TANGERANG — The Atjeh Connection officially opened its 10th outlet in Serpong, Tangerang, Banten, on Monday (October 5, 2026). The opening marks a new milestone for the café and restaurant network, which is bringing Acehnese cuisine from local spaces to a broader stage, including as part of Indonesia’s culinary diplomacy at the international level.
Located at Ruko Carson Unit RCU 5, Jalan Scientia Boulevard, Pagedangan District, Tangerang, the Serpong outlet is the 10th branch of The Atjeh Connection and further strengthens its position as an Acehnese café and restaurant network with branches across several major Indonesian cities.
Founder of The Atjeh Connection, Amir Faisal, said the opening of the 10th outlet is not merely a business expansion, but part of a broader journey to introduce Aceh’s identity through cuisine.
“We do not want The Atjeh Connection to be known merely as a place to eat. We want everyone who visits to take home a story about Aceh — its flavors, its culture, and how Aceh is an important part of Indonesia,” Amir Faisal said.
The journey began in Jakarta before expanding to Surabaya, Solo, Yogyakarta and now Serpong. The expansion is not solely about business growth, but also about introducing Aceh’s cultural identity and culinary heritage to a wider audience.
“For us, these 10 outlets are not the finish line. They are a starting point to see how far Acehnese cuisine can travel. Indonesia is our home base, but we hope that one day Acehnese cuisine can be enjoyed in cities around the world,” Amir said.
Sanger Coffee and Culinary Diplomacy
One of the signature products brought by The Atjeh Connection is Sanger coffee, a traditional Acehnese coffee beverage developed with its own distinctive character and appeal to consumers from different backgrounds.
Sanger coffee demonstrates how a traditional culinary product can be developed without losing its cultural identity. Originating in Aceh, Sanger has been introduced through The Atjeh Connection’s network in various Indonesian cities, serving as an entry point for people to discover Acehnese culture.
According to Amir, Sanger coffee holds a special place in The Atjeh Connection’s journey because it is not simply a beverage, but part of Aceh’s coffee culture and social tradition.
“We want Sanger coffee to have a bigger place. People may initially come because they are curious about the taste, but eventually they discover that behind a cup of Sanger there is a coffee tradition, history and the character of Acehnese society,” he said.
Amir believes the strength of cuisine lies in its ability to open conversations across cultures.
“We can talk about Aceh with people who have never visited Aceh through food. From coffee, the conversation can move to culture. From culture, people become interested in history, society, economics and social life. That is what we call culinary diplomacy,” Amir said.
Cuisine as International Diplomacy
The Atjeh Connection views cuisine not merely as a food and beverage business, but as part of cultural diplomacy.
Historically, Aceh has maintained extensive connections with the international world. Its location at the western gateway of Indonesia made Aceh an important point along historic trade routes and a meeting place for people from different nations for centuries.
That historical heritage provides cultural capital that can be introduced again through a more contemporary approach.
Restaurants, coffee and food can become spaces where people from different countries meet. Around a dining table, people can discover flavors, stories, history, traditions and the character of a region and a country.
For this reason, culinary diplomacy can become one of the ways to introduce Aceh and Indonesia to the world.
Amir Faisal said Aceh possesses a rich cultural heritage that can contribute to Indonesia’s international cultural diplomacy.
“Aceh has long been part of the international community. We have a history of trade, connections with different nations and a very rich culture. The challenge today is how we present that heritage in a language that resonates with the current generation and with the international community,” Amir said.
The Atjeh Connection carries the idea that Aceh should not only be known through its history and geographical position, but also through its culinary heritage.
Sanger coffee, Acehnese noodles, Ayam Tangkap, Sie Reuboh, Kuah Beulangong, Acehnese lamb curry, chicken curry, Sayur Pliek U, Acehnese-style fish, Ikan Asam Keueng, Acehnese-style oysters, Nasi Gurih Aceh, Lontong Aceh, Acehnese egg martabak, Roti Cane, Roti Jala, Srikaya, Timphan, Kue Ade, Pulot Durian and other traditional dishes can become part of Indonesia’s cultural narrative when introduced to international audiences.
“Diplomacy does not always begin in a conference room. It can begin at a dining table. When someone enjoys Sanger coffee or Acehnese food, we are actually opening a door to a conversation about Aceh and Indonesia,” Amir said.
He added that cuisine has a unique ability to create direct cultural experiences.
“People can read books about Aceh, look at pictures of Aceh or watch videos about Aceh. But when they sit down, eat, drink coffee and talk with Acehnese people, the experience becomes different. There is direct interaction. That is where cultural diplomacy can work naturally,” he said.
With the opening of its 10th outlet in Serpong, The Atjeh Connection is reaffirming its vision to expand the reach of Acehnese cuisine. Indonesia serves as its starting point, while the international stage represents the next destination.
10 The Atjeh Connection Outlets
- Bendungan Hilir – Jakarta
- SCBD – Jakarta
- Tebet – Jakarta
- Cipete – Jakarta
- Jalan Sabang – Jakarta
- Neo Sabang – Jakarta
- Jalan Arjuno – Surabaya
- Sumber, Banjarsari – Solo
- Jalan Nyi Tjondrolukito – Yogyakarta
- Jalan Scientia Boulevard, Serpong – Banten
The 10th outlet in Serpong symbolizes the continued journey of Acehnese cuisine. From Aceh to Jakarta, Surabaya, Solo, Yogyakarta and now Serpong, The Atjeh Connection aims to build a longer bridge — from Indonesia to the world.
For Amir Faisal, the expansion is ultimately not only about the number of outlets opened, but about how far the story of Aceh and Indonesia can travel.
“We want people outside Aceh, when they hear the words Sanger, Acehnese noodles or Acehnese food, to have a reference and an experience. If one day Acehnese food can be enjoyed overseas and become a gateway for people to discover Indonesia, that would be a far greater achievement than simply opening another outlet,” Amir Faisal said.
For Aceh, diplomacy does not have to take place only through politics and relations between nations. A plate of food and a cup of coffee can also become a way to introduce the identity of a people, a culture and a nation to the world.
