Coveted by foodies and food critics alike, this seemingly inconspicuous restaurant – a short stroll from the Leidesplein – serves inspired contemporary Indonesian cuisine (with Chinese and Filipino influences). Expect extraordinary combinations of flavours and an utterly unique rijsstafel. An impressive wine list and rare teas complement the experience.
KANTJIL & DE TIJGER | Eerste Helmersstraat 249 | (020) 620 0994 | www.kantjil.nl
This modern restaurant by the Spui is renowned for its authentic Indonesian cuisine, but perhaps its best-kept secret is 'The Nasi Mangkok'. If you dine between 4.30pm and 6.45pm, you can get a meal served in a mangkok (bowl) for €8.95 (a great option before heading to an early-evening screening at a cinema). This includes rice or noodles with meat or vegetables, egg in coconut sauce, and prawn or vegetarian crackers. They also do a pretty mean 'rijstafel' (rice table). The restaurant is large with various rooms, service is quick and attentive, and portions are pretty huge so go on a very empty stomach. Reservations are recommended as this place gets very full – and if you have to wait half-an-hour for a table, simply pop a few doors down the street to Harry's Cocktail Bar for some truly sublime pre-dinner cocktails.
TEMPO DOELOE | Utrechtsestraat 75 | (020) 625 6718 | www.tempodoeloerestaurant.nl
This is probably one of the city's most renowned Indonesian restaurants. Rather unusually (and for the diners' privacy within this intimate restaurant) you have to ring the doorbell to be let in. They're famous for their expansive rice tables, but you can also choose à la carte. Do have a look at their website before going to get a taste for their menu because they have taken the trouble to explain their entire menu in English - reflective of their friendly service. This place is also great for vegetarians. Reservations are required.