Indonesian Cuisine in Europe: A Flavourful Legacy
Europe offers a unique perspective on Indonesian cuisine, deeply rooted in colonial history, particularly in the Netherlands. From traditional rijsttafel restaurants to modern fusion establishments and tokos, authentic Indonesian flavours have found their home across European cities.
Featured countries
Netherlands
The Netherlands stands as the heart of Indonesian cuisine in Europe. It is home to the largest concentration of Indonesian restaurants outside Southeast Asia. Amsterdam’s city center and De Pijp, The Hague’s central district, and Rotterdam’s dining quarters showcase everything from elegant rijsttafel experiences to casual warung dining. University cities like Leiden, Utrecht, and Groningen feature bustling Indonesian food scenes, powered by international student communities. Indonesian tokos and Asian shops that provide Indonesian food products dot these cities, providing authentic ingredients and ready-to-eat dishes.
Must try:
- Sama Sebo (Amsterdam), the oldest Indonesian restaurant in the Netherlands!
- Pempek Elysha (Voorburg)
- Waroeng Padang Lapek (The Hague)
- Restaurant Blauw (Amsterdam/Utrecht)
- Jiwa Jawa (Amersfoort)
- Warung Niang (Rotterdam)
- Cafe Warung Pas (Amsterdam)
- Garuda by Ron Gastrobar (The Hague)
Germany
Germany’s Indonesian food scene continues to grow, especially in Berlin’s Asian food districts, Frankfurt’s international quarter, and Hamburg’s diverse dining scene. University cities like Munich, Heidelberg, and Münster also offer Indonesian cuisine, often near campus areas. Here you’ll find traditional Indonesian restaurants alongside creative fusion establishments, while pop-up events and catering services introduce Indonesian flavors to new audiences.
Notable eateries and toko:
- Nusantara (Berlin)
- Makan (Freiburg)
- Deli Indo (Hamburg)
- Bali’ku (Bremen)
- Tesate (Essen)
- Warteg (Aachen)
- Bali Asia Markt (Munich). Find Indonesian ingredients here!
United Kingdom
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Indonesian cuisine is emerging strongly in London’s diverse food landscape, Manchester’s international district, and Birmingham’s Asian food quarter. University towns like Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh feature Indonesian restaurants catering to international students and locals alike. Modern Indonesian restaurants, supper clubs, and food festival appearances are making Indonesian food increasingly accessible to British diners.
Must-try spots:
- PIno’s Warung (London)
- Waroeng Windsor (Windsor)
- Bali Brasserie (Brighton)
- Bali Satay House (Barnet)
- Ngopi (Birmingham), where you can also enjoy delicate Indonesian coffee.
Belgium
Belgium, influenced by its proximity to the Netherlands, embraces Indonesian cuisine particularly in Brussels’ international district and Antwerp’s dining scene. University cities like Leuven and Ghent offer Indonesian dining options popular among students. Restaurants range from traditional to fusion concepts, often appearing at cultural festivals and food events.
Recommended restaurants:
- Kelurah (Brussels)
- Restaurant Bali (Wommelgem)
- Kartini (Antwerp)
- Bumi Etta (Wezembeek-Oppem)
- Cafe Batavia (Brussels)
Indonesian cuisine has firmly established itself in Europe, offering a rummage of flavours that reflect the rich history and cultural exchange between Indonesia and European nations. From the Netherlands to the United Kingdom, Germany to Belgium, food lovers can embark on a culinary journey through the Indonesian archipelago without leaving Europe. As the Indonesian food scene continues to evolve and expand, it’s clear that the love for rendang, satay, and sambal is here to stay.