MELBOURNE | Enak by Nelayan is a new Indonesian restaurant by Hawthorn and CBD stalwart Nelayan. The original restaurant, which opened in 1997, was all about introducing a wider Melburnian audience to Indonesian food, and providing a 100% halal offering, which was rare at the time. I recently popped in to grab some shots for What’s On Melbourne.
At Enak, the Nelayan crew are serving up a more refined, contemporary take on the traditional food that they’re known for. Traditional dishes from across Indonesia form the basis of what’s happening in the kitchen, with considered tweaks to things like presentation and .
Bebek Madura features slow-cooked duck, marinated and simmered in aromatic spices, and coated with a rich, black spice paste, chilli sambal, fried tofu, and fried tempeh. Sop Buntut Bakar, a grilled ox tail soup, is served “dry”, topped with a sweet and savoury sauce. The soup and sambal, are instead served on the side.
For an addictive snack, grab a serve of the Tahu Isi Udang. It’s deep fried tofu that’s traditionally filled with mixed veg and prawn paste. Enak’s version add whole fresh prawns to the occasion to great effect. Think of them as next level spring rolls, served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce.
You’ll also find favourites like nasi goreng, nasi bakar (try the version with stinky beans), mie ayam geprek (fried chicken on noodles), and ikan bakar (Balinese-style whole grilled fish). There’s es campur and es cendol for dessert. To drink, expect mocktails, house made Indonesian smoothies, and of course, Teh Kotak.
Enak by Nelayan
195 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 8597 6192
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:30am to 8:45pm