By: Kusnanto (WWF-Indonesia)

One of my favorite things about Menami is the food. Food intake is important throughout the expedition, as we need food to be able to dive, evaluate, briefing, exercise, data entry, and even to vent. Based on yesterday's observations and experiences, here are some of the popular meals on board Menami.

1. Avocado

A fruit that makes you hungry just looking at it. Initially, this avocado was brought by Mr. Izaak (DKP NTT), and was just left in the refrigerator.

"Here, Kus, split the avocado in two," Fikri (WWF-Indonesia) told me, and since then the avocado has been in demand. It tastes so sweet and fresh. It's like saying, our tongues are doused with a softness and freshness that thoroughly sticks to the tongue. Friends eventually made various avocado creations. Some are eaten directly, some are crushed in a glass and given milk powder, some are blended and added sugar.

2. Meatballs and nuggets

Frozen food is piled up in the cooler of Menami's kitchen. I went with Fikri to buy it, one trolley at the supermarket before leaving for the expedition. Meatballs and nuggets for our supplies are special. They are categorized as snacks and pre-dive survey meals. They are usually served in the morning, afternoon and evening when inputting data. Nugget with chili sauce and soy sauce, delicious!

3. Keladi

It looks like taro, or yam. It is simply boiled. Then brown and white fla is added. Eaten while still hot. Sila (Reef Check Indonesia) used to make it for us.

4. Fresh fish

Since we're at sea, it wouldn't be right without fresh fish on the menu. We even get fresh fish when fishing boats approach our boat. We barter the fish they catch using spearguns with fuel, snacks, drinks.

5. Instant noodles

This food goes well with meatballs, and is eaten as a bowl of four.

6. Flour fried banana

This warm Indonesian food, once served, will run out very quickly!

7. Menami chef's cuisine

Even with the many "side dishes", the cooking of Om Mus and Pak Bungsu (DKP Alor District) together with Om Sukri (WWF-Indonesia) is always the one to look forward to three times a day. The meal whistle sounded every day, sounding melodious to the ears. We would eat together right then and there. Spending 18 days on the boat taught us to appreciate food more, he explained.