Watch Back to the Streets: Jakarta

Back to the Streets: Jakarta is an exciting new documentary series that takes viewers on a culinary adventure through the bustling streets of Jakarta, Indonesia. The show is exclusive to discovery+ and is hosted by two of Indonesia's most renowned chefs, Will Meyrick and Rinrin Marinka.

The series showcases the vibrant and dynamic food scene that Jakarta has to offer, with Meyrick and Marinka exploring the city's traditional and contemporary dishes. They sample dishes from street food vendors, local markets, and high-end restaurants, providing viewers with a rich and diverse taste of the city's unique cuisine.

As passionate advocates for Indonesian food culture, Meyrick and Marinka are the perfect hosts for this series. Meyrick is an experienced chef who has trained in some of London's top kitchens before moving to Indonesia to pursue his culinary dreams. He has since become one of the country's most celebrated chefs and has opened several successful restaurants across the archipelago. Marinka is also a well-known chef and television personality in Indonesia, having appeared on numerous cooking shows and published two bestselling cookbooks.

Throughout the series, the duo takes viewers on a journey through Jakarta's rich history and culture, exploring how the city's unique flavours have been influenced by its colonization and diverse ethnic communities. They meet with different food vendors to learn about their techniques, ingredients, and family histories, providing an intimate portrait of the city's culinary traditions.

In each episode, Meyrick and Marinka focus on a particular dish, such as sate (grilled meat skewers), nasi goreng (fried rice), or gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). They explore the history and origins of the dish, talk about the various regional variations, and even show viewers how to make it themselves.

One of the highlights of the series is the street food segment, where Meyrick and Marinka sample some of the city's best street food offerings. They visit bustling markets, crowded streets, and hidden corners where locals flock to enjoy their favourite foods. Viewers get a first-hand look at the vibrant street food culture of Jakarta, which has become so popular in recent years, and hear the stories of the vendors who work long hours to satisfy their hungry customers.

Another fascinating part of the series is its exploration of the city's colonial past. Meyrick and Marinka visit several historic sites and colonial buildings that have played a significant role in shaping the city's cuisine. They discover how the Dutch colonizers brought new ingredients and cooking techniques to Indonesia, which eventually fused with local spices and flavours to create some of the country's most iconic dishes.

Overall, Back to the Streets: Jakarta is a captivating and educational series that showcases the very best of Indonesian cuisine. With its vibrant visuals, mouth-watering dishes, and engaging hosts, the show is sure to appeal to food lovers and travel enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a fan of street food, haute cuisine, or simply curious about Jakarta's rich culinary heritage, this series is a must-watch.

Back to the Streets: Jakarta is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between March 22, 2022 and on discovery+