The trend of fancy warteg is becoming increasingly viral and triggering FOMO. However, what about halal assurance? Let’s explore the importance of halal certification behind this culinary phenomenon.
Who would have thought that glass display cases with lace curtains, once synonymous with simplicity, are now presented with modern aesthetics and warm lighting in elite areas? The transformation of warung tegal (warteg), a traditional people’s eatery known for its affordability, into “fancy warteg” is not merely a culinary phenomenon, but also a reflection of shifting tastes, social class, and consumption behavior in urban society. Amid this growing trend, one important question arises: as people get caught in culinary FOMO, what about halal assurance?
Warteg originally emerged as a practical solution for urban workers since the 1940s. More than just a place to eat, warteg offered a sense of security, affordable prices, easy access, and trust. However, this concept has now undergone significant changes. As reported by CNBC, while IDR 20,000 used to be enough for a full meal, at these upgraded wartegs customers may spend up to IDR 800,000 for three people. This price increase shows that warteg has shifted from being a necessity to becoming part of a lifestyle.
The fancy warteg phenomenon illustrates how simple food is being reimagined into a premium experience. Aesthetic interiors, modern presentation, and significantly higher prices have turned warteg into not just a place to eat, but also a symbol of status and social media content. This is where FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) plays a major role—encouraging people to try without always considering fundamental aspects, including halal compliance.
In fact, the more complex a culinary business becomes, the more critical halal control points must be considered. These include raw material sources, production processes, cooking equipment, and the potential for cross-contamination. In the context of fancy warteg, ingredients may come from multiple suppliers, and preparation processes may involve more dynamic modern kitchen systems.
Unlike traditional warteg, which relies on emotional familiarity and the assumption that “home-style cooking must be halal,” fancy warteg requires a more systematic approach. Assumptions are no longer sufficient. This is where halal certification becomes essential as a verified guarantee.
Halal certification is not merely a label, it is the result of a comprehensive audit process covering raw materials, production processes, facilities, and halal management systems. In the fancy warteg trend, the presence of halal certification serves as an indicator that innovation and modernization still operate within the framework of Islamic principles.
VP Corporate Secretary of LPPOM, Raafqi Ranasasmita, emphasized the importance of this issue:
“Transforming warteg into a more modern concept is part of the dynamics of the culinary industry. However, business actors must understand that improving aesthetics and pricing must go hand in hand with a stronger commitment to halal assurance. Halal is not merely an attribute, but a system that must be consistently maintained.”
This statement highlights that innovation should not compromise principles. In fact, as a culinary business grows and evolves, its responsibility toward consumers, especially in terms of halal assurance, must become even stronger.
On the other hand, consumers also play a crucial role. The viral nature of the fancy warteg trend often traps people in momentary excitement. However, halal awareness must remain a priority. Consumers should not be attracted solely by visual appeal or social media popularity but should be more critical in making choices.
Checking halal labels, ensuring official certification, and understanding product origins are simple steps that can be taken. Halal literacy becomes key so that consumers are not merely trend followers, but informed decision-makers.
“The fancy warteg phenomenon ultimately reflects changes in modern lifestyles. However, amid these changes, halal values must not become mere complements but must remain the main foundation,” Raafqi added.
Trends may change, but principles must be upheld. Therefore, Muslim consumers must remain selective, careful, and not fall into FOMO when choosing food, by ensuring that every product they consume is guaranteed halal. (YN)
