Some journeys begin in the kitchen, but grow far beyond it.
For Cuca, joining the World National & Asia Tapas Competition 2026 in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia was more than a chance to compete. It was an opportunity to represent Indonesia on an international stage through the language we know best: food.
Representing us was Chef Heri, one of our Chefs de Cuisine, who has been part of Cuca for 11 years. Beyond leading the kitchen, he also plays an important role in hygiene training and mentoring our interns. This competition was a well-deserved opportunity for him, one that Cuca was proud to give as part of his growth and journey with us.
For the competition, Chef Heri presented Indonesia Taco, a dish created to introduce Indonesia in a way that feels familiar to the world’s palate, while still staying true to Indonesian taste and identity. The taco form was chosen because it is simple, practical, and globally recognized. But inside, the soul of the dish is deeply Indonesian.
At the heart of it is beef rendang, one of Indonesia’s most iconic dishes, known for its rich spices, long cooking process, and deep cultural meaning. Instead of a regular tortilla, Chef Heri used a brown rice tortilla, because rice is an essential part of Indonesian food culture. It is not only our staple food, but also part of our memory, our home, and our everyday life.
For us, Indonesia Taco is not just fusion food. It is a meeting point between a global form and the soul of Indonesia. Rendang represents the richness and patience of Indonesian cooking, brown rice represents our connection to rice, and the taco represents Indonesia’s openness to connect with the modern world.
This competition brought together chefs from different countries, each carrying their own culture, ideas, and stories. Being part of it reminded us that food can be a bridge between people, a way to celebrate where we come from, and a chance to share our identity with pride.
From Bali to Sarawak, this journey was about more than competition. It was about creativity, connection, growth, and the people behind the food. We are grateful for the experience, the warm welcome, and the opportunity to bring a little taste of Indonesia to the international tapas stage.