I stopped by a small restaurant I found on Google Maps for a solo lunch. I tried a plate of roast chicken marinated in Indonesian-style sauce, and the vegetable achar was delicious too. The gado-gado, which is boiled vegetables served with peanut sauce, had a fragrant taste that was also really good. I got to enjoy various flavors. I’m not familiar with the authentic taste, but I was delighted to find some delicious ethnic cuisine. The green sauce was quite spicy, but the dish itself wasn’t too hot without it. There were also families with children dining in. I will definitely return.

The other night, I went to a restaurant and heard that it serves Indonesian food during the day. It reminded me of a flyer I found in my company’s mailbox, so I decided to check it out! It was my first time trying Rendang! The Hachiduar Rendang plate had a variety of dishes on it. The soup was spicy right from the start! It was so ethnic! The achar was spicy too, but it was delicious!

Just a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Kichijoji Station, I visited Hati Dua, an Indonesian restaurant that only opens for lunch. I ordered the Hati Dua Rendang plate, which is the restaurant's recommendation and allows you to enjoy a variety of Indonesian dishes on one plate. Everything was delicious, including the beef stewed in coconut, the chicken meatballs wrapped in lemongrass, and the curry!

In 2023, an Indonesian restaurant opened in Kichijoji called Hati Dua. It operates as a lunch-only space, borrowing the kitchen of another establishment. I don’t have much experience with Indonesian cuisine; my only memories are from my youth when I visited Bali and tried dishes like Nasi Goreng. I think I may have been taken to a couple of Indonesian places in Tokyo as well, but those memories are quite hazy. However, this time every dish felt familiar, as if they just suited my taste like back then. I enjoy Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese foods as well, appreciating the deep flavors they offer. While looking at the menu of Hati Dua, I saw "Rendang," a dish that CNN named the world's most delicious food. I felt a strong desire to try it! After making a same-day reservation, I eagerly headed to the restaurant from my home. The restaurant is located on the east side of Kichijoji Station, just off a narrow street that branches off from Suehiro Street. It’s on the first floor, but you have to go up a few steps. The background music is also reminiscent of Indonesia. The interior features a counter, tables, and even some sofa seating. There were two staff members, and I wondered if they were Japanese. Their service was great, with detailed and easy-to-understand explanations of the dishes. The set menu included five types of dishes such as fried chicken and curry, with options for individual dishes and desserts as well. I appreciated the thorough descriptions on the menu. Everything looked delicious, and since I wasn’t very familiar with Indonesian food, I decided to go for the recommended plate that included the world-famous Rendang. I also thought about ordering the fried chicken separately. The set came with soup, soup curry, achar (pickled vegetables), and chips. My plate was even more lavish, coming with a salad and chicken tsukune (meatball) as well. I started with the soup, a spiced consommé that contained some vermicelli. Next, I enjoyed the Rendang with rice. This beef stew is made with coconut milk and over ten types of spices. It had a deep flavor that tasted like it was made with care over time. Even though I’m not usually one to sweat when eating spicy foods, beads of perspiration formed on my forehead as I savored every bite. The beef was tender and paired excellently with the rice, causing me to unconsciously reach for more. The eggplant curry was also delicious, with flavors that lingered. The spiced tsukune was fantastic, too, even though I’m not generally a fan of sausages. I wondered if this flavor was authentic Indonesian cuisine or modified for Japanese tastes. The achar, a boiled vegetable salad with peanut sauce, was delicious as well. However, I wasn’t sure how to eat all the components of the plate together. I kept thinking if I should just mix everything at the end. The Rendang, which had been cooked so thoroughly that the beef had lost its shape, was indeed tasty. Though I hadn’t encountered flavors like these before, I recognized the spices, perhaps from previous meals. The complex flavors created a deep and addictive experience. It had just the right level of spiciness that made me sweat but also energized me. I definitely want to return. Indonesia’s diverse religious influences likely add complexity to its flavors, and I could feel the staff's dedication reflected in both their service and the food. **HATI DUA RENDANG Plate: 1,600 yen** - **RENDANG DAGING SAPI:** A traditional Indonesian dish, this is beef simmered slowly with 11 spices and coconut milk, allowing you to savor the rich flavors. - **SOTO AYAM:** A chicken soup made with spices like turmeric, offering a refreshing taste. - **GADO GADO:** A salad of boiled vegetables drizzled with spicy peanut sauce, where sweet cabbage pairs well with the peanuts. - **EMPING:** Chips made from the seeds of the Melinjo tree, delivering a subtle bitterness with a delightful crunch. Enjoyed alongside the Rendang. - **SATE LILIT AYAM:** Balinese chicken tsukune wrapped in lemongrass, flavored with spices and coconut, deeply satisfying. - **ACAR:** Pickled vegetables inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. - **TODAY'S GULAI:** A spiced soup curry that varies each day; on this occasion, it featured eggplant. It was a thin curry that packed quite a punch! Delicious. - **BINTANG BEER: 800 yen**

