A Taste of India in Bali, Travel Delegation Falls in Love with Sitara’s Authentic Flavors

The seven-member delegation, visiting under the Familiarization Trip (Fam Trip) Program initiated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism (Kementerian Pariwisata/Kemenpar), had toured Jakarta and Yogyakarta before arriving in Bali — their final stop on the roadshow designed to strengthen tourism ties between the two countries.

At Sitara, the guests were welcomed with smiles, fragrant biryani, and a dining ambience that instantly felt like home.

“The spice blends are perfect — it’s like tasting India right here in Bali,” said Prashant Madlani, one of the visiting tour operators from Mumbai.

For Prashant, Sitara captured more than just authentic flavors.

“The décor brings together the essence of India — from the colors of North India to the warmth of the South. Even the upstairs space reflects Krishna’s charm. It’s India in one place,” he said.

Prashant promised to recommend Sitara to his clients in India.

“Many Indian travelers are already in love with Bali. What we need now are better direct flight connections between India and Bali. We’ve requested both governments and Garuda Indonesia to consider reopening the routes,” he added.

Where Spice Meets Hospitality

For Sonia Kaur, General Manager of Sitara Indian Restaurant, this visit was more than just a culinary stop — it was a celebration of long-standing cultural connection.

“We’ve been partnering with Kemenpar for over a decade through Fam Trip programs,” Sonia said proudly. “It’s an honor to introduce our culture through food, while also giving our guests a taste of Indonesia.”

To highlight Indonesia’s diversity, Sitara served not only traditional Indian favorites like chicken biryani, roti chane, and Indian martabak, but also Indonesian classics such as chicken satay, egg noodles, and gado-gado.

“We want them to discover that Indonesian food is equally rich and full of flavor,” Sonia smiled.

She explained that Sitara is designed to make Indian travelers feel comfortable, especially vegetarians who prefer egg-free meals.

“Clean, safe, and authentic — that’s what we promise. Indian tourists can dine here without worry,” she added.

Culinary Diplomacy in Action

Beyond the plates of curry and chutney, the meeting reflected the growing connection between Indonesia and India — two nations linked by centuries of cultural exchange and shared love for spices.

Sonia hopes local authorities will give more recognition to culinary entrepreneurs who help sustain Bali’s appeal among international visitors.

“Restaurants like ours do more than serve food. We help visitors feel at home — and that’s what keeps them coming back,” she said.

As laughter and the scent of masala chai filled the evening air, one thing was clear: Sitara had once again proven that food is more than flavor — it’s a bridge between worlds.