Food is more than sustenance — it is culture on a plate. And in Indonesia, every dish tells the story of an archipelago shaped by centuries of spice trade, migration and tradition. From the bold heat of sambals to the comfort of nasi goreng, Indonesia’s cuisine is as diverse as its islands.
This week, as the nation marks 80 years of independence from Dutch colonial rule — first declared on August 17, 1945 — Indonesian communities and food lovers in the UAE have reason to celebrate. Several restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are showcasing the country’s vibrant flavours, offering residents a chance to savour a taste of the celebrations.
Here are five destinations in the Emirates where you can honour Indonesia’s Independence Day with an authentic culinary experience.
Andaliman, Dubai
Perched inside One&Only One Za’abeel, Andaliman elevates Indonesian cuisine to fine-dining heights. Named after the rare andaliman pepper from North Sumatra, the restaurant infuses its dishes with a citrusy punch. Expect elegant versions of classics such as nasi goreng and beef rendang, alongside signature seafood like Jimbaran-style grilled fish, cooked over coconut husks in full view of guests.
For Independence Day, Andaliman is curating more than just food — a special celebratory menu, family-friendly games and giveaways will make the evening feel festive and immersive.
Betawi Cafe, Dubai
At Jumeirah Lake Towers, Betawi Cafe offers an intimate, homely space brimming with the warmth of Indonesian street food. From gado-gado and sop buntut (oxtail soup) to vegetarian staples like nasi padang and tahu gejerot, its menu captures the heart of the everyday Indonesian table.
For meat lovers, the pecel bebek (fried duck with coconut-vegetable salad) and paket rendang platter — complete with beef rendang, fried chicken, jackfruit curry and tempeh — are standout highlights.
The Little Bali, Dubai
Also located in JLT, The Little Bali brings a multicultural twist, offering a mix of Indonesian favourites alongside Korean, Thai and Chinese comfort dishes. While choices are diverse, the ayam betutu (Balinese spiced chicken) remains a must-try for those looking for a true taste of Bali.
Rempah Indonesian Restaurant, Abu Dhabi
With two branches — one on Airport Road and another in Khalifa City — Rempah adds a regional flair to Abu Dhabi’s dining scene.
On Airport Road, the soto ayam Lamongan (spiced chicken soup) and ayam bakar Taliwang (charcoal-grilled chicken) headline the menu. In Khalifa City, diners can enjoy the bebek goreng Surabaya (crispy duck) or ikan pecak Betawi (seabream in spiced sauce).
The nasi goreng special, served with satay, egg and shrimp crackers, is a crowd favourite. The menu even nods to the Middle East with nasi kebuli, a fragrant rice dish with spiced lamb cooked in ghee and paired with pineapple sambal.
House of Indonesia, Dubai
For a culinary tour of the nation in one setting, House of Indonesia in JLT is unmatched. The restaurant curates flavours from across five major islands, with each dish proudly linked to its regional roots.
Highlights include terong balado (aubergine in spicy sambal) from Sumatra, soto Betawi from Java, ayam betutu from Bali, grilled turmeric-marinated fish from Sulawesi, and chili-shallot-topped tuna from Maluku and Papua.
Starters such as singkong goreng (crispy cassava) and bakwan kampoeng (fried chicken skin) add a playful crunch before the main culinary journey begins.
A Celebration Beyond Borders
For Indonesia’s diaspora in the UAE — and for Emiratis and expats eager to explore new flavours — these restaurants offer more than just a meal. They serve as cultural ambassadors, carrying the spirit of Indonesia’s Independence Day across the Gulf.
As the red-and-white flag is raised back home, in the UAE the celebration lives on through every plate of nasi goreng, every satay skewer, and every shared table that brings people together.