On August 24, 2024 (Saturday), I had lunch in Kichijoji, where I was working during the day. I decided to check out a place called "Neko," which opened in April in the space that used to be Bungo, and is currently being run as a daytime pop-up. It's described as "the only Indonesian restaurant in Kichijoji." I arrived at 11:22 AM and was the first customer. I took a seat at the counter and ordered the HATI DUA RENDANG PLATE (1,600 yen), which I learned is made with beef slow-cooked with 11 types of spices and coconut milk, as mentioned by CNN Travel as the number one dish in the world. Soon, I was served SOTO AYAM, a chicken soup rich in various spices, which was delicious. Then came the plate. The RENDANG DAGING SAPI was also packed with spices, featuring a distinct hint of star anise, making it complex, delicate, refined, and truly tasty. The SATE LILIT AYAM, a flavorful chicken meatball, was wrapped around lemongrass. The TODAY'S GLAI, today's soup curry, was a vegetable curry, which was also delightful. Each dish clearly took a considerable amount of effort to prepare. It was delicious. I was informed that while the flavors were authentic, the spiciness had been toned down to suit Japanese tastes. I hope this new popular spot in Kichijoji becomes a staple in the area.

I had ayam goreng (Indonesian fried chicken), and it was presented in a much more stylish way than what I typically see in Indonesia. I was surprised to find that all the customers in the restaurant were Japanese, and the staff were Japanese as well. I've been to several other Indonesian restaurants in Tokyo, where the staff were mostly Indonesians. I think this place would be quite welcoming for Japanese people who aren’t very familiar with Indonesian cuisine.

Have you ever tried Rendang? It is a traditional dish that is commonly eaten in Indonesia. The types and amounts of spices used vary by household and region, resulting in differences in flavor and appearance. When you visit Indonesian eateries, you can enjoy different versions of Rendang specific to each restaurant! Rendang is often prepared as a hospitality dish and is enjoyed during special occasions such as weddings, celebrations, and the end of fasting periods, making it a beloved dish in various settings. In Japan, it is still not widely known, and there are few places where you can find it. However, you can try it in Kichijoji! If you're planning to visit Indonesia, you might want to eat here before your trip. The restaurant has a stylish and relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the flavors at your leisure. The sweetness of the coconut milk, the spiciness and aroma of the spices, and a slight sourness create a balanced flavor, while the spiciness isn’t overwhelming, making it easy to enjoy. The taste is so delightful that you might find yourself craving it!

This year, I’m going to Bali for the first time in over 30 years, so I’ve been curious about Indonesian food. My wife found this restaurant, and we had lunch there. It seems they are only offering lunch for the time being. I tried the recommended rendang, which is limited to 20 servings per day, along with a luxurious plate that included various other dishes. The beef in the rendang was incredibly tender, practically falling apart without needing teeth. It had rich flavors and was genuinely delicious! The fish soup, resembling curry, had no unpleasant odors and was packed with the delightful taste of fish. The satay, salad, and pickles all blended well together and suited Japanese palates perfectly. The rice was long-grained, but it wasn’t dry; it had just the right amount of stickiness, making it appealing to Japanese tastes as well. The soup was also heartwarming and flavorful. I can’t help but feel a lovely regret that I didn’t experience such delicious Indonesian food at a great place like this sooner! The friendly server, who was handling everything on his own, gave us detailed explanations of the dishes, and I hope he continues to do well. Thank you for the meal! I will definitely come back again!

We are planning a trip to Bali in June, and since we want to try Indonesian cuisine, we visited this restaurant for the first time! The cozy and beautifully decorated interior made for a relaxing atmosphere. We ordered Indonesian beer and a coconut rice shochu. The shochu had an amazing coconut aroma and was delicious. For the meal, we had the limited Hachiduarundan plate, which features a spicy curry, braised beef, pickles, and more. Each dish felt nostalgic and was incredibly tasty. (Menu description photo included) I look forward to visiting again! Thank you for the wonderful meal!

