Aqua Blu — Cuisine
Experience the Myriad Flavors of the Sea and Earth with Chef Benjamin Cross
As Aqua Expeditions breaks new grounds with its first ocean-faring yacht cruise to the East Indonesian archipelago, Aqua Blu is proud to announce its partnership with highly successful Australian chef and restaurateur Benjamin Cross. His natural creativity has been honed across several continents, informing his innovative techniques and preference for locally sourced ingredients.
The Aqua Blu dining experience promises refreshing and inspiring food, with its menu drawing inspiration from Indonesian, European and Mediterranean cuisines. Chef Cross has crafted over 160 recipes to incorporate a variety of Indonesia’s spices and flavors, allowing diners to go on a culinary journey of the region. Some highlights to look forward to include 48-hour beef short rib rendang, Balinese suckling pig with bumbu Bali (Balinese spices), organic Javanese prawns marinated in fragrant oil and lime, and Cross’s personal favourite, freshly handline-caught fish grilled with Balinese sambal.
Showcasing the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood that the pristine waters of East Indonesia has to offer, guests can look forward to refined dishes as well as convivial communal dining experiences and relaxed outdoor dining. Exquisite and scrumptious cuisine, set amidst dramatic coastal landscapes, will undoubtedly be the highlight of all Aqua Blu itineraries.
Join Chef Benjamin Cross on Aqua Blu’s special chef-hosted departures to the Spice Islands.
Set sail on an immersive culinary journey to stimulate your senses and discover Indonesia’s rich heritage. Watch Aqua Blu’s chefs cook up a storm with their on-board demonstrations or follow them to bustling local markets as they procure the day’s finest catch, from freshly snagged Hamachi, fair trade tuna or oyster meat from a pearl farm. Guests can expect the influence of elements of Balinese cuisine, as well as unpretentious and well-cooked dishes which allow the high quality of the produce to shine through.
