INDONESIAN CULINARY EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZED IN ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026
August and Locavore NXT showcase the strength of Indonesian cuisine on the international stage.
Indonesia’s culinary industry has once again captured global attention with a remarkable achievement at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. For the first time in several years, two Indonesian restaurants have secured spots on this prestigious list, marking a significant step in the country’s journey toward global gastronomic recognition. The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia welcomed this achievement with great pride.
Two Indonesian Restaurants on the Global Stage
At the official announcement held in Hong Kong on March 25, 2026, two Indonesian restaurants were named in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. August ranked number 42 and Locavore NXT ranked number 44.
Both restaurants showed significant improvement compared to the previous year. August rose from number 49 in 2025, while Locavore NXT made an impressive leap from number 92. This achievement not only brings pride but also strengthens Indonesia’s position as a culinary destination to watch in Asia.
August Jakarta: Fine Dining with Indonesian Identity
Located in the SCBD area of Jakarta, August is known as a fine dining restaurant that offers an intimate and refined dining experience. Led by Hans Christian alongside Budi Cahyadi, the restaurant combines a modern culinary approach with deep Indonesian roots. While applying French cooking techniques, August maintains its local identity through ingredients and menu inspiration. Each dish carries a personal touch, often inspired by the chef’s childhood memories. With around 50 seats and an open kitchen concept, the restaurant delivers an interactive and exclusive experience for its guests.
August’s success is further highlighted by the achievement of Ardika Dwitama, who received the Asia’s Best Pastry Chef 2026 award. As the pastry chef at August, Ardika is known for his dessert creations that emphasize local ingredients, seasonality, and innovative flavor exploration. His work offers a complex yet familiar taste experience that remains closely connected to Indonesian culture.
Locavore NXT Ubud: Sustainability Driven Gastronomy
Meanwhile, Locavore NXT in Ubud, Bali presents a different yet equally powerful approach. Developed by Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah, the restaurant is built on the principles of sustainability and the exploration of Indonesia’s biodiversity. Locavore NXT is recognized for its immersive degustation dining experience, with menus that can feature up to 20 courses. Each dish is crafted using carefully selected seasonal local ingredients.
In terms of design, the restaurant blends tropical brutalist architecture with traditional Balinese elements. Expansive views of rice fields create a calm atmosphere that feels deeply connected to nature.
Emerging Gastronomy Hubs
The inclusion of August and Locavore NXT in this list further strengthens the position of Jakarta and Ubud as modern gastronomic hubs in Indonesia. Beyond being known as tourist destinations, Bali is increasingly recognized as a center for global culinary innovation. Ubud in particular has grown into a destination for fine dining enthusiasts seeking unique, world class experiences.
The success of these two Indonesian restaurants sends a strong positive signal for the growth of the national culinary industry. It not only enhances Indonesia’s reputation but also opens greater opportunities for local talent to gain global recognition. Through creativity, bold experimentation, and a deep respect for local ingredients, Indonesia continues to assert its identity in the world of gastronomy.
With this achievement, the future of Indonesian cuisine looks increasingly bright, bringing hope that more restaurants and local talents will continue to shine on the international stage.
photo source: instagram.com/august_jkt
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