Where to try Indonesian food in London

If you’re new to Indonesian cuisine and aren’t sure if it’s for you yet, a good place to start is Bintang, which offers an array of dishes from various East Asian countries. There’s no pressure to get out of your comfort zone at all; on the menu, you’ll find plenty of noodles and rice meals that you’re likely already familiar with and which you can mix up with those plates that are nothing you’ve tried before. Apart from the food, the restaurant specialises in creating a friendly and casual atmosphere; if the weather is nice, why not sit outside in the beer garden surrounded by street art and friendly chatter? Plus, you can bring your own beverage or even a birthday cake, which makes it the perfect venue for all kinds of occasions.

The Asian street food scene has been gradually becoming increasingly popular in London over recent years, and more and more restaurants are beginning to follow the trend. In East Asia, street food is a cheaper and more convenient alternative for those who don’t have the time to dine out, but in the UK it’s more than that. Adding various street food dishes to the menu encourages more casual dining by allowing you to order a few small plates that you can share with others. Makatcha offers a variety of BBQ platters, such as satay wings or chicken glazed in lemongrass and organic palm sugar, all cooked over charcoal that gives them a pleasant, smoky burnt flavour. Visit them for a quick bite or a catch up with friends.

Bali Bali is not only a great introduction to Indonesian cuisine for those who haven’t tried it before, as it follows the traditional cooking approach that gives the dishes an authentic flavour. On the menu, you’ll find all the classics such as satay (skewered and grilled meat) and Nasi Goreng (a rice dish with meat or vegetables). If you don’t know where to start, friendly staff will be happy to advise you on the level of spiciness, texture and whatever else you might be having doubts about. If you’re sharing a meal with other people, it’s a good idea to go for Rijsttafel, which consists a number of Indonesian dishes. The interior is contemporary and suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.

Pino’s Warung is a compact restaurant located in Camden Market that might be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it specifically, but we guarantee you that once you’ve given it a go, you’ll be coming back for more. Offering a taste of Indonesia that satisfies both tourists and locals alike, the place delivers homemade style street food, including Nasi Padang, steamed rice with various pre-cooked dishes, Tempe Mendoan, deep fried soybean snack covered in spicy batter or Bakso, a meatball soup. Despite having many customers, the staff are always friendly and attentive. If you fancy a unique lunch or need somewhere to recharge after work, make sure to find a place for Pino’s Warung in your diary.

Rasa Sayang is one of the locals’ favourites; located in the heart of Chinatown, it competes with numerous other restaurants but manages to charm customers with its cosy interior, fast service and delicious food. It’s inspired by food centres that are an important part of social life in countries such as Singapore and features Strait’s cuisine, which was born from the influences of Southeast Asian cuisine, including Indonesian. On the menu, you can expect traditional dishes such as beef Rendang , Hainanese chicken rice or Laksa. If you fancy trying unique flavours from a mixture of cultures, it doesn’t get better than this; make sure you book a table to avoid disappointment.