While we’re super excited to visit Indonesia again, you don’t have to travel far to get your hands on some next-level Indonesian cuisine. Here are a few of our favourite spots, right here in Perth:
An institution in the making, Manise Cafe is unassumingly perched at the top end of William Street. The eating house’s menu is kind not just to your tastebuds, but your wallet, with plenty of options under $20 to be found. Portions are huge and the flavours even bigger – and as if we couldn’t sell it any harder to you, it’s also BYO!
Shop 2/449 William Street, Northbridge
While you can certainly get your popular Indonesian fare at Dapur Van Java (your satays, your nasi gorengs), you’ll find it hard to limit yourself to the classics with their extensive menu. Tahu telur goreng and gado gado will keep the vegos more than happy, but we can’t resist some grilled beef ribs. One of the best to do it in the delicious suburb of Victoria Park.
1 Leonard Street, Victoria Park
There’s no more intoxicating a scent than succulent meats grilling over charcoal, and Fluffy Lamb will have you hypnotised, wandering through the Freo Markets in search of its elixir. Their offering is simple, with grilled chicken satay or marinated lamb served over sticky, fragrant bone marrow rice – and when it’s this delicious, what else do you need?
Fremantle Markets, corner South Terrace and Henderson Street, Fremantle
Another Freo favourite: SUKU, once just moments away from Fluffy Lamb in the markets, has finally moved into new digs at the brand-new FOMO development. Opening their doors at the tail end of 2021, their signature dishes have remained at the core of their offerings – like the chicken-lover’s favourite, nasi Bali, or tender, flavour-packed beef rib rendang.
FOMO Freo, 10 William Street, Fremantle
Situated in the Gosnells Railway Markets, Siti Cuisine is an unassuming, delicious highlight. Fittingly, the Padang eatery serves up some noteworthy beef rendang – but you’ll also be able to get your hands on beef tendon and fried lungs.
Gosnells Railway Markets, 5 Fremantle Road, Gosnells
While it’s on one of our most delicious, restaurant-dense roads (Vic Park’s Albany Highway), Seven Aprons feels almost like it’s been plonked down out of the sky. As well as offering catering services, you can pop into the low-key eatery for some Indonesian-Malaysian meals that are as delicious as they are good value – think sate babi, pempek, or kuih lapis pandan to finish.
926 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
While a few of these favourites are much more takeaway-focused, Tempayan make the most of the dine-in experience. Settle in for a night of big flavours, Indonesian coffee and WA wine, as well as some pretty impressively presented dishes. If you’ve got a big event or celebration coming up, hit up the restaurant for their tumpeng – it’s a sight to behold!
78 Terrace Road, East Perth
On a suburban strip mall in Kenwick, sandwiched between a masseuse and a fish and chip shop – you’ll find yourself transported to the streets of Bali. Since opening in 2020, the family-run Nasi Bali has built a fervent following for their unique twists on Indonesian favourites. Their specialty is nasi babi guling, featuring a house-made sausage smoked by the neighbouring butcher, as well as pork patties that turn it into an all-time great.
2/69 Belmont Road, Kenwick
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Header image: Fluffy Lamb