Vindy Lee reflects on Indonesia, cultural identity, food and the enduring value of respect.
Vindy Lee is an Indonesian chef, cookbook author, former national television chef and certified etiquette trainer. Her first passion was cooking, which led to three cookbooks and several years on national television. She later became a full-time etiquette trainer, sharing her knowledge through social media. Having grown up in Indonesia and lived in Singapore and the United States, she brings different cultural perspectives to her work. For Indonesia’s National Day, Vindy speaks to IndoConnect about her journey, Indonesian food and the values she continues to share.
Q: Could you tell us about your journey and how you arrived at what you do today?
Vindy Lee: I grew up in Indonesia for seven years, which were the formative years of my life. After that, I moved to Singapore, where I stayed through school before going to Los Angeles in 1999. I studied international relations and East Asian culture at the University of Southern California.
I have always had two passions: cooking and politics. My father is in politics, so I grew up watching more news than cartoons. After graduating, I returned to Indonesia, wrote three cookbooks and worked as a chef on national television for about six to seven years. I am now a full-time etiquette trainer.
Q: You have described cooking as your first passion. What does Indonesian food mean to you?
Vindy Lee: Indonesian food brings back the tastes, sounds and familiarity of my childhood. I remember my parents, the smells, herbs and spices, and being surrounded by food. I also remember going to kampungs and seeing food that was mostly naturally organic.
Indonesia is abundant in herbs and spices, and that is something I associate with healthy food. Later in life, coffee also became part of my connection with Indonesia because Indonesian coffee is exported all over the world.
Q: What influenced the way you came to understand etiquette?
Vindy Lee: I grew up in a Chinese family where there were many formalities, particularly from my father’s side. I learned that how we present ourselves can show respect for the people around us.
Later, I realised that even sitting straight is about respecting other people. That understanding eventually became part of my profession, and I became a full-time etiquette trainer after being certified by The English Manner and Beaumont Etiquette.
Q: How do Indonesian and Western dining traditions differ?
Vindy Lee: The customs can be quite different. In Indonesia, particularly among the Muslim population, eating with the right hand is common, while Western dining uses different tools for different courses and foods.
When I am with an Indonesian friend or client, I am more inclined to use my right hand as a sign of respect. With Westerners, left hand or right hand does not really matter in the same way. So although the customs differ, the bottom line is the same: respect each other and do not make a mess when you are eating.
Q: What has your experience been like since sharing etiquette through social media?
Vindy Lee: I did not expect my content to become so well received because etiquette is very niche. Some people living in kampungs have told me they may never experience fine dining, yet still follow what I do.
Those comments touched me because they made me think about access. Information is out there, but people do not always have access to this type of education. For me, etiquette is not only about fine dining. It is also about basic respect, including how to talk to your parents, handle difficult situations and deal with bullying.
Q: Having experienced different cultures, what would you like people outside Indonesia to know about the country?
Vindy Lee: Indonesia is a very rich country, with a lot of resources and people who are full of energy and kindness. Indonesians are among the most courteous people I have ever met. Even strangers are often happy to help you.
That warmth is only one part of what Indonesia offers. We also have delicious food, beautiful islands and colourful cities. Indonesia is a little bit misunderstood, but you have to see it for yourself. It is very fun.
For Vindy Lee, Indonesia is reflected in its food, people and everyday kindness. Having experienced different cultures, she hopes more people will see Indonesia for themselves. Through food and etiquette, she continues to connect people and cultures, one life at a time, together.
Etiquette Classes with Vindy Lee
For readers interested in learning more, Vindy Lee offers etiquette classes by appointment and holds an average of two public classes each month. Her current schedule includes private and corporate sessions, as well as training for a pageantry.
Her most popular public courses are Social Graces & Introduction to Business Etiquette, Dining Etiquette, and Afternoon Tea Etiquette. The courses cover social and professional manners, dining etiquette, and afternoon tea etiquette.
Sessions can also be tailor-made for different occasions, with group rates available. Vindy Lee welcomes opportunities to explore future sessions and collaborations.
Enquiries and registration:
Email: contact@vindylee.com
Website: www.VindyLee.com
