In this episode, we unpack the rich, often misunderstood world of Indonesian and Indisch (Dutch-Indonesian) cuisines. Drawing from insights shared at the Indonesian Food Outside Indonesia symposium in the Netherlands, we tear down five persistent misconceptions blocking our view of diaspora food culture. From the royal Javanese roots of the famous rijsttafel to the deep…
In this episode of The Rice Table, we reflect on the life and legacy of Sri Owen, one of the most influential voices in bringing Indonesian cuisine to a global audience. Host Jeff speaks with Janice Gabriel, a London-based television producer, food writer, researcher, and curator whom he met at the symposium Indonesian Food Outside…
Helena Smit is a Dutch-Indonesian culinary heritage professional, entrepreneur, and storyteller who sees food as culture, memory, and connection. She is the founder and director of Stichting Eating Habits, exploring the shared food cultures of the Netherlands and Indonesia. She leads Indofoodtours in The Hague, bringing Indo and Indonesian history to life through taste and…
In this episode of The Rice Table, we explore what happens when Indonesian cuisine travels far from home — into a place where bold flavors aren’t always immediately understood. Host Jeff Keasberry welcomes Andita Schirmacher to the virtual rice table. Originally from Indonesia and now based in Germany, Andita discovered her passion for Indonesian cooking…
Food is never just food. It’s memory, habit, comfort — and identity. In this special New Year episode of The Rice Table, host Jeff Keasberry shares a personal Dutch-Indonesian story about growing up in the kitchen, learning to cook by tasting, and carrying food traditions across generations and continents. This episode explores Dutch-Indonesian heritage cooking,…
In this special edition of The Rice Table, host Jeff reconnects with celebrity chef Farah Quinn for a fast, festive catch-up. They revisit their 2021 conversation, explore what’s changed in Farah’s world, and talk comfort foods, sweet cravings, kitchen trends, and what flavors define 2025. Light, fun, and full of personality, this is a perfect…
I often get the question: “Where can I find an Indonesian restaurant?” Well, here you go: Indonesian restaurants, eateries, catering services, and food trucks in the USA are growing in number but still total fewer than 200. This list is continuously updated—please share any corrections or additions. The restaurants serving rijsttafel have an *.…
Food has a way of bringing people together, even when they’re miles apart. Whether you’re cooking on your own to explore new flavors or joining family across the country for a shared experience, the Rijsttafel-in-a-Box online cooking class offers a delicious way to celebrate connection, culture, and heritage. Recently, I had the joy of hosting…
Bala-Bala is a savory snack with an exotic name as if it comes from Bora Bora or Bali Bali. but actually, it comes from the Island of Java. Bala-Bala is a popular Indonesian street food that originated in West Java, particularly from the Sundanese culture. It’s a type of vegetable fritter made from shredded vegetables,…
Give a unique gift: select from available cookbooks, designer aprons, and T-shirts. Check the SHOP IN USA and the SHOP IN THE NETHERLANDS below. Only available in Holland in Dutch Reprint of two books by Oma Keasberry in the Dutch language. Voor meer informatie lees het artikel HIER. Om gelijk te bestellen, klik HIER. SHOP…
Bebotok was one of our restaurant’s signature dishes. For many years, my mother Jessy’s recipe for these spicy stewed meatballs was a closely-guarded secret; many a fan would return time and again. It was one of Oma’s favorites, enjoyed with a side of sajur lodeh, white rice and krupuk. There were even some patrons who…
In my family and circle of friends almost everyone enjoys this tasty food. Even toddlers who are picky eaters will happily munch on krupuk. If you don’t know what it is, let me explain: krupuk is a popular snack in parts of Southeast Asia, but is most closely associated with Indonesia and Malaysia. Listen to…