Indonesian Feast – Star Anise Restaurant

Written/Compiled by Liu Jiawen | Source: Monocle Editorial Team

This restaurant named “Star Anise” doesn’t attract diners with the spice itself, but rather with its truly talked-about feature: “22 Indonesian dishes served at once.” Yes, if you want to know what the most authentic, traditional, and delicious Indonesian dishes are, you can try them all in one go here. Many people know that at the famous Bumbu Bali restaurant in Nusa Dua, the must-order dish is its “Rijsttafel,” which allows you to enjoy a variety of Indonesian dishes all at once. This place offers something similar, but centers around its own version of the “Indonesian Rijsttafel,” which is like the Chinese “Manhan Quanxi” (Imperial Feast), but prepared in a more refined and affordable way.

First, there’s an appetizer – a famous dish from East Java: Chicken Soup (Soto Ayam). Then, 18 main dishes are served together, including pickled yellow vegetables from Maluku (Acar Kuning), peanut sauce lettuce salad (Gado-Gado), chicken curry (Opor Ayam), eggplant in soy sauce (Terong Kecap), fried tofu cake (Kering Tempe), corn fritters (Perkedel Jagung), tofu rolls (Tahu Telur), crispy peanut crackers (Rempeyek), long beans in spice paste (Kacang Panjang Bumbu Kalas), fish satay (Sate Ikan Bali), eggs in spicy Balinese sauce (Telur Bumbu Bali), chicken satay from Madura Island (Sate Ayam), spicy grilled chicken from Lombok (Ayam Taliwang), grilled fish with spices from Sumatra (Ikan Bakar Bumbu), banana leaf fish rolls from South Kalimantan (Otak-otak), spicy shrimp from South Sulawesi (Udang Sambal Goreng), and sweet-and-sour fish favored by Indonesian Chinese (Ikan Koloke). They are arranged on small plates on the table, with a riot of colors that are simply mouthwatering. Then, add a plate of mixed white and turmeric rice from Java (Nasi Kuning & Putih) along with a drink, and you’re all set to dig in.

After the meal, there are also two desserts from Java and Jakarta – Banana Milk Pastries (Pisang Molen) and Mixed Fruit Ice (Es Campur), which perfectly round off the dining experience. A portion is usually just right for two people to share, but if there are more guests, the restaurant can adjust the quantity accordingly. Aside from offering a wide range of Indonesian dishes in one sitting, this restaurant also boasts a beautiful garden setting. Here, you can relax, dine, and even enjoy live music performances. Please note that the restaurant is not open in the evening, and only lunch is served, with occasional live music.

Star Anise Restaurant

Address: Jl. Setia Budi 8

Phone: +62-361-757-855