Philadelphia is fortunate to have as many Indonesian eating places because it does. Here is the place to get your fill of gado-gado, soto betawi, nasi lemak, beef rendang and extra.
Picture courtesy of Hardena
We’re fortunate to haven’t only one nice Indonesian restaurant, however due to a comparatively giant Indonesian group, we now have an entire host of them. See, Indonesia is the world’s largest island nation, made up of near 300 islands, so the meals traditions are wealthy, diversified and, after all, very, very scrumptious. In the event you’ve had purple sambal, the chili and garlic-based sizzling sauce that’s develop into more and more in style right here, exit and pattern as many as you may. In the event you’ve tried rendang, the coconut curry that has develop into one of many nation’s most iconic exports, it’s time to department out and take a look at a vegetarian tofu or egg rendang. The chances are countless, they’re all the time completely different from place to position, and Philly is a wonderful metropolis to familiarize your self with all of it.
Hardena, Newbold
Of the Indonesian spots in Philadelphia, Hardena might be essentially the most well-known. Tucked right into a small, cozy area on a quiet block in Newbold, the Widjojo household has been making home-style Indonesian dishes since 2001. The menu modifications recurrently, however the collards, corn fritters, lumpia, and rendang are all required-eating — as is the chili sambal (all the time order additional).
Seulanga Indonesian Cuisine, Newbold
Seulanda opened in April specializing in Sumatran meals, so the meals sits on the spicy finish of the spectrum. And when you see curried goat on the menu, order it. You received’t remorse it.
Sky Cafe, Bella Vista
Pho 75 will get quite a lot of love, however proper subsequent door in the identical procuring heart is Sky Cafe, considered one of our favourite Indonesian spots within the metropolis. It’s nice for individuals who aren’t tremendous conversant in Indonesian meals as a result of the menu has a ton of images, however a few of our favorites embrace mie komplit, a bowl of selfmade egg noodles that comes topped with mushrooms, hen, barbecue pork, and meatballs, and the nasi lemak yam goreng, a plate of coconut rice and fried hen.
D’Jakarta Cafe, South Philly
We’re specific followers of the soto betawi at D’Jakarta Cafe, a wealthy coconut and tomato broth with tender potatoes, beef chunks and tripe. In addition they have nice seafood dishes, like an entire fried fish and shell-on deep fried shrimp with butter sauce.
Martabak OK, Graduate Hospital
Martabak is a avenue meals discovered throughout Indonesia most frequently described as a form of huge stuffed pancake. Right here, they arrive in candy and savory taste mixtures, most of which embrace cheese, and the oldsters behind the counter are completely happy to dole out recommendations and loads of samples to newbies.
Jembatan 5, Bella Vista
Jembatan 5 opened in 2019, serving home-style dishes. They’re notably beloved for his or her noodles, which embrace quite a lot of rice, egg, and fried noodles. The restaurant is household owned, and it actually feels that means if you’re there. There’s all the time somebody to suggest a brand new dish or assist a first-timer select.
