice or noodles?

Rice for sure! Nasi goreng is my jam.

Share a food memory:

During the first months of the pandemic, I started making face masks out of my meals. On the last day of my first series, I decided to make gudeg (jackfruit stew) from scratch. It was such an experience and one I'll never be able to do again unless I devote two days to make a single meal!

What’s in your fridge?

At the moment, veggies, fruit, some leftover takeout and beer. I don't cook much in the summer!

Most underrated Chinese ingredient:

Corn starch! It's what makes those soups and sauces so deliciously slurpy. I love it so much!

Who's your Chinese food legend?

Nyonya Meneer, who made jamu (herbal teas) until her death. She is now celebrated with a museum and was on a commemorative stamp in Indonesia.

Ultimate comfort food

If I am ever feeling sick, I make bubur (congee) with ginger and scallions. Add a dollop of soy sauce and it's an instant mood boost.

Dream dinner party guests:

You, of course! I'd invite you, @sourdoughwithsachi, @leitihsu, chef @keithsarasin, @davedreifuscooks, @challahdolly, @the.ethiopian.foodie, @frommydadsbakery, @kelvintanwc, @single_serving and @theduskykitchen.

What does Chinese food mean to you?

This is complicated. I have lived in a lot of places, including mainland China. but Chinese food is always going to be containers of take-out that taste even better the next morning after a solid night out.