City of Gastronomy: Padang West Sumatera

The session is structured as a dynamic conversation between two complementary figures: one shaping the cultural blueprints and governmental policies of the city, and the other dissecting its flavours through the lens of the culinary industry. Together, they will trace the arc of Padang’s bold ambition, navigating its journey from being Indonesia’s newly crowned Culinary Creative City to its target of becoming a UNESCO City of Gastronomy by 2027. Learn how centuries of acculturation among the Minang, Indian, Nias, and Chinese communities shaped its famous food identity, while highlighting the city’s latest strategic efforts to propel this dream forward. A session that other cultural cities with major culinary assets simply should not miss!