'Wounds, Food, Love', An Indonesian Romantic Series That Awakens the Appetite

Kapanlagi.com - The original Netflix series from Indonesia titled Wounds, Food, Love was officially introduced through a press conference in Jakarta on April 15, 2026. Directed by Teddy Soeria Atmadja, this work presents a story that combines the culinary world with the emotional dynamics of human relationships, while also being a new offering for viewers in the homeland.

This series follows the journey of Luka, a young ambitious chef who wants to become the head chef at the legendary restaurant Umah Rasa. However, his ambition is tested when his mother, who is also the owner of the restaurant, entrusts the position to a new chef named Dennis, triggering a conflict that heats up.

1. Family Conflict and Ambition

The story presented not only focuses on the kitchen and food but also on complex family relationships. The differing perspectives between mother and child become a source of tension that feels close to everyday life.

Director Teddy Soeria Atmadja revealed that this project was initially designed as a film before it was ultimately developed into an eight-episode series. He sees the serial format as providing a broader space to explore characters and conflicts.

2. Statement from Director Teddy Soeriaatmadja

Cast Luka, Eat, Love (credit: Netflix)

This story was originally designed as a film, but after becoming a series with eight episodes, the story became more interesting and expansive. The initial idea is about a mother and child who do not know each other well and have different characteristics, with the child as an ambitious sous chef who feels ready to be a head chef, but the mother does not believe it.

"This story was initially designed as a film, but after becoming a series with eight episodes, the story became more interesting and expansive. The initial idea is about a mother and child who do not know each other well and have different characteristics, with the child as an ambitious sous chef who feels ready to be a head chef, but the mother does not believe it. That dynamic is interesting to me, plus the setting in a restaurant kitchen adds flavor and character to the story. Ultimately, this is about relationships between people, whether between mother and child, male and female, or friends," explained Teddy at a press conference attended by KapanLagi in Semaja, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (15/4/2026).

3. Interesting Production Details

Cast and director of Luka, Eat, Love (credit: Netflix)

Teddy also added that the production process was conducted with a serious approach to present authentic details, especially in depicting professional kitchen activities.

"Umah Rasa food is actually Indonesian home cooking, but we wanted to present it in a more artistic and appealing way. This is the result of collaboration between the artistic department and food stylist," he added.

4. Statement from the Main Cast

Mawar Eva de Jongh, who plays the character Luka, feels that the conflict in this series is very relevant. She mentions that the mother-child relationship depicted has layers of deep emotion.

"The dynamics of the mother-child relationship in this series come from their different upbringing styles. Mother Sari may differ from modern parenting styles, but that doesn’t mean she doesn't love, and she also has a pride that she can't express. Their different backgrounds make their personalities distinct, and the way they express love also becomes different," said Mawar.

5. Unique Analogy about the Relationship between Luka and His Mother

Director and Cast at the press conference (credit: Netflix)

Mawar even provides a unique analogy to describe the relationship. According to her, the characters of Luka and his mother have a bond that is not always visible on the surface.

"Avoided when eating but actually needed to make rendang," she said.

6. Dynamics of Rivalry in the Kitchen

Meanwhile, Deva Mahenra, who plays Dennis, explains that his character brings a new dynamic as well as conflict to the story. He sees the rivalry that occurs as a trigger for the development of the Umah Rasa restaurant.

"As the head chef at Umah Rasa and after traveling through many restaurants, Dennis sees this as an opportunity to realize his ambition of getting a Craft star, something that is considered the highest achievement for a restaurant. However, Dennis's presence becomes a barrier to the dreams and hopes of a child continuing his mother's dedication. Ultimately, a rivalry occurs with each having their own interests, although in the end, the competition between Luka and Dennis makes Umah Rasa even better," said Deva.

7. Valuable Shooting Experience

Director and Cast during a group photo (credit: Netflix)

The shooting experience also provided a new perspective for the cast about the world of professional kitchens. The high pressure and fast-paced work rhythm posed unique challenges during the production process.

"We came to understand the hard work in the kitchen and how difficult it is to stay focused in a situation that is full of pressure, noise, and heat," said Deva, which was then affirmed by Mawar.

8. About Wounds, Food, Love

Wounds, Food, Love stars Mawar Eva de Jongh, Sha Ine Febriyanti, Deva Mahenra, Adipati Dolken, and Asmara Abigail. This series premiered globally on April 15, 2026, on Netflix, presenting a story about ambition, family, and love wrapped in the richness of Indonesian culinary heritage.

(kpl/pur/pit)