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Java


Jakarta

Street food sold from warung (food stalls) are everywhere in Jakarta and it is generally good and very cheap. Look out for places where there are lots of people eating - these are the best and safest to eat from. Sate (chicken or goat) is very popular, especially Sate Madura, from Madura Island.

Restaurants:

Hazara, Jl Wahid Hasyim

Situated right next to the Arcadia Hotel, this Indian restaurant is a little bit special, serving great food in really stylish surroundings. A nice bar and pool tables upstairs.

Yogyakarta

Jalan Malioboro is said to be the longest dining table in the world. Lesehan (where you sit on the floor by low tables) is a popular travellers option. The warung are very cheap and most serve Yogyas speciality - nasi gudeg, or rice and jackfruit.

Sumatra

Danau Toba

Samosir Island mainly caters to western tastes, serving pizzas, omelettes and chicken. One thing to try in Parapat, the launching harbour for Samosir, is Padang food. You will recognize a Padang restaurant because the food is displayed in a pyramid in the window. You don't use menus - a selection is brought to your table (a lot of meat, chicken, in spicy sauces, rice) and you pay only for what you've eaten, it's unusual but delicious!


By Susi O'Neill