As part of the celebration of the 357th Anniversary of Padang City, international students of Universitas Andalas had the opportunity to participate in two special events highlighting the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage: Padang Bajamba on 7 August and Talks on Taste on 9 August 2026.
Their participation was part of the broader celebration of Padang’s cultural identity and gastronomic potential under the theme “Taste of Padang Experience: Road to Gastronomy City.” The events provided a meaningful platform for international students to engage with local traditions, communities, and culinary heritage while experiencing Padang beyond the classroom.
Experiencing the Spirit of Padang Bajamba
On 7 August, international students joined Padang Bajamba, a traditional Minangkabau communal dining experience that embodies togetherness, hospitality, and community.
Adding an international dimension to the celebration, the students wore traditional attire representing their respective countries and participated in the Bajamba feast alongside other guests and participants. Through this experience, they were able to directly engage with one of Minangkabau’s cherished traditions and appreciate the values of togetherness embedded within it.
The students also had the special opportunity to meet and take a memorable photograph with Fadly Amran, Mayor of Padang, during the celebration.
For the international students, Padang Bajamba was more than a communal meal. It was an opportunity to connect with the local community, experience Minangkabau traditions firsthand, and celebrate cultural diversity in the heart of Padang.
Discovering Padang Through Taste
The cultural experience continued on 9 August through Talks on Taste, a gastronomic event that explored the richness, identity, and potential of Padang’s culinary heritage.
The event was attended by Teuku Riefky Harsya, Minister of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, and featured prominent Indonesian culinary figures, including Chef William Wongso, Chef Lord Adi, and Chef Uda Dian.
International students of Universitas Andalas participated as audience members and had the opportunity to experience Padang’s culinary creativity firsthand by tasting Nasi Goreng Rendang, prepared by the featured chefs and their team.
The experience offered the students a unique perspective on Indonesian gastronomy, demonstrating how traditional local flavors can be explored, reinterpreted, and introduced through contemporary culinary experiences.
For students coming from different parts of the world, tasting Nasi Goreng Rendang was also an opportunity to discover the distinctive flavors of West Sumatra and gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural stories embedded in Indonesian cuisine.
Through their participation in Padang Bajamba and Talks on Taste, international students of Universitas Andalas experienced Padang not only as a place of study, but also as a living cultural and gastronomic landscape.
These experiences reflect the importance of internationalization beyond the classroom. By engaging with local communities and experiencing Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage firsthand, international students are able to develop a deeper understanding of their host environment while contributing their own cultures and perspectives to the community.
For Universitas Andalas, cultural engagement is an integral part of creating an inclusive and globally connected university environment. Events such as these provide opportunities for students from different backgrounds to meet, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections through shared cultural experiences.
The International Office of Universitas Andalas extends its appreciation to the Government of Padang City for welcoming the university’s international students and providing opportunities for them to take part in the celebration of Padang’s cultural and culinary heritage.
The participation of international students in the 357th Anniversary celebrations reflects the spirit of a globally connected university, one where cultures meet, experiences are shared, and international communities become part of the local story.
Celebrating diversity. Sharing culture. Connecting the world through Padang.
Happy 357th Anniversary, Padang City!