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
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…
West Sumatra
This restaurant with a great lakeside location showcases some local seafood specialities, such as udang (freshwater lake shrimp), freshwater lobster and…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sumatra
This is Jambi’s essential evening destination for promenading along the attractive, curved pedestrian bridge across the river that lights up at night…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Medan
Inspired by Singapore’s al fresco dining, this contemporary collection of outdoor eating establishments in Lapangan Merdeka offers everything from…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
