With a passion for innovation and a deep understanding of flavours, Executive Chef Ivan Leonard Mangundap of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta combines his extensive culinary expertise with his natural cooking talent. He began his culinary journey in the heart of the kitchen, where his love for food, particularly basil, truly flourished through his dedication and hard work.
– by Hesikios Kevin –
E: What is your earliest childhood memory of food?
A: My earliest memory of food is my grandma’s mac and cheese. She made it special by adding gouda cheese, a nod to her Dutch roots.
E: Was there a specific moment you discovered your love of culinary arts?
A: During my college years, I had the opportunity to step into a professional kitchen for the first time. The energy, creativity and sense of collaboration captivated me. In that environment, I realised how much joy I found in crafting dishes and exploring flavours. That experience became a turning point, solidifying my passion for the culinary arts and laying the foundation for my career.
E: What brought you to Hotel Tentrem Jakarta?
A: I was intrigued by the idea of a local brand that could truly compete with international hotel chains. The uniqueness of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta and its commitment to excellence made it an appealing opportunity for me to be part of its journey.
E: What sets Hotel Tentrem Jakarta’s culinary scene apart from other hotel eateries?
A: Indonesia is incredibly diverse, and we strive to reflect that through our culinary offerings. At Hotel Tentrem Jakarta, guests can enjoy a wide range of cuisines, from authentic Indonesian dishes to modern Chinese creations, elegant Italian fare and various other western delicacies.
E: If you could host a dinner for three historical or fictional figures, what would you cook and why?
A: If I could host a dinner, I would invite Jason Statham, Tommy Shelby and 90s Emma Bunton. For the menu, I would prepare dishes that combine the rich flavours of Indonesian cuisine with modern culinary techniques. This approach would showcase the unique tastes of Indonesian heritage and aim to elevate it to a global stage, celebrating it as part of the world’s cultural legacy.
E: What’s a funny kitchen mistake that taught you a lesson you’ll never forget?
A: One lesson I’ll never forget is always to be mindful of my surroundings in the kitchen and to double-check all equipment and appliances, regardless of where I’m cooking. While conducting a food tasting for a new menu during a consultancy project in a restaurant’s kitchen, I stepped onto a section of the floor covered in metal, which I mistakenly assumed was sturdy. It gave way, and half of my foot ended up in the water gutter below. A friend across the table saw it happen and, hilariously thought I’d discovered a secret staircase to another room! This incident reminded me never to take the state of a kitchen for granted, no matter how polished it looks from the outside.
E: What do you like to cook at home?
A: I mostly enjoy cooking pasta with a modern twist. Sometimes, I infuse it with Asian flavours, and other times, I stick to western styles.
The Classic Meatball Dish
Ingredients:
- 1kg minced beef
- 160g onion, finely chopped
- 20g garlic, minced
- 7g dried thyme
- 5g dried rosemary
- 5g dried oregano
- 11g salt
- 3g black pepper
- 15g fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 25g grated parmesan cheese
- 100ml cooking cream
- 150g mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 250g canned tomatoes, peeled and blended
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 30-gram portions. Take a cube of mozzarella and place it in the centre of each portion, then shape it into a meatball.
- Sear the meatballs in a hot pan, cooking them evenly on all sides until browned.
- Once browned, add blended peeled tomatoes to the pan with the meatballs.
- Transfer the meatballs to an oven-safe dish and bake at 160C for 15 minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
Exquisite Taste Volume 46
Hotel Tentrem Jakarta
W: jakarta.hoteltentrem.com
IG: @hoteltentrem.jakarta