I had the chance to try "Rendang," which has been chosen as the world's most delicious dish twice! I enjoyed a limited plate meal with only 20 servings available! Each dish was explained to me in detail, allowing me to appreciate it visually as well ( ˊ̱˂˃ˋ̱ ). It was so delicious! The craft cola mixed with milk was a great choice too!

In the area behind Yamada Denki in Kichijoji, there is an Indonesian restaurant called HATI DUA (Hachidua), which operates as a rental space and is open only for lunch. This was my first experience with Indonesian cuisine! They offer two types of lunch plates: one with braised beef and the other with roasted chicken. I chose their recommended braised beef dish, called "Rendang." In addition to the braised beef, the plate includes: - Minced meat with green beans in a coconut dressing - Stir-fried greens - A salad with peanut sauce - Pickles - Chili sauce It's a bit like a Japanese "Obanzai" (small side dishes), allowing you to enjoy a variety of different flavors! Everything was delicious! The chicken soup we had before the meal was also incredibly tasty! The chili sauce was quite spicy, and it paired amazingly well with the beef. For drinks, I ordered a milk mixed craft cola, which tasted similar to chai and I really liked it. The restaurant is closed on Thursdays. Overall, it was a delicious and satisfying lunch experience! ✨

It's about a 3-minute walk from Kichijoji Station. This restaurant serves lunch only and has been ranked number one twice in CNN Travel's "World's Delicious Cuisines" for their "Rendang" and a variety of other Indonesian dishes in a one-plate lunch. (Limited to 20 servings a day for 1,600 yen.) Rendang is a braised beef dish with a slightly sweet flavor that might appeal to Japanese tastes! Adding a bit of the green chili that's served as a side really enhances the dish, balancing the sweetness with some spiciness. Be careful not to add too much, as the chili is quite hot! Aside from Rendang, I personally recommend the minced meat and green bean stir-fry with spices and coconut—it's especially delicious! The rice is fluffy and pairs perfectly with the side dishes, making it so easy to eat! (If there's an option for larger servings of rice, I would definitely want to choose that!) The Bali coffee I had for dessert was also great! It was a lunch that brought back memories of my trip to Bali!

Today, I visited HATIDUA to enjoy their special one-plate meal, which features various Indonesian dishes, including rendang, a dish that has been voted number one twice by CNN Travel's "World's Delicious Foods." The restaurant has a tropical ambiance with Balinese music playing in the background. The meal includes a slow-cooked dish made with beef and 11 types of spices, chicken soup made with turmeric, a salad of boiled vegetables with a spicy peanut sauce, Southeast Asian pickles for a palate cleanser, and a traditional Balinese dish of minced meat and green beans with coconut spice. There's also a stir-fry made with seasonal greens. One highlight is the craft cola with milk for 700 yen, brewed by steeping spices; when mixed, it has a flavor reminiscent of chai, providing a deep and soothing taste. Most of the dishes are moderately spicy, which definitely boosts the appetite and warms up the body. While I haven't tried the local rendang yet, the quality here is impressive, and I highly recommend it! If you're in Kichijoji, make sure to give it a try!

A lunch spot serving Indonesian cuisine in a calm atmosphere, located about a 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Yamada Denki in Kichijoji. I chose the recommended Today's Plate for ¥1600. It includes Rendang (beef simmered in spices), Soto Ayam (chicken soup with turmeric), Gado Gado (boiled vegetables with peanut sauce), Indonesian pickles, minced meat with green beans in coconut spice stir-fry, and stir-fried greens. It’s a lovely assortment of Indonesian dishes featuring the famously delicious Rendang. I thoroughly enjoyed this incredibly tasty and unique meal with excitement. The Rendang was just as delicious as rumored, and I finished it in no time. Everything was very tasty, but I think my large boys would find the portion sizes a bit too small. It's probably best to go quietly alone or with female friends. Thank you for the delicious meal today!

The dishes were all unique and delicious, perfectly suited for Japanese tastes. I would like to try more, so I hope to visit again!

A well-balanced lunch plate that is recommended for those unfamiliar with Indonesian cuisine.

The special lunch was delicious.