For a real, authentic taste of Jakarta, locals will tell you not to skip the iconic Nasi Padang. Many of us are no strangers to this steamed rice dish that comes with a variety of accompaniments—including Cassava Leaves, Rendang, Spicy Dendeng Balado, Gulai Otak and Gulai Kaki Sapi.
If you are unfamiliar with the dining scene in Jakarta and not sure where to start, head over to Sari Ratu Nasi Padang—a popular Nasi Padang restaurant that specialises in Minangkabau cuisine.
Offering a mouthwatering range of Indonesian dishes, this is where you can experience unadulterated local cuisine that will make a difference during your stay in Jakarta!
HOW DO LOCALS EAT IT?
The system of eating out at a typical Nasi Padang restaurant in Indonesia is served in a Minang Kabau style: Customers do not have to order any side dishes, instead, customers are only made to sit. The waiters at the restaurant will automatically serve up all the available side dishes in small plates.
The table will be filled with an array of mouth-watering sides, which can go up to 14 or more. You can also ask for a refill at an additional price. Customers are charged by the number of empty plates.
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
With an outlet at the popular Senayan Plaza, Sari Ratu serves up one of Jakarta’s most well-received Nasi Padang and the snaking queue reflects its popularity.
The Nasi Padang chain restaurant also has many other small outlets around Jakarta and is known to be the top choice for those looking for a hearty, local meal who are drawn to the unique concept of Nasi Padang.
WHAT IS THE DINING STYLE LIKE?
Dine in true Minangkabau style: patrons are not required to do the ordering since the wait staff will fill up your table with all their signatures on small plates to share among the group.
Refills are available for a small sum and diners are charged by the number of empty plates that are on the table.
WHAT TO ORDER THERE?
The fried chicken wings at Sari Ratu are among the favourites—just one bite on the crunchy and juicy meat is all it takes for you to understand why.
Beef dishes come highly recommended by the staff and it is their signature Dendeng, a local name for marinated pieces of sliced beef, you have to try. There is also the Sup Tulang if you are keen on a bowl of tasty stewed beef bones soup.
With all that said, we highly recommend you to complement your food with the restaurant’s green chilli. While it looks simple, the tangy and zesty Thai condiment definitely heightens the taste of all their dishes.
Sari Ratu
Plaza Senayan Lantai 3 Unit 338C
Jl. Asia Afrika No.8
RT.1/RW.3, Gelora
Kota Jakarta Pusat
Daerah Khusus Ibukota
Jakarta, Indonesia
Tel: +62 215725826
Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Written by: Sabrine Ong
Edited by: Julee Ooi
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