#61 Indonesia with William Wongso

With 17,000 islands and hundreds of dialects, Indonesia is one of the most culturally rich — and culinarily overlooked — countries in the world.

In this episode, I’m joined by William Wongso: chef, baker, food ambassador, and the man who once taught Gordon Ramsay how to make rendang (yes, really). William has spent decades traveling across Indonesia and the globe to share the country’s extraordinary food traditions — from street food in Jakarta to stews simmered for hours in West Sumatra.

We talk about:

• The real story behind beef rendang and how it became a national dish

• Why Indonesian cuisine is still underrepresented internationally

• The importance of culinary storytelling and “gastro diplomacy”

• Cultural pride, food preservation, and teaching taste over recipes

• Travel tips you won’t find on Google — from spicy blood-mixed salads to street satay secrets

If you’ve ever fallen in love with a meal while traveling — or wondered why Indonesian food isn’t as globally known as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine — this episode will open your eyes and stir your appetite.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget — you can also watch the full conversation on YouTube!
📲 Share with a foodie or traveler in your life who needs to hear this one.

Connect with William:

@williamwongso

Love exploring the world through food? Let’s take your next trip to the next level!

🌍 Plan Your Dream Trip: Need expert travel advice? Skip the endless research—book a consult call and get a personalized itinerary tailored to your foodie adventures! 

📩 Get Exclusive Food & Travel Tips: Sign up for my newsletter!  

📸 Follow the Journey: Join me on Instagram @tastytralstravelpod and @tastytrailstravel for behind-the-scenes stories, foodie finds, and cultural deep dives 

🎧 More Episodes & Travel Inspiration: Visit my website for more!