Aceh
Who would have thought Sumatra’s best Italian food was hiding in a remote corner of Pulau Weh? Sit by the lapping waves and dig into Luca and Eva’s…
Must-see restaurants in Sumatra
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West Sumatra
Set up as a social enterprise to empower locals, this fantastic new cafe in Sungai Penuh is set inside an atmospheric bamboo building overlooking the town…
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West Sumatra
This restaurant with a great lakeside location showcases some local seafood specialities, such as udang (freshwater lake shrimp), freshwater lobster and…
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Danau Toba
Overlooking the lake, Maruba is well worth seeking out for its peerless Batak dishes cooked by the talented proprietor. Barbecue fish, freshwater lobster,…
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Sumatra
This nondescript place in central Gunung Sitoli is responsible for some of the best and freshest seafood we’ve ever had in Sumatra. Choose your dinner,…
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Danau Toba
Jenny’s has long been a standout on the northern edge of Tuk Tuk, with all kinds of breakfasts, noodles, curries and rice dishes. But the one dish that…
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Sumatra
At this classic, locally famous seafood joint by the beach, near central Bengkulu, you can choose from ultra-fresh giant prawns, squid and fish, then pay…
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Padang
Pick from a multitude of spicy dishes at this classic Padang chain, housed within a classy art deco colonial building. Do not miss the beef rendang; it's…
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Banda Aceh
Well hidden down an alley out of view is this cosy, wood-panelled restaurant that has a speakeasy feel, and specialises in Western food and cold beers…
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Aceh
A popular fixture along Iboih Beach, Dee Dee cooks up an eclectic selection of dishes, from excellent homemade chapatti with guacamole to pasta dishes,…
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West Sumatra
Padang food in West Sumatra rarely disappoints, and this cafeteria-style restaurant is famous for its authentic smoky beef rendang, among its assortment…
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Banda Aceh
This downtown place is a local institution notable for its delicious homemade ice cream. It has a heap of flavours, including local offerings such as…
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North Sumatra
A good place to sample local Karo cuisine is this shack restaurant with wood-crate-panelled walls decorated in murals. The speciality here is BPK (babi…
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Sumatra
Tucked down a residential side street on the ground floor of an apartment building, this local haunt is a favourite for pempek (deep-fried fish cake made…
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Medan
If you haven't tried durian, then stop by this 'aromatic' open-air eating establishment dedicated to the world's smelliest fruit. It's not just some…
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Aceh
Sharing space with Bubble Addict is this lively hang-out in Gapang Beach where divers gather in the evenings to socialise over cold beers, bagel burgers,…
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Medan
No more food envy from vegetarians who miss out on those famous Padang dishes – here you'll get the full array of delicious mock beef rendang, satay…
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Aceh
A part of the Spanish-run Monster Divers dive shop, this relaxed beachside cafe does Catalonian-influenced dishes such as yellowfin-tuna burgers with…
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Bukit Lawang
This stylish restaurant sits directly on a dramatic bend of the river and features a mishmash of designer furniture and industrial light fittings. While…
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Sumatra
With its birdcage lights, outdoor terrace and Shanghai glamour posters, this offshoot of the Jakarta-based empire conjures up an old-world vibe. The menu…
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Medan
At this colonial-era relic, perfect for nostalgia buffs, only the prices have changed. Medan's oldest restaurant dates to 1934 and is great for a taste of…
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Sumatra
A change-up from your typical Indonesia cuisine is this local institution famous for its martabak (fried roti stuffed with egg). Opened by an Indian owner…
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Sumatra
This is Jambi’s essential evening destination for promenading along the attractive, curved pedestrian bridge across the river that lights up at night…
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Sumatra
The foil to Tanjung Setia’s warungs, this stylish joint is run by a Hawaiian-Californian expat who serves all the comfort food you’ve been craving after a…
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Medan
With its polished concrete floors, low-hanging light bulbs and vertical garden, this is one of Medan's more stylish hang-outs. It does the likes of white…
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Aceh
Bringing a taste of contemporary cafe style to the beach is this classy waterfront joint that does the best coffee on Pulau Weh. Choose from manual brews…
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Danau Toba
This little wooden shack has a laid-back vibe that's in keeping with Tuk Tuk life. It’s run by a couple of friendly ladies who whip up some fabulous and…
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Padang
This modern, convivial steakhouse with exposed-brick walls and rustic log-lined booths is a fine place for a splurge. The speciality is the steaks (from…
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Medan
If you haven't had the chance to sample babi panggang Karo then head here to try this Karo Batak specialty. Comprising barbecue pork and an assortment of…
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Sumatra
Sneakily hidden away down a narrow side street, next to the lively produce market, is this pastel-pink warung that's always busy with locals stocking up…
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Padang
A sure sign of gentrification occurring in Padang's crumbling old quarter is this glossy bistro in an attractive old colonial building. Inside is a…
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Sumatra
Fish and seafood are the stars of the show at this appealing restaurant in a tranquil garden gazebo setting. It’s a great place to try giant grilled…
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Medan
Inspired by Singapore’s al fresco dining, this contemporary collection of outdoor eating establishments in Lapangan Merdeka offers everything from…
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West Sumatra
The centrally located pasar malam (night market) is a terrific place to try local specialties, such as martabak (sweet pancake filled with coconut or…
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Danau Toba
The Buddhist shrines scattered about set the mood at this waterfront cafe that specialises in vegan cuisine. Expect the likes of potato rendang, tofu…
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Padang
Here the fish and squid are sold by weight or portion and flame-grilled to perfection with a sweet, spicy sambal sauce. The selection includes shoals of…
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Sumatra
Opposite Jambi's magnificent mosque is this reliable cafe that ticks all the boxes for excellent single-origin coffee, air-conditioning and wi-fi. It also…
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Sumatra
Just across from the British Cemetery is this German-owned cafe that's the go-to place if you're hankering for Western comfort food. Decide between stone…
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West Sumatra
To sample Bukittinggi's famed nasi Kapau, head to Pasar Lereng where Ni Er, among other food stalls, offers an assortment of ready-cooked dishes such as…
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West Sumatra
At the traveller favourite Beach Guest House, Bagoes combines backpacker staples with local dishes such as vegetable gado gado, mie goreng and lake fish…
