Executive Chef Rio Abednego

Rio Abednego is the Executive Chef of JW Marriott Surabaya, Indonesia. Born in Jakarta, Chef Rio Abednego embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 18, working at Empire Grill in the 2001. By that time, he also continued studying at Sahid Tourism University. Inspired by his grandmother, who owned a restaurant, he honed his cooking skills early by assisting her in the kitchen. At the age of 23, Chef Rio moved to the United States and joined a cruise line in Miami, where he cultivated his passion for cooking while serving 3,500 to 4,000 guests until 2012. After seven years, he returned to Jakarta to work at a five-star hotel. In 2014, he relocated to Bali, taking on the role of corporate chef at a resort and villa company.

In 2018, Chef Rio joined Marriott Executive Apartments as head chef, later moving to Four Points by Sheraton Bali as Executive Chef. Seeking the experience of a luxury property, he joined JW Marriott Surabaya in 2022, where he learned to manage a hotel with multiple dining outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, three specialty restaurants (Chinese, Japanese, and Steakhouse) and a large banquet facility.

Chef Rio is passionate about homemade products, believing that creating sauces and dressings from scratch reflects a chef’s pride. His notable achievements include leading Uppercut, his steakhouse, that won the Best Restaurant & Bar 2024 award, and secured the 1st Place for Best Local Dishes for the all-day dining restaurant. These successes fueled his enthusiasm for culinary creativity.

 

Do you have a favourite time of the year or set of ingredients that you look forward to working with?

Indonesia’s rich variety of spices has such a deep cultural significance. Ingredients like ginger, galangal, cloves, nutmeg, and lemongrass not only add incredible flavor to traditional dishes but also hold medicinal properties, especially in drinks like jamu. Jamu’s blend of herbs and spices makes it a fantastic health tonic. It’s fascinating how these ingredients connect Indonesia’s culinary heritage with wellness. My experience during the Indonesian Independence Day event was very memorable. We highlighted the theme of Indonesian culinary heritage, using authentic Indonesian spices as the special dishes for the event. What intrigued me was the history of how colonizers came to Indonesia to take our spice crops. These spices were used not only for food but also as traditional medicine.

What would you do if you weren’t a chef?

If I was not a chef, I would create a business that was also about food. Because cooking has been my passion since I was a teenager. I would have created jobs for other people and started my business by selling food. Because I learned a lot from my grandmother watching her run a restaurant business. I am very motivated to be a businessman, even if it starts with small money but I believe that everything will work as long we are motivated and disciplined to make it into a success.

What is the current food trend? 

Currently, I really enjoy the trend of rustic plating and clean plating techniques.

When are you happiest?

I am happiest when my food is well received and provides satisfaction to my customers. Their direct appreciation means a lot to me. In addition, when i am able to balance my time at work and family time i feel happy.

When you’re not in the kitchen where can you be found?

if I am not in the kitchen on my duty hours, I am at my Chef Garden / JW Garden, I spent time to check out some of the plants that can be harvested.  After duty I enjoy my time at the gym.  On my day off I explore traditional foods in the regions I visit.

Where is your favourite place to dine?

1. Bangkok Kitchen in Seminyak, Bali is a hidden gem in a corner of Seminyak area in Bali, they serve authentic Thai cuisine, all the recipes are created by the owner.

2.  Locahands Resto in Surabaya has a Modern Heritage theme, this former bookstore was converted into a modern cafe while maintaining a heritage atmosphere. In several areas there is also a black cloth with contemporary motifs. Locahands serves local food with a touch of modern cuisine.

3. Loewy in Jakarta is a casual Bistro in Jakarta serves a contemporary Western / European Menu.

What’s your favourite takeaway or comfort food?

Bakso (meatball soup) and Gado-Gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) is my favorite food since I was a child, with a street food concept that is easy to find. Sandwiches, which are simple and not too heavy, not too heavy but enough to fill you when you travelling are also my favourite foods.

What makes the local food scene so exciting?

For me local food rich in spices is exciting, rich in flavor, and has a story in every single ingredient. We can also learn about the history behind each dish. For tourists, much of the appeal of local food lies in the fact that it is special, authentic and unique. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and trying out local dishes can provide a deeper understanding of the traditions, history, and flavors of a place. Whether you are a foodie or simply enjoy trying new things, embarking on a culinary adventure.

Which is the dish you’ve created that you are most proud of and why?

