The 8 Best Indonesian Restaurants in Sydney

March 22, 2021

Have you explored all of the different types of cuisines that Sydney has to offer? The city is a multicultural wonderland and celebrates feasts from around the globe. You can find some of the world’s best yum cha in Chinatown, authentic German breweries, and many Mediterranean delights, all within blocks of one another.

But what do you do when you have a craving for some Indonesian cuisine? It could be a spicy curry, tasty stir-fried vegetables, or perhaps a sweet coconut dessert. Can you find these traditional Indonesian delights in Australia’s most populous city?

Shalom Restaurant

Shalom Restaurant

This establishment was one of the first Indonesian eateries to open in Sydney. Since the 90s, Shalom Restaurant has been providing locals and tourists with a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine.

Featuring traditional seasonings and spices combined with quality local produce, there are many meals on the menu that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. No matter what your tolerance is for spicy food, the chefs can cater to your palate so you can enjoy all of the flavors in the dishes.

You can find Shalom Restaurant in the heart of the Sydney CBD. There are also two locations near the airport if you need a tasty meal before you board your plane.

Ubud

Ubud

If you can’t make it to Bali, then Ubud will bring the experience to you in their restaurant. It’s not just the décor featuring palm trees and limestone walls that make it feel like you’re on vacation there. They also provide you with a pure taste of Indonesian cuisine.

You’ll find an extensive range of beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, all perfectly balanced with seasoning and spices. They also serve fresh noodles in various styles with your choice of meat or vegetables.

Not only is Ubud an award-winning restaurant, but it’s also an authentic Indonesian experience that makes you feel like you’re holidaying in Bali.

Medan Ciak

Medan Ciak

When you’re after a simple, decadent Indonesian meal, you’ll want to stop by Medan Ciak. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeaway options if you prefer to have your meal on the go.

There is an extensive range of authentic Indonesian dishes available. You’ll find a delightful Hainanese chicken rice with a side of fried chicken and a soy sauce egg. Alternatively, there are some tasty noodles with caramelized pork that will melt in your mouth on every bite.

No matter what you’re looking for, you can find your Indonesian meal of choice on the menu here. There are two locations available as well. One is in the middle of the CBD, and the other can be found in Surry Hills, which is a five-minute drive away from Sydney.

Ayam Goreng 99

Ayam Goreng 99

Since 1998, Ayam Goreng 99 has provided Sydneysiders and tourists with some of the country's most authentic Indonesian cuisines. It sources much of its food from the homeland while also utilizing the fresh produce available in Australia.

Ayam Goreng is Indonesian for fried chicken. This is the restaurant's signature meal, and the best way to indulge it is with a serving of their homemade spicy belachan chili sauce. If you fall in love with it, you can buy a jar to take home with you.

If spicy food isn’t your thing, there are also other traditional dishes such as Nasi Goreng and Lamb Satay. Feel free to dine in or get takeaway. No matter how you choose to enjoy their meals, you’ll want to come back for more.

Java Restaurant

Java Restaurant

One look at the Java Restaurant, and you’ll get a warm feeling like you’re strolling the beaches of Bali. It even smells like an authentic Indonesian restaurant with spicy scents filling the air.

You can choose from a fine selection of noodle and soup dishes on the menu. The staff also give you the option to decide how they’ll get cooked and what type of meats and vegetables you want to be combined with your meal.

Make sure you save room for dessert. The homemade ice cream is delectable and keeps diners returning for more no matter how full their bellies are.

Ria Sari

If you’re after some Indonesian food on the go, then Ria Sari can help you out. While you can choose to dine in, the meals are just as good if you want to take them back to your hotel room and relax.

Just beware that your room will likely smell like an Indonesian kitchen the second you pop open the lid. The meals are full of spices and scents that tickle the nostril and make your mouth water.

Ria Sari is open till 10 pm and is perfect for those late-night meal runs. You’ll need to travel about 10 minutes out of the city to get there, but it’s worth the trip.

Ayam Penyet Ria

Ayam Penyet Ria

After taking over Melbourne, Ayam Penyet Ria has finally come to Sydney to share its authentic Indonesian cuisine with the locals and visitors. It’s even an original menu exclusive to their new home.

Featuring a menu of dishes that have been handed down from generation to generation, no matter what meal you pick, you’re in for a treat. Ayam Penyet Ria celebrates flavors, and every dish features seasonings and spices that will dance on your palate.

You also need to indulge in the Cendol Gelato before you pay your bill. It’s a creamy pandan-infused coconut gelato that’s finished with palm sugar syrup and is the perfect way to end your experience here.

Ayam Bakar 7

Ayam Bakar 7

Named after the seven siblings in the family, Ayam Bakar 7 prides itself on delivering one of the most authentic Indonesian feasts in Sydney. The tiny restaurant is a 15-minute drive from the CBD but is worth venturing out for.

From their BBQ chickens to the Gado Gado, it can be a difficult decision to decide what you’re going to eat. It’s why many of the locals continue to return to indulge in everything the menu has to offer.

All the recipes are family secrets and have been handed down throughout the years. But it’s no secret that this is one of the best Indonesian restaurants in Sydney.

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