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Restaurant Indonesia, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand |
Food from home is always something you are craving for, wherever you are. The joy of enjoying the menu that reminds you of your beloved family, warm hugs from your grand parents and heart-to-heart talk on the dining table, is immensely priceless.
No matter what nationalities we are, this basic notion is pretty much what many of us are familiar with, especially when you are living outside of your homeland.
As for me, I have been learning to cook various Indonesian food and drink, but I always welcome the opportunity to buy and to order Indonesian food wherever I am. On the last trip to Napier, Hawke's Bay, we managed to get a taste of home. We stopped by at Restaurant Indonesia, serving since 1983 and making it the oldest restaurant in the area.
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Restaurant Indonesia from outside, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand |
Although the restaurant is usually closing on Monday - Tuesday due to the shortage of staff during COVID-19, we had this special session and menu at the restaurant as the Ambassador was coming with us as well.
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the complete nasi bakar menu |
That night, we had Nasi Bakar complete with fried chicken, ikan jambal roti or salted fish, tempe and tahu goreng as well as sayur asam, lalapan and sambal. In addition to that, we also have snapper being cooked as pepes ikan or steamed fish with lots of Indonesian traditional spices. Plus kerupuk or the famous Indonesian chips, to make the menu complete. We also enjoyed Indonesian ice tea with bay leaf and wedang ronde as dessert. Super yum indeed.Here are some photos I took on the food.
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pepes ikan... super yum! |
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wedang ronde, anyone? |
I also love the interior design of the restaurant, with some specific themes reflecting the beauty of Indonesian heritage. It has Papua Room, Balinese and Javanese items and handicrafts, beautiful hand-woven fabrics from Timor and so many more.
For Mas Riza and Mba Vivi Ambadar, the owners of this restaurant, coming and dining to Restaurant Indonesia is not only about enjoying the food and beverages, but it's also about the experience and the 'real feel' of Indonesia. Through these special menus, we embark on a journey of thousand miles away, diving on the endless beauty of Indonesia as well as the amazing and rich culture of this largest archipelagic state. As you get your first bite, you will feel the warmth and friendliness of Indonesians and their love for traditional and distinct taste of the homeland. That's what I felt when I enjoyed my dinner here.
So for you who get the chance to come and visit Napier, don't miss Restaurant Indonesia with its incredible menu.
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