Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and its vibrant food scene reflects this diversity. Among the many culinary gems hidden within the city, Indonesian cuisine stands out with its bold flavors and aromatic spices. If you’re searching for “Indonesian Food Near Me,” you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the story of one unique individual who’s bringing the authentic taste of Indonesia to the heart of LA: Steve, the Stunt Chef behind Lasian Kitchen.
Image: Ayam Geprek, Indonesian smashed fried chicken, a popular dish known for its spicy and savory flavors.
From Stuntman to Culinary Expert: An Unconventional Journey
Steve Tartalia’s life has been anything but ordinary. Imagine a real-life Jackie Chan from Wheels on Meals, delivering culinary delights instead of dodging villains. That’s Steve in a nutshell. With a background as a stuntman in Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema, including roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and numerous action films, Steve is no stranger to high-octane environments. He’s jumped off buildings, dodged cars, and mastered martial arts. But he’ll tell you that navigating the intricate world of Indonesian cooking was an even greater challenge.
Image: Steve Tartalia, the Stunt Chef, on his motorcycle ready for Indonesian food delivery in Los Angeles.
His fascination with Asian cuisine ignited during his stunt work in Asia in the 80s and 90s. Working on film sets across Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China, Steve encountered a different kind of culinary artistry. Unlike the structured catering services in the US, film sets in Asia relied on resourceful “granny cooks” who created incredibly flavorful dishes from scratch. These women, with their generations of culinary wisdom, became Steve’s first mentors in Southeast Asian cooking. He was captivated by the bold curries, aromatic noodles, and other regional specialties they prepared.
The Indonesian Food Obsession Takes Root
While his initial exposure was to broader Southeast Asian flavors, Steve’s specific passion for Indonesian food blossomed later in Los Angeles around 2008. It began with his exploration of Kuntau Silat, an Indonesian martial art. Seeking to fully immerse himself in the Indonesian cultural experience, he started frequenting an Indonesian restaurant near his dojo.
He was immediately drawn to the complexity and depth of Indonesian flavors. However, he noticed inconsistencies in the restaurant’s food. Driven by a desire for authentic taste, Steve embarked on a culinary quest to recreate these dishes at home. His prior experience with Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisines provided a foundation, but he soon realized the vastness and complexity of Indonesian food. With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia boasts a diverse culinary landscape as varied as its geography.
Steve’s journey took him to another Indonesian restaurant, Simpang Asia, where he befriended the chef. Despite his attempts to glean cooking secrets, the chef remained tight-lipped. However, an invitation to an Indonesian consulate party proved to be a turning point. There, he tasted a Balinese vegetable dish that completely captivated him.
Determined to master this dish, Steve tirelessly experimented in his kitchen. When he finally perfected his version, he presented it to the chef from Simpang Asia. Impressed, she connected him with her Balinese cooking friend. This connection opened doors to a network of Indonesian home cooks who welcomed Steve into their kitchens and family gatherings.
Image: Acar Kuning Udang, turmeric-pickled shrimp, showcasing the vibrant colors and flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
Learning from the Source: Family Kitchens and Culinary Secrets
Steve’s unique learning approach involved immersing himself in Indonesian family parties and weddings. He would observe the cooks, taste their dishes, and then humbly attempt to recreate them at home. This genuine appreciation for their culinary heritage often led to the cooks sharing their treasured family recipes and cooking techniques. Over five years, Steve dedicated himself to learning Indonesian cuisine in this immersive, hands-on way, one family party at a time.
Today, Steve boasts an impressive repertoire of around 150 Indonesian dishes, all stored not in cookbooks, but in his memory. He describes a process akin to downloading information, visualizing techniques, and even seeking inspiration from culinary “gods.” His cooking philosophy is rooted in tradition, utilizing authentic Indonesian ingredients like garlic, chilies, candle nuts, shallots, salam leaves, bilimbi, and fresh turmeric. While he stays true to traditional flavors, he makes subtle modern adjustments, like using coconut sugar instead of white sugar, catering to the health-conscious preferences of Los Angeles.
Lasian Kitchen: Bringing Authentic Indonesian Flavors to Your Doorstep
Frustrated with the bland catering food on film sets, Steve ventured into catering himself. His first catering gig was for the movie 17 Again, and his Indonesian dishes were a hit. This success led to catering opportunities for other films, including Alice in Wonderland. Eventually, this evolved into Lasian Kitchen, his DIY Indonesian food delivery service.
Despite never having set foot in Indonesia, Steve has become a trusted source of authentic Indonesian food for LA’s large Indonesian community. His customers, many of whom are Indonesian themselves, rave about the genuine flavors and quality of his dishes. They regularly text him orders, a testament to the demand for authentic “indonesian food near me” that Lasian Kitchen fulfills.
While Steve dreams of opening a restaurant someday, for now, he continues to operate Lasian Kitchen, delivering the taste of Indonesia directly to your doorstep in Los Angeles. So, if you’re on the hunt for exceptional “indonesian food near me,” look no further than the Stunt Chef and Lasian Kitchen – a true hidden culinary gem in LA. You can experience the authentic flavors of Indonesia, crafted with passion and dedication by a stuntman turned culinary expert.
