Rendang and nasi goreng ranked 1st and 2nd respectively in the “50 Tastiest Foods in the World†selected by CNN. After France, Thailand, and China, which are known as gourmet countries, Indonesian food made a name for themselves. Indonesian cuisine has a variety of rich flavors using spices. In particular, it mainly uses “clove,†which has a strong aroma and spiciness, and “nutmeg,†which adds a luxurious flavor to food, which captivates the palates of people around the world. Typical Indonesian dishes include “migolang,†where egg noodles are stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce; “rendang,†where beef is simmered in a curry sauce containing coconut milk and various spices; “nasi goreng,†where rice is added to a sweet and spicy sauce and stir-fried with various vegetables and meat; and “ayam goreng,†which is chicken covered in a thin batter and deep-fried until crispy.
Indonesian restaurants include Lilin in Yeonnam-dong in Hongdae, Bali Inmangwon in Mangwon-dong, Makanan in Samdeok-dong in Daegu, Papacabar in Incheon, Ikseon-dong Salon Sunla in Jongno, romantic noodles in Garosu-gil, Jangchung-dong Banyan Tree Hotel Granum Dining Lounge, Yangyang Jukdo Beach Warung Patrik, Sinchon Bali Bistro, and ancient Anam-dong Bali High. Here are 5 of the best Indonesian restaurants where you can enjoy heavenly cuisine.
1. Keep the local flavors and atmosphere of Bali! 'Lilin' in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul
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Image source: lilin_seoul's Instagram
Image source: kkk_s_p's Instagram
“Lilin†offers a local cuisine menu based on recipes learned in Indonesia by a chef from a hotel. The store is decorated with bamboo and palm trees, creating the illusion that you are in a Southeast Asian resort. The signature menu is “Nasi Goreng,†which is fried rice made by frying annammi and topped with a fried egg. You can peel the egg yolk and grate it with fried rice. Melted and savory egg yolk gently envelops salty fried rice. “Kepiting Tomat Kari,†which has a rich combination of crab and shrimp in a fragrant curry, is also a popular menu. I added tomatoes to further enhance the fresh yet light feeling. Along with the meal menu, the Indonesian beer “Bintangâ€, which has a refreshing thirst and refreshing taste, is also a favorite.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 17, Donggyo-ro 34-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 11:30 — 21:00 every day, B/T 15:00 — 17:00, closed on Tuesdays
â–²Price: Nasi Goreng 10,000 won, Kepiting Tomat Kari 18,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Pramodering): The waiting line is long even after opening, so I think it would be better if you go early. I ate the signature dish, nasi goreng, and the liver was just right, and it was an addictive flavor that I keep getting my hands on. Drinking a cold glass of beer on Nashigorang is a healing feeling in itself.
2. 'Salon Sunra' in Ikseon-dong, Seoul, which brought out even more tenderness with the sous vide method
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Image source: 5___jirong2's Instagram
Image source: salonsulla's Instagram
'Salon Sunra' was remodeled from a hanok and transformed into a restaurant. The interior of the hanok, which has a quiet atmosphere, filled with European-style furniture and tableware is impressive. The signature menu, “Sous Vide Beef Rendang Curry,†is a curry with a sweet coconut flavor, served with rice and large pieces of beef. The beef is cooked using a sous vide method and has an excellent texture that melts in the mouth. The curry was aged for one to two days to add a deep flavor. I recommend dipping the beef thoroughly in curry and eating it with rice so that you can enjoy the rich flavor. You can add rice to the curry for a fee.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 75, Yulgok-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
â–²Business hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 to 23:00, Sunday 11:30 to 22:00, B/T 15:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays
â–²Price: Sous Vide Beef Rendang Curry 16,800 won, Chashu Shrimp Fried Rice 14,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Doratman: Shikigami): There are flowers all over the store, and each area is colorful, so the photo zone is amazing! The atmosphere is great and the value for money is great, so I think it would be a perfect date course! I ordered Rendang curry, but the beef felt like it was gone as soon as I put it in my mouth! I want to eat it again the next time I go!
