the best places to eat Nasi Padang in Jakarta

the best places to eat Nasi Padang in Jakarta

Blog Article

Nasi Padang is more than just a meal—it’s an experience deeply rooted in Indonesian culinary culture. Originating from West Sumatra, this beloved dish has taken over Jakarta's food scene with its rich flavors, vibrant spices, and signature style of presentation. From street-side warungs to iconic restaurants, Jakarta offers a treasure trove of Nasi Padang joints that cater to every craving. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best places to eat Nasi Padang in Jakarta, what makes each spot special, and why this dish holds such a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. deposit togel 5000

What Is Nasi Padang?

Before we explore the best places, it’s essential to understand what makes Nasi Padang so iconic. Nasi Padang refers to a meal of steamed rice served with an array of pre-cooked dishes, including rendang (slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices), ayam pop (fried chicken), gulai (curry), sambal balado (chili sauce), perkedel (potato patties), and more. What makes it unique is the serving style—dishes are brought to your table in small plates, and you’re charged only for what you eat.

The flavors are intense, spicy, and satisfying, built from ingredients like lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, coconut milk, and a variety of chilies. It’s a cuisine that celebrates boldness, patience in preparation, and complexity in taste.

1. Sederhana Restaurant (RM Padang Sederhana) – A Household Name

Location: Multiple outlets across Jakarta
Price Range: Moderate
Must-Try Dishes: Rendang, Ayam Pop, Gulai Tunjang (beef tendon curry)

Sederhana is perhaps the most recognizable name when it comes to Nasi Padang in Jakarta. With branches spread throughout the city, it offers consistent quality and a full range of classic Padang dishes. Their rendang is legendary—tender, deeply spiced, and rich with coconut milk. The ayam pop is another standout: succulent fried chicken served with sambal and a bowl of light broth.

Sederhana is a go-to for locals, office workers, and travelers alike. It’s clean, efficient, and perfect for both dine-in and takeaway.

2. Garuda Padang Restaurant – Premium Experience

Location: Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Central Jakarta & other branches
Price Range: Upper-mid to high
Must-Try Dishes: Gulai Kepala Ikan (Fish Head Curry), Rendang, Dendeng Balado (crispy beef with chili)

Garuda offers a slightly more upscale take on Nasi Padang. The dishes are beautifully plated, and the restaurant ambiance is more refined, making it suitable for business meetings or family gatherings. What sets Garuda apart is the attention to presentation and consistency of quality across all branches.

Their gulai kepala ikan is a showstopper, perfect for those who enjoy hearty, spicy, and aromatic curry. The dendeng balado is also a fan favorite—thin slices of crispy beef topped with fiery red chili sauce.

3. RM Pagi Sore – Tradition at Its Best

Location: Jl. Cipete Raya & various other branches
Price Range: Moderate
Must-Try Dishes: Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken), Sayur Nangka (young jackfruit curry), Ikan Bakar (grilled fish)

RM Pagi Sore has earned a loyal following for its authentic West Sumatran recipes. Founded in the 1970s, this chain of restaurants has maintained its commitment to traditional cooking methods, including long hours of simmering curries and using freshly ground spices.

Their ayam bakar is marinated to perfection and grilled over charcoal, infusing it with a smoky flavor. For something lighter, the sayur nangka is a vegetarian delight swimming in a creamy coconut curry.

4. Sepiring Padang – Modern Twist on Classics

Location: Grand Indonesia Mall, Jakarta
Price Range: Moderate to high
Must-Try Dishes: Rendang Lasagna, Padang Fried Rice, Sate Padang

For those looking for a contemporary take on Padang cuisine, Sepiring Padang is the place to go. It combines the heritage of West Sumatra flavors with modern presentation and inventive fusion dishes. The rendang lasagna is a creative blend of Italian pasta layered with spicy rendang meat and béchamel sauce.

Their version of nasi goreng Padang is smoky, rich, and topped with slices of dendeng balado and fried egg. It's perfect for those who want to explore the flavors of Padang without committing to a full traditional spread.

