If you're interested in learning more about Indonesian culture or trying out various Indonesian dishes, an upcoming festival will offer Metro Vancouverites an opportunity to have a taste of just some of what the Southeast Asian country has to offer.

Although events such as Alun-Alun Indonesia have been held in the past, Indonesian Consul Yudhono Irawan told the Georgia Straight that this festival is collaboration between the Indonesian Consulate General in Vancouver with the local Indonesian Canadian community.

Indonesian Fest: Experience Indonesia will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on July 14 at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent) in Burnaby. Admission is free.

Irawan said that food on offer will cover a variety of items including taliwang chicken (spicy grilled chicken), nasi liwet (lemongrass rice), rendang pizza (pizza with beef curry), chicken satay, gado gado salad, bakso (meatballs), and Balinese rice.

Traditional dishes usually reserved for special occasions, such as Javanese tumpeng (cone-shaped rice with various side dishes) and jajan pasar (assorted desserts), will also be available, in addition to Indonesian coffee tastings.

Live performances will include dances from Bali, Sumatra, and Java (including performances by a dance group from Semarang, Central Java) and an ensemble performing the angklung, a West Javanese musical instrument made of bamboo tubes.

Meanwhile, a fashion show will highlight batik garments fused with contemporary styles while batik drawing will also be demonstrated.

For more information, visit the website for the Indonesian Consulate General in Vancouver.