3. 'Bali Inmangwon' in Mangwon-dong, Seoul, showcases reverse charm
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Image source: bali_in_mangwon's Instagram
Image source: bali_in_mangwon's Instagram
Unlike the exterior of a modern building, the interior of “Bali Inmangwon†has an exotic feel with locally sourced props, providing a reverse charm. The signature menu is “migorang,†made by stir-frying egg noodles and plump shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce developed directly at the store. I added plenty of toppings such as fried egg, coriander, and garlic flakes on top of the noodles to add richness. The noodles have an attractive texture and are filled with sweet and spicy sauce, so you can enjoy the rich flavor. “Rundang safi,†which is made by putting beef in coconut milk and simmering it for about 4 to 5 hours, is also a popular menu. As soon as you take a bite of the meat, the sweet coconut flavor spreads throughout your mouth. Note that Rundang Safi is only sold in limited quantities on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 1st floor, 67, Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 12:00 — 21:30 every day, B/T (weekdays) 15:00 — 17:00, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Mi Goreng: 9,500 won; Saffi 15,000 won per bottle
â–²Review (I think it's like eating meat): An Indonesian restaurant located on Mangridan-gil! I tried Indonesian food for the first time, and it was easy to choose because it was well-explained on the menu. I got a recommendation and ate the rice goreng, and the sauce was a perfect match for the soft noodles. Also, it's dog-friendly here, so I think I'll go with my dog next time!
4. “Macanan†in Samdeok-dong, Daegu, a rich sauce soaked between rice grains
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Image source: Pingu_gil's Instagram
Image source: Swanikim's Instagram
“Makanan†is located near Kyungdae Hospital Station Exit 4. Surfboards, rattan furniture, etc. are placed at the entrance of the store to create the feeling of a restaurant near the Balinese beach. The signature menu, “Nashi Goreng,†is made by stir-frying rice and chicken in a sweet Indonesian sauce and served in a wooden bowl. The chewy chicken on the stir-fried rice makes it fun to chew. The sauce is rich in each grain of rice, and the sweet, salty, and rich flavor that spreads is appealing. For nasi goreng, you can choose between a menu that contains only chicken or a menu that includes chicken and shrimp. Note that you can add coriander and adjust the spiciness of all foods according to your preferences.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 36, Dalgubeol-daero 445-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 21:00 every day, B/T 15:30 — 17:00, closed on Mondays
â–²Price: Nashi goreng 10,000 won, chicken laksa 12,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Hyansami): This is a macanan that sells Balinese food. As you can see, the atmosphere is as good as if you were at a resort. I ordered nasi goreng and basil beef noodles, both of which suited my taste. Due to the nature of stir-fried food, I feel it a bit when I eat it, but I think it's because of the large amount of coriander. If you ask for more coriander, they'll give you more, so I hope you enjoy it to your heart's content! It's delicious.
5. Hot and spicy to relieve stress, 'Romantic Noodles' in Garosu-gil, Seoul
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Image source: nangman.kooks Instagram
Image source: nangman.kooks Instagram
“Romantic Noodle†is a traditional Indonesian noodle specialty restaurant located on Garosu-gil. The boss presents a variety of dishes based on his past experiences of living in Indonesia and learning at restaurants. The signature menu is “romantic noodles,†where pork mixed with spicy sauce is placed on top of egg noodles and served with green onions, bok choy, basso (homemade fish cake), and bread set (fried from flour dough) on a single plate. First, you can mix the noodles and all the ingredients evenly, then eat them with toppings one by one. The spicy sauce is made from a mixture of Indonesian pepper and Korean pepper, and you can enjoy the hot and spicy flavor. Please note that they recently opened and operated a second store in Kondae.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 40, Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
▲Business hours: 11:00 — 22:00 every day, B/T 15:00 — 16:00
â–²Price: 7,000 won for romantic noodles, 9,000 won for romantic noodles
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Gomu Shingwana): I like spicy food, so the romantic side really suited my taste. Various toppings are added, and it's fun to pick and eat, and you can add them separately~ Also, the bread set not only has a crunchy texture, but it also has a savory flavor that soothes the spiciness, so it goes well with it.