The Best Indonesian Grub in Singapore
This is for those who think that we can’t find good Indonesian grub in Singapore, for those who are eager to tuck into some lip smacking, unique, ethnic cuisine which uses a blend of different spices.
Although Singapore doesn’t have as many Indonesian eateries as we would like, you’ll be delighted to know that we can still savour the best of Indonesian goodness on our sunny shores – if you know where to look. Read on to find out the 11 best places in Singapore that serve the most sedap Indonesian food!
1. Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant
With a rich history in serving up authentic Indonesian food, Cumi Bali is a family-run restaurant. They have quite a few house specials which include their Sate Madura (Chicken Satay), Cumi Bali (grilled sotong), Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) and many more. The restaurant occupies two levels in a shophouse along Tanjong Pagar and the dishes are whipped up by passionate chefs upon ordering.
Must-Tries: Sate Ayam Madura $4 per stick, Beef Rendang
Address: 66 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088487
Website: http://www.cumibali.com/
2. Ayam Penyet Ria
For those who love chilli or can take spiciness, the sambal here is definitely something you would love to try together with their signature Ayam Penyet (smashed chicken). Served together with the smashed fried chicken which are crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside are fried tempehs (soybean cake). There are other items on the menu, but if you haven’t tried their ayam penyet, you’re missing out.
If you run out of sambal, ask one of the friendly servers for more and they’ll be glad to help you.
Must-Tries: Ayam Penyet + Rice – $7.40.
Website: http://www.ayampenyetria.com/home.html
Visit website for outlet locations.
3. Garuda Padang Cuisine
The restaurant has a minimalist and trendy decor and serves traditional cuisine from Padang, Minangkabau (West Sumatra). Set Menus are available at $30 per person and includes usual Indonesian favorites like Sambal Cumi Cumi, Gulai Ayam (chicken curry). The service here is said to be particularly exceptional.
Must-Tries: Fried Chicken with Blue Ginger Floss
Website:http://www.garudapadang.com/
Visit website for outlet locations.
4. The Rice Table
With Indonesia formerly a Dutch colony, The Rice Table’s name came about from the Dutch term ‘rijsttafel’. In the early days, rijsttafel referred to a whole spread of food placed on a table, consumed over hours. True to its name, unlike most other Indonesian places on the list, food is served buffet-style, with over 20 items available at dinner.
Must- Tries: Sayur Lodeh (spicy vegetable stew), Terong Kicap (eggplant in soya sance)
Address: 360 Orchard Road, #02-09/10, International Building, S238869
Website: http://www.ricetable.com.sg/
5. IndoChilli
Located opposite Great World City, Indochilli has garnered multiple culinary awards and accolades over the years. Rated 4.5/5 by 8 Days, their menu offers a large variety of entrees across the archipelago, serving from Balinese seafood to Indo-Peranakan cuisine.
Udang Bakar Jimbaran is highly recommended by the head chef. It is grilled prawns prepared with just the right amount of herbs and spices, bringing out the authentic flavor of the dish.
Must – Tries: Sate Madura, Udang Bakar Jimbaran
Address: 54 Zion Road, Singapore, S247779 (Opposite Great World City Shopping Mall)
Website: http://www.indochili.com/
6. Bumbu Thai-Indonesian Restaurant
With multiple recommendations by magazines and various media in their bag, Bumbu faces a bustling business for its affordable yet tasty Thai-Indonesian fare. With 3 branches situated around the island, they have both ala carte and set menus.
Must – Tries: Bumbu Salad $8.80
Website: http://www.bumbu.com.sg/
Visit website for outlet locations.
7. Djanoer Koening
A restaurant which takes pride in not using MSG in any of their dishes, the food here is different other Indonesian restaurants – Djanoer Koening serves up Javanese cuisine! The quality of their food has even attracted diners like Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who sampled their wares during a presidential visit to Singapore.
Must- Tries: Bakso Urat (beefball soup), Oseng-Oseng Macon – a spicy stir-fry of tender beef with chillies and unexpected crunch from petai (stinky beans), Wonton Mee (mie ayam pangsit)
Address: 191 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427462
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DjanoerKoening.TrueJavaneseCuisine
8. Rumah Makan Minang
Images sourced from site
Rumah Makan Minang is decorated with wooden and earthy tones and features an extensive list of Indonesian dishes. Their ala carte menu has Indonesian staples like beef rendang and stir-fried kangkong, which is a fusion with Chinese cooking. Besides their food, the Teh Tarik brewed by Hazmi’s father is also excellent, which he accredits to a special blend of tea specially blended for their restaurant.
Must- Tries: Ikan Bakar, Teh Tarik
Address: 18 Kandahar St, Singapore 198884
Website:http://minang.sg/
9. Sabar Menanti
Sabar Menanti means “Good things come to those who wait” in Bahasa Indonesia. Sabar Menanti is hugely popular and has opened a “Sabar Menanti II”, a 2 minute walk away. They are located in the Muslim enclave of Kampong Glam.
The Beef Rendang has chunks of tender beef coated with various spices like Kaffir Lime and Turmeric leaves. Their Nasi Padang is also highly sought after, so go early otherwise you might be disappointed!
Must-Tries: Beef Rendang, Chicken Korma, Ikan Bakar
Address: 776 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198744
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabar-Menanti-Restaurant-Catering-Pte-Ltd/1745747779012382
10. Tambuah Mas Indonesian Restaurant
Located in Orchard Road, the comfy, chic restaurant features home-styled cooking from Padang, Sulawesi and Java. They only use the best ingredients in their dishes, with their Tahu Telor being popular among diners. Reserve your seats before going down!
Must- Tries: Tahu Telor (egg beancurd), Rendang Lembu (beef curry)
Website: http://www.tambuahmas.com.sg/
Visit website for outlet locations.
11. Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant
Images courtesy of Pagi Sore
Pagi Sore started out as a stall selling Nasi Padang along Duxton Road but has since transitioned to selling unique, authentic a la carte Indonesian dishes using a fusion of cooking styles.
Highly recommended by some of my friends, one must-try dish and also their house special is their Ayam Bali – a deboned, grilled chicken thigh coated in a sweet dark sauce. For diners who can’t do without their carbs, the rice here comes neatly folded in a banana leaf and each diner is only charged for one serving. Subsequent servings of rice are free flow.
Must-Tries: Ayam Bali ($5.80++), Ikan Otah Kukus (Steamed fish marinated with otah seasoning $17.50++)
Website: http://www.pagi-sore.com/
Visit website for outlet locations.
Sedap Indonesia Food!
Is what we say after writing this. We can’t wait to have more Indonesian food! What is your favourite Indonesian food? Leave your answer in the comment box below!