When I create homemade barbecued dishes i feel proud of myself, especially while creating BBQ menus, I always combine local Indonesian flavors with American and Mediterranean BBQ styles.

You’re having friends over for dinner tonight. What’s on the table?

There will definitely be grilled or pan-seared dishes, starch or carbohydrate options, simple vegetables or salads, and fruits. Usually those ingredients are mostly available in my chiller at home to make it easy during our regular family dinners also.

Name your favourite city that has it all: food, culture, and nightlife.

Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand’s food is famous for many reasons, and its cuisine has become a global phenomenon. From the fiery curries to the sweet desserts, Thai food has something to offer for everyone! The vibrant street food culture of Thailand has especially gained a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason. The food is delicious, cheap, and offers a glimpse into the local culture. The city has a millennial gastronomic culture, which has become a major attraction for tourists from all over the world. Bangkok street food offers a wide variety of dishes. You can find everything from sweet to savory dishes, and vegetarian to non-vegetarian options. Some of the popular street food dishes in Bangkok include Pad Thai, Som Tam, Mango Sticky Rice, Tom Yum Soup, and more. From rooftop bars to trendy clubs, Bangkok offers something for everyone. With affordable prices and welcoming locals, it’s the perfect destination for a night out to remember.

Can you tell us more about the cuisine at your restaurants?

• Pavilion Restaurant our All day dinning international restaurant Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this vibrant restaurant offers both buffet dining and a la carte fare. Feast on your favorite international dishes, and be sure to visit the barbecue station for succulent meats.
• Tang Palace our Chinese Restaurant thrills your palate with authentic Cantonese cuisine and dim sum served in an opulent setting. Accented by antiques from the legendary Tang Dynasty, this exceptional Surabaya restaurant is on the second floor of our hotel.
• Imari, our Japanese restaurant, features a casually refined ambiance, as well as a sushi bar, teppan-style cooking and fresh grilled seafood and meat. Offers a modern take on Japanese dishes combined with traditional flair. Adopted of Japanese hospitality culture to satisfy with homey atmosphere, friendly, and delicious meal crafted with the best quality ingredients only..
• Uppercut-A smart, modern update of the American steakhouse template, this is #Surabaya dining that is effortless in its elegance, featuring dry-aged prime and Wagyu beef, tomahawk, locally fresh ingredients, decadent side dishes and a global selection of fine wines and spirits.
• SBCO -Our Pastry Shop, served Fresh-baked pastry or a sweet treat at our SBCO gourmet patisserie. We have completely pastry & Bakery product such a Bakery sweet & Savory, Cookies, Praline, Macaron, Whole Cakes, Petit Gateaux, Homemade Candy, Gelato and traditional cakes.

 

Jimbaran Squid

Grill Squid marinated with Balinese Jimbaran Style

 Story

Talking about Jimbaran – Bali, Jimbaran area is famous for delicious and romantic beachside seafood restaurant area, when the sun sets, around Jimbaran Beach you will smell the tempting aroma of seafood. People visiting Bali, if they want to have Seafood, they will visit Jimbaran.

 Ingredients

• 150 gr Squid
• 60 gr Jimbaran Base Sauce
• 1 Pcs Kafir Lime
• 5gr Thai Basil leaf
• 3 Tbsp oil (for Grill)
• Seasoning: Salt & Pepper, Cumin Powder, Half of Kafir lime jus

Jimbaran Base Recipe:

• 400gr Red Chili Curly
• 500gr Garlic
• 500gr Shallot
• 250gr Aromatic Ginger
• 250gr Ginger
• 150gr Galangal
• 400gr turmeric
• 100gr Coriander seed Powder
• 250gr Lemon Grass
• 200gr Candle nut
• 5pcs Bay Leaf
• 5pcs Lime Leaf
• 200gr Shrimp Paste
• 100gr Brown Sugar

Method

1. Blend all The spices than mixed well with all ingredient
2. Sauté with vegetable oil all blended Spice
3. Put All leafs
4. After half cooked, Add Shrimp paste and Brown sugar
5. And reduce it, until well cooked

Cooking & Finishing Step

1. Wash Squid, and cut half body
2. Marinated with 3 table spoon Jimbaran Base and Kafir lime
3. Grill both Side
4. Toast it with Jimbaran base for finishing
5. Sprinkle Thai Basil
6. Cut Half Kafir lime