TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cindi Marta, an analyst from Prapanca Research (PR) revealed that Nasi goreng, rendang, and satay are more popular on the social network Twitter compared to other Asian culinary. Nasi goreng (fried rice) is discussed by 2.3 million people, rendang (spicy beef stew) by 1.1 million people and satay (barbequed meats impaled through small wooden stick) is discussed by 533 people.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Tom Yum only mentioned in 254,000 chats, while bulgogi and bibimbap are each discussed by 210,000 and 162,000 people from outside Korea. Rendang and nasi goreng has also been at the top and second rank of CNN's list of 50 most delicious food in 2011.

"Maybe we have always thought that other Asian culinaries are more captivating to the international world. But as one of the countries which have not  as many established food stall as Chinese and Japanese cuisine, Indonesian dishes are superior," said Cindy.

Unfortunately, the typical food of Indonesia are mostly served and enjoyed by the world through Chinese restaurants or other Asian restaurants. The existence of Indonesian food counters are considered rare in foreign countries.

"As a result, it becomes common for foreign people to assume nasi goreng, satay or rendang are coming from Thailand, Singapore, or Malaysia," said Cindy.

However, rather than worrying about other countries' claim to Indonesian food, Cindy said that it will be more productive to develop the establishment of Indonesian food counters in many countries.

"The expansion has plenty of strategic values: strengthens the national pride, invites international tourists to Indonesia, and opens ways for food exports, increases national incomes, and encourage the economy developments. I think there is no reason for the associated parties, both government and private, to miss this opportunity," Cindy explained.

EVIETA FADJAR