Overview: Indonesian Cuisine in Europe

Europe’s connection with Indonesian cuisine dates back to colonial times, particularly through the Netherlands’ 350-year presence in the Indonesian archipelago. This historical relationship has created a unique culinary exchange, most notably seen in the rijsttafel (rice table) tradition developed during the Dutch colonial era.

The European Indonesian restaurant scene centres around the Netherlands, which hosts more than 500 establishments – approximately more than 60% of all Indonesian restaurants in Europe. Beyond the Netherlands, cities like London, Paris, and Berlin have seen growth in Indonesian dining options, often catering to both expatriate communities and Europeans seeking new flavours.

Our directory covers 132 Indonesian restaurants across 5 European countries, ranging from traditional family-owned establishments preserving authentic recipes to modern restaurants creating innovative interpretations of Indonesian classics.

Countries in Our Directory

Available Now

• France (13)
• Germany (18)
• Netherlands (100)
• United Kingdom (13)

Expanding Soon

• Belgium
• Italia
• Poland
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden

Popular Indonesian Dishes in Europe

European Indonesian restaurants offer dishes that have adapted to local tastes while maintaining authentic flavors. Here are dishes commonly found across Europe:

• Rijsttafel – A Dutch-Indonesian “rice table” featuring multiple small dishes served together, showcasing the diversity of Indonesian cuisine
• Babi Kecap or Babi Panggang – Pork in sweet soy sauce, particularly popular in the Netherlands
• Rendang – Slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices, often featured as a signature dish
• Nasi Goreng – Indonesian fried rice, frequently adapted with European ingredients
• Sate – Marinated meat skewers with peanut sauce, commonly offered as a starter

Cultural Context

European interest in Indonesian cuisine extends beyond restaurants to cooking classes, specialty grocers, and food festivals. The Netherlands hosts several annual Indonesian cultural events (Pasal Malam Istimewa, Ayo, Pasar Malam Asia) centred around food, while Indonesian cooking has influenced Dutch home cooking for generations. In recent years, London and Berlin have seen pop-up Indonesian food markets introducing wider audiences to Indonesian cuisine.