A fragrant aroma filled the air at Grand City Mall Surabaya on Saturday evening. Amidst the bustling East Java Fair 2025, visitors’ attention was drawn to a familiar figure in the culinary world, a finalist from the first season of MasterChef Indonesia.
With skill, Chef Sarwan performed an engaging interactive live cooking demonstration. He prepared the dish using a secret recipe he created himself. The combination of modern cooking techniques and traditional spices he applied successfully captured the attention of hundreds of visitors crowding the booth area where he performed.
“I serve this Coto Makassar with a personal touch. I want to show that Indonesian cuisine can remain authentic without losing its modern side,” said Chef Sarwan during his demonstration, met with applause from the audience.
His skill and communicative style made the atmosphere even more lively. He didn’t just cook, but also shared knowledge about spice processing techniques and flavor balance in traditional cuisine. Some visitors even received exclusive recipe sheets distributed directly by the chef.
A visitor expressed admiration for being able to see their idol up close. “It feels incredible to watch Chef Sarwan cook in person. He is very friendly, willing to share knowledge, and his cooking results are truly delicious,” they shared.
Grand City Mall Surabaya
Grand City Mall Surabaya is a large shopping and lifestyle center located in the heart of Surabaya, Indonesia. Opened in 2012, it was developed as part of a major urban revitalization project on the site of the historic Rajawali railway station and its surrounding area. The mall is known for its modern architecture, extensive retail options, and family-friendly entertainment facilities.
East Java Fair 2025
The East Java Fair is an annual large-scale exhibition and cultural event showcasing the economic, creative, and tourism potential of East Java province, Indonesia. While the 2025 edition is a future event, its history is rooted in a long-standing tradition of such fairs, which have been held for decades to promote local industry, trade, and investment. It typically features business expos, culinary festivals, traditional arts performances, and entertainment, serving as a vibrant celebration of the region’s progress and cultural heritage.
MasterChef Indonesia
“MasterChef Indonesia” is a popular competitive cooking reality show, based on the British format of MasterChef, that premiered in Indonesia in 2011. The show searches for the country’s best amateur home cooks, who compete in various culinary challenges judged by a panel of expert chefs. It has played a significant role in popularizing gourmet cooking and culinary careers among the Indonesian public.
Coto Makassar
Coto Makassar is a traditional Indonesian soup originating from the Bugis-Makassar people of South Sulawesi. It is a rich, savory beef soup slow-cooked with a blend of spices and peanuts, traditionally served with ketupat (rice cakes). The dish has been a staple of Makassar cuisine for generations, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage.