5. Restoran Surya – Local Favorite With Generous Portions

Location: Jl. Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta
Price Range: Affordable
Must-Try Dishes: Rendang, Sambal Ijo (green chili sambal), Telur Dadar Padang (thick omelet)

Restoran Surya is not as flashy as some of the other spots, but it’s a local legend. Known for its generous portions and affordable prices, it’s a favorite among office workers and students. The thick telur dadar Padang here is a must-try, loaded with chopped chili and herbs.

Their sambal ijo is another standout, made with green chilies and shallots, offering a fresher, less fiery kick compared to traditional red sambal.

6. Pondok Djaja – Old-School Gem in the Heart of Jakarta

Location: Jl. H. Agus Salim, Menteng
Price Range: Moderate
Must-Try Dishes: Ayam Goreng Kremes, Rendang, Gulai Otak (brain curry)

Pondok Djaja has been serving authentic Padang food since the 1960s. It has retained its vintage charm, complete with retro decor and a loyal clientele. The ayam goreng kremes (crispy fried chicken with flakes) is a standout—crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfectly seasoned.

They also offer more adventurous dishes like gulai otak, which is surprisingly delicate and rich in flavor. This is a spot for those who appreciate culinary nostalgia and aren’t afraid to try something new.

7. RM Sari Bundo – The Essence of Authenticity

Location: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda, Central Jakarta
Price Range: Moderate
Must-Try Dishes: Rendang, Sambalado, Gulai Kikil (cow feet curry)

Sari Bundo is known for keeping it real. The dishes are as traditional as it gets, cooked with time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Their rendang is a masterclass in slow cooking—dry, deeply flavorful, and packed with spices.

The sambalado is their signature condiment—fiery, aromatic, and addictive. You’ll also find rare specialties like gulai kikil, a dish made with slow-cooked cow feet in a spicy, gelatinous curry.

8. Warung Padang Kito – Hidden Gem for Takeaway

Location: Tebet, South Jakarta
Price Range: Budget-friendly
Must-Try Dishes: Paru Balado (fried beef lung), Perkedel Kentang, Ayam Gulai

A small, family-run joint that focuses on delivery and takeaway, Warung Padang Kito is a hidden gem for Padang food lovers. Despite its modest setup, the food is top-tier. Paru balado is one of their specialties—crispy, slightly chewy beef lung slices coated in spicy chili sauce.

Perfect for those who want to enjoy Padang cuisine at home without breaking the bank, Kito offers generous portions and well-balanced flavors.

9. Padang Merdeka – Padang Food With A Nationalist Twist

Location: Kota Tua, West Jakarta
Price Range: Mid-range
Must-Try Dishes: Sate Padang, Dendeng Batokok, Sambalado Teri

Located near Jakarta’s historical Kota Tua area, Padang Merdeka combines Minangkabau heritage with a patriotic theme. The restaurant is decked out in red-and-white decor and photos of national heroes. But beyond aesthetics, the food here speaks volumes.

Their sate Padang is thick, spicy, and served with a generous dose of sauce. Dendeng batokok—beef pounded thin and grilled—is smoky, savory, and perfectly paired with sambalado teri (anchovy chili sauce).

Tips for Enjoying Nasi Padang in Jakarta

Come Hungry: With so many dishes to try, you’ll want to sample a bit of everything.

Don’t Be Shy: Ask the staff for recommendations or explanations of unfamiliar dishes.

Try Sambal Variations: Red sambal, green sambal, and sambalado teri all offer unique flavor profiles.

Be Adventurous: Don’t just stick to rendang—explore gulai otak, kikil, jengkol, and other regional favorites.

Use Your Hands: In many traditional Padang settings, eating with hands is the norm—and it enhances the experience.

Final Thoughts

Nasi Padang is a celebration of Indonesia’s rich culinary diversity, and Jakarta is the perfect place to explore it. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Minangkabau cuisine or a curious foodie looking to try something new, the city offers a multitude of options that cater to every taste and budget. From legendary chains like Sederhana to hidden gems in Tebet, there’s always a plate of rice and rendang waiting for you in Jakarta. So, loosen your belt and embark on a spicy, satisfying culinary journey through the best Nasi Padang the capital has to offer.