Indonesian food is not just nasi padang. Sure, it’s one of the best dishes to come out of the region, but with 17,508 islands and over 300 ethnic groups, Indonesia has so much more to offer. From Bali to Sulawesi, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Singapore to get your Indonesian food fix.
IndoChili
At IndoChili, you’ll be served dishes from traditional Indonesian recipes. Satay is something we’re all familiar with, but the Sate Ayam Madura is a chicken skewer that’s a little different from what we know. A heritage dish from Madura, this charcoal-grilled skewer is glazed with a sweet soy sauce that creates a wonderful contrast to the savoury meat. Other dishes include the Sop Buntut, a hearty, thick oxtail soup that’s sure to warm you up on chilly days.
Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House
Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House is one of the first restaurants in Singapore to specialise in Indonesian soup dishes such as the Soto Madura, a robust broth cooked with tender beef chunks and the Soto Betawi, the Jarkatan version of beef soup. If you’re missing a piece of Bali, make sure to try out the Nasi Campur Ayam Bali which comes with eight different dishes alongside an aromatic serving of white rice.
Tambuah Mas Indonesian Restaurant
One of Singapore’s oldest Indonesian restaurants, Tambuah Mas Indonesian Restaurant has been serving plates of Indonesian fare from Sulawesi to Java to Padang since 1981. Many are loyal fans of their Tahu Telur, a tower of egg-battered beancurd that’s deep-fried and served with sweet-spicy dark sauce.
Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut
Tucked away in a corner of Lucky Plaza is Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut. As its name suggests, they specialize in bebek goreng or fried duck. If you’re health-conscious they also have Sangan Crispy Fried Duck on the menu which is pan-fried without oil. And if you prefer chicken, the Ayam Penyet Original is made with their own signature spice blend. To complete your meal, take your pick from a variety of soups and side dishes!
Taliwang Restaurant
Craving for food from Lombok? Head on Taliwang Restaurant. They specialize in grilled dishes, and some of their scrumptious go-to options include Udang Balado, Ayam Bakar Taliwang and Ikan Bakar Taliwang. If that’s not enough for your tummy or taste buds, then try out their Satay Rembiga which is made with Australian grass-fed tenderloin and marinated in Indonesian spices!
Cumi Bali
Named after one of their specialty dishes (cumi is squid in Indonesian), it’s pretty obvious that the squid is a must-try in the restaurant. The Cumi Bali is marinated with a heady blend of bumbu (spices) and then grilled. Priding themselves on their unpretentious and authentic food, this family-friendly restaurant has been around for over 20 years!
Kintamani
Situated within Furama Riverfront, find unassuming plates of Indonesian and Balinese classics like the Gulai Tunjang (beef curry), Gado-Gado (various vegetables in peanut sauce) and Mee Bakso, among a whole range of dishes. The best part? Prices here are extremely reasonable — the all-you-can-eat buffet experience (now served a la carte) starts at just S$22.90 per person!
Warong Nasi Pariaman
Founded in 1948, Warong Nasi Pariaman is one of the longest-surviving Nasi Padang stalls here in Singapore. Here you can get a casual and affordable Indonesian meal with a range of dishes including Ayam Opor, Begedil, and the popular Ikan Bakar drizzled with lime and a dash of Sambal Belado. Don’t be surprised to see a queue during lunchtime, so try to come a little earlier before your favourite dishes are sold out!
Ayam Penyet Ria
Ayam Penyet Ria was one of the first to bring the ayam penyet trend to Singapore. The chickens here are broiled with a special blend of herbs and spices every morning, before being fried to crispy golden perfection. Love your meat with some spice? Pair it with their house-made Sambal Terasi. And if you’re not the biggest fan of chicken, the Ikan Bawal Penyet (smashed fried pomfret) is a great option too.