Indonesia’s Lambassadors bring on the Lamb Challenge

Australian lamb has taken centre stage in Indonesia during the nation's first-ever Lamb Challenge.

Held at Archipelago International, the largest hotel operated in South-East Asia, the partnership program between the hotel group and MLA was presented on 22 February.

The launch was spearheaded by MLA Lambassadors and brought together 22 renowned chefs from the Archipelago west area.

A masterclass and culinary competition took place during the event, featuring unique modern Asian dishes that highlighted different cuts of Aussie lamb.

Lambassador Chef’s Windoe (Corporate Chef of Archipelago International) and Rizqi (Head Group Chef at Artisan Kuliner Group) formed part of the judges’ panel for the culinary competition, using their knowledge of Aussie lamb to select winners.

Asian dishes featuring Australian lamb presented at the Lamb Challenge event.

Their judging criteria included:

• taste and texture
• presentation
• hygiene
• mise en place
• amount of food waste produced
• service.

MLA’s Trade Development Manager for Indonesia Siti Nur Aini, who was also in attendance at the programs event, said “we are thrilled to be working alongside the Archipelago Group with support from Global Victoria to bring this unique experience to the Indonesian market.”

“Australian lamb is renowned in Asia for its naturally tender texture and delicate flavour, making it the ideal blank canvas for the diverse spice palettes and cooking methods found across the continent.”

“This collaboration is part of our commitment to supporting Australian red meat’s public perception and awareness in Indonesia and further increase consumption of Australian lamb,” she said.

The Lamb Challenge also coincided with the start of the peak consumption of lamb and sheepmeat during the holy month of Ramadan (starting on 11 March) and culminated with the most significant festival, Eid Fitr, in early April.

“Australian lamb has earned a reputation for being highly regarded as Halal for Muslim consumers worldwide as every step of the process, from slaughter to processing, adheres to Islamic guidelines,” Aini said.

“This commitment to quality and religious sensitivity has made Australian lamb a trusted source of halal meat and complete peace of mind for many consumers worldwide, including Indonesia.”

Following the success of this Lamb Challenge, with many of the participants going on to permanently feature Aussie lamb on their menus, plans are underway to host a second competition in first quarter of 2025.