When it comes to Indonesian cuisine, Nasi Padang stands as a testament to the nation’s diverse and flavourful food culture. Jakarta, as the capital, is a culinary hub where you can embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other. Join us on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of tastes, textures, and traditions that make Nasi Padang in Jakarta an experience to remember.
The Essence of Nasi Padang
Nasi Padang originates from the Padang region of West Sumatra but has found a beloved home in Jakarta. We saw so many Nasi Padang restaurants scattered around the city. At its core, it’s a feast of epic proportions, featuring rice served with an array of tantalising dishes. Typically, they are all placed on small sharing plates that are spread out on your table, covering each corner (it is truly a sight to behold!). Whatever you touch (i.e. to eat) is what you pay for. Today, or since Covid, many restaurants don’t do this anymore. They just show you the dishes you can choose from beforehand and then you choose your dishes.
The Nasi Padang Spread
The hallmark of Nasi Padang is its array of side dishes. Expect a cornucopia of flavours, from the fiery heat of Rendang (spicy beef stew) to the zesty zest of sambal (chilli paste), and the comforting richness of coconut milk-based curries. The dishes are presented temptingly, and you choose what you want on your plate.
The Star of the Show: Rendang
Rendang, often hailed as the king of Indonesian curries, deserves special mention. Jakarta’s Rendang is a symphony of slow-cooked beef, coconut milk, and a medley of spices that create a rich, complex flavour profile. It’s tender, aromatic, and utterly addictive.
The other star of the show: Fish head curry
Fish head curry isn’t a part of the Nasi Padang spread typically speaking, but many bigger restaurants in Jakarta offer it. And wherever it is offered, it easily becomes the star of the show. It is a HUGE in size, packed full of punchy flavour and very pricey (compared to other dishes). You’re looking at around 400k-500k rupiah (to put it to perspective, Nasi Goreng was 49k).
Stink beans
Stinks beans, or bitter beans, are especially popular in this part of the world, especially in Indonesia. We’ve seen vegetable carts selling them as well as restaurants. When we found out that they do stink beans at the Nasi Padang restaurant we visited, we knew we had to try it out to tick it off our bucket list. How did it taste? Not pleasant. It was slightly earthy with a very strong and pungent aftertaste. I managed two. Never again.
A Cultural Tapestry
Nasi Padang isn’t just about food; it’s a window into Indonesian culture. In Jakarta, you’ll find Nasi Padang eateries of all kinds, from modest street stalls to upscale restaurants, each offering a unique twist on tradition. While Nasi Padang is the star, Jakarta’s Nasi Padang eateries also serve other Indonesian favourites, like Ayam Goreng (fried chicken) and Sayur Nangka (young jackfruit curry).
Where to try it in Jakarta
As mentioned previously, there are many Nasi Padang restaurants in the city and you will be overwhelmed. We decided to visit Rumah Makan Medan Baru because they are famed for the fish head curry and we wanted to try it.
Exploring Nasi Padang in Jakarta is a culinary journey through Indonesia’s diverse flavours and cultures. It’s a testament to the nation’s love for spices, aromatics, and the joy of communal dining. So, when you find yourself in Jakarta, don’t miss the opportunity to savour the exquisite flavours of Nasi Padang. It’s more than a meal; it’s a cultural immersion and a celebration of Indonesia’s culinary heritage.
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here
