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MELBOURNE | Pondok Rempah is located just around the corner from Queen Victoria Market and offers Melburnians a chance to experience authentic, home-style Indonesian cooking.
Pondok Rempah was opened by Cambodian-born baker Ian Mok in 2016. Mok decided to open a restaurant serving Indonesian food because, quite simply, he likes the food, and has an interest in Halal cooking. Mok aside, the small, simple restaurant is staffed by Indonesian cooks and staff. The authentic food is popular with Indonesians looking for a taste of home, as well as Malaysians and Chinese diners, and there’s a convivial atmosphere about the place.
The menu features a small selection of appetisers, along with more substantial chicken, beef, and seafood options, and a few desserts. The kitchen is Halal, and there are vegetarian and gluten free options too. Tahu isu, deep fried tofu stuffed with vegetables, and chilli dipping sauce, is a delicious way to start the meal, along with the grilled chicken satay skewers served in a rich, creamy peanut sauce.
For mains, a standout is the Ayam Cabe Hijau – poached and fried chicken topped with a green chilli sambal, served with rice, vegetables and the soup of the day. The chicken is tender and crisp, and the sambal is chilli and fragrant. Another highlight is the Iga Bakar Sapi Penyet – grilled marinated beef ribs served with rice, marinated tofu, tempeh, soup of the day, and red chilli sambal. The meat is fall of the bone tender and the punchy sambal combines wonderfully with the meatiness of the ribs.
Favourites like nasi goering and beef rendang are also on the menu, along with another crowd favourite, Sop Buntut. It’s slow-cooked oxtail served in rich beef broth with vegetables, rice and sambal.
For drinks it’s Indonesian favourites like Teh Tarik and Es Cendol, along with tropical fruit juices, beer and wine.
If you’re looking for affordable, tasty Indonesian food, Pondok Rempah hits all the right notes, and if you’re not familiar with Indonesian food, it’s a great place to discover it.
Pondok Rempah
487 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9078 3838
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:00am to 9:00pm