Experience the rich flavors of the Majapahit Kingdom with ‘Majapahit Imperial Dining’ at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. A culinary journey that combines history, culture, and sustainability in Nusa Dua, Bali.
The luxury haven of The Apurva Kempinski Bali in Nusa Dua continues to preserve Indonesia’s biodiversity and culture through its Powerful Indonesia campaign. This time presenting a culinary celebration inspired by the Majapahit Kingdom.
*Spoiler alert – we’ve tried it, and it is amazing!
The Apurva Kempinski Bali is excited to present the ‘Majapahit Imperial Dining’ in collaboration with Javara Indonesia. Inspired by Javanese wisdom ‘Mitreka Satata’ for a harmonious relationship between people and nature, this unique experience brings diverse flavours from across the archipelago that used to delight Majapahit’s monarchs.
The Majapahit Empire was famous for its lavish banquets and extravagant feasts, with crafted cuisines displayed during special occasions, ceremonies, and religious rituals. The cuisine was a mosaic of influences from Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, and Arab cuisines, reflecting the trade and cultural exchanges of its time.
From the late 13th to the early 16th century, the kingdom excelled in agriculture, using five techniques to grow ingredients –‘Pala Pendhem’ (grown underground), ‘Pala Kesimpar’ (grown on vine), ‘Pala Gumantung’ (hanging on trees), ‘Palawijo’ (all-around harvest), and ‘Pala Kitri’ (long-lived corps).
Rice became a staple food, and spices like cloves, nutmeg, lemongrass, galangal, coconut, and pepper weren’t just for flavour but symbols of the kingdom’s wealth. Additionally, food preservation methods, such as drying, salting, smoking, and fermenting, were popular. A standout dish showcasing these techniques is ‘Ikan Asin’ or salted fish.
The new Majapahit Imperial Dining experience features sustainable artisanal decorations and a dramatic dance performance, enhancing a magical journey that transcends time. Every dish is crafted using traditional methods like grilling, roasting, steaming, and frying, weaving a tale of ancient flavours and culinary artistry through the ages.
The special menu for ‘Majapahit Imperial Dining’ features ‘Urap Hayuyu’ made with unconventional grains like Jewawut, ‘Rawon Lembu’ with Kluwek for its dark broth, ‘Botok Iwak’ that celebrates every part of a coconut, ‘Manuk Urang Manggar’ with a zesty punch from Andaliman Pepper, and ‘Jadah Tape’ as a tribute to Betawi’s street snack tradition of Tape Uli. and the star of the set menu is the incredible Melik Parijatha Rice, a unique variety grown on the slopes of Mount Ijen in Banyuwangi, East Java, exclusively for Majapahit kings.
At The Apurva Kempinski Bali, sustainability takes centre stage. Teaming up with Javara Indonesia, a renowned social enterprise led by Helianti Hilman, the resort is dedicated to preserving Indonesia’s cultural and culinary heritage. Ingredients for this majestic dining experience are carefully gathered from organic farms and skilled fishermen, following organic growth and sustainable methods.
Artisans from the resort’s sustainable wedding decoration partner, Designmill.Co, have crafted a majestic décor that enhances the ambience of the Majapahit era for the dinner. Additionally, a stunning dance performance, choreographed by Kitapoleng, brings to life the story of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, the Queen of Majapahit and King Hayam Wuruk’s mother.
Vincent Guironnet, the General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, expressed that the program offers guests an opportunity to savour a memorable experience merging history, flavours, and traditions. This resonates with the resort’s objective to preserve Indonesia’s biodiversity as an essential aspect of each guest’s experience.
Helianti Hilman, the Founder of Javara Indonesia, elaborated that the ‘Majapahit Imperial Dining’ transcends ordinary dining – it’s a homage to Indonesia’s rich history and flavours handed down across generations. This grand feast safeguards the cultural legacy and ensures its continued prosperity.
The Majapahit Imperial Dining launched during an intimate evening held at the majestic Pendopo Lobby at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, coinciding with Indonesia’s celebration of the Youth Pledge Day on 28 October 2023.
Following the sensational evening, the unique experience is available for a minimum of 10 guests with advance reservations through the resort’s Culinary Concierge, starting from IDR 2,000,000++ per person.
If you are looking for something stunning, special, delicious and that has a cultural story to tell, this is an experience that is perfect for any special celebration.
Click here for more information about Majapahit Imperial Dining. To reserve your unique
Experience, send an email to restaurants.bali@kempinski.com or contact +62 361 209 2288.
Address: Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Instagram: @kempinskibali
Tel: +62 361 2092288
