D'Penyetz & D'Cendol, Burwood

If you're craving authentic Indonesian comfort food, this restaurant is a spot worth checking out.  The word penyetan comes from the Indonesian method of lightly smashing (penyet) fried dishes and serving them with bold, fiery sambal.

They're especially famous for their fried chicken, which is crispy, juicy and perfectly paired with their house-made sambal that packs a serious punch.  You can choose from varieties of sambal like sambal bawang, sambal terasi, sambal kecap and more.  Sambal lovers will feel right at home here.

One absolute must-try is their durian cendol drink - rich, sweet and indulgent.  It's a real treat for durian fans.  For mains, the iga bakar (grilled beef ribs) is another standout.  It's so tender, smoky and full of flavour.  If you're in the mood for variety, they also offer other menu options like fried fish and comforting soups, making it easy to please everyone at the table. 

The restaurant itself is not very big and it gets extremely busy during peak hours.  They don't take reservations, so queues are common and the wait can get pretty mad if you arrive late.  My tip?  Come early to secure a seat and avoid a long wait.

Durian cendol

Ayam penyet with sambal terasi

ayam penyet with sambal kecap

Iga bakar

Tahu telor

D'Penyetz & D'Cendol, Burwood

183C Burwood Road, Burwood 

Ph: 02 8526 0199

Open: 12pm - 10pm on weekdays, 11:30 - 10pm on weekends

City branch:

Shop 8/339 Sussex Street, Sydney

Open: 11:30 - 10pm (weekend close at 11pm)

There are a few shops in Melbourne as well 

Enjoy Mie, Sydney

I did a happy dance when I first found out that my all-time favourite sweet, martabak manis or terang bulan was coming to the city.  It will be easier for me as normally I have to make all the way to Roseberry to get them.  Also, the branch that was coming is a long establishment in Indonesia and famous for their innovativeness and uniqueness that differ them from other martabak shops.  They collaborate with Enjoy Mie restaurant on Sussex Street and opened its door back in December 2023.  So, it is a double jackpot.  Delicious Indonesian food and yum-yum sweets all under one roof.  I have been becoming their regular customer since.

Nasi Padang $18.50

For me, their nasi padang is one of the best in Sydney.  It is a customised dish, where you can choose meat, vegetable and chili to go with a bowl of steamed rice.  Portion wise is so generous.  I opted for beef rendang at that time and they loaded me up with a saucy punch.  Rice got an extra helping of that tasty sauce too - drowning in deliciousness!!

 

Nasi ayam kremes

Nasi ayam bakar

Nasi goreng

Bakmi komplit (with chicken, wonton and beef ball)

Mie babi matah

Sate babi

Martabak telur

Martabak manis or terang bulan with chocolate, peanut, sesame and cheese topping

The classic one is apparently the best one.  This thick fluffy Indonesian pancake filled with some chocolate sprinkles, crushed peanuts, sesame and grate cheddar cheese.  You may need to run a marathon if you finish a whole box of this on your own but the moment this heavenly delight graces your mouth, you will no longer be concerned about the cholesterol levels. 

Don't forget to wash your food down with Indonesian beloved drink - Teh botol/jasmine tea

We thoroughly enjoyed all of their dishes.  The prices are fair and taste is satisfying. 

Enjoy Mie, Sydney

375 Sussex Street, Sydney.

Ph: 02 9261 8441 

Open: Every day from 11am - 9pm (except Friday and Saturday they open until 10pm)