Indobar Indonesia is a restaurant that offers a delightful selection of Indonesian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from renowned concepts like Ron Gastrobar in Amsterdam and Javaanse Meisjes in Alkmaar, Indobar Indonesia aims to provide a unique dining experience.
One of the waiters at Indobar Indonesia informed us that this restaurant was previously owned by Ron Blauuw, who is also behind the concepts of Ron Gastrobar and Javaanse Meisjes. While the ownership has changed hands, the restaurant still maintains a shared dining concept featuring a wide range of Indonesian dishes.
Upon perusing the menu, we decided to embark on a culinary journey and explore the diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Our meal began with a sambal tasting, allowing us to savor the various chili-based condiments that are an integral part of Indonesian cuisine. The combination of heat, sweetness, and tanginess provided a delightful start to our dining experience.
Next, we ventured into the rice tasting, where different types of rice accompanied a selection of flavorful dishes. The fragrant rice served as the perfect canvas for the bold and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
We then indulged in a variety of appetizers, including lemper, duck spring rolls, and pork belly satay with lonton. The lemper, a sticky rice roll filled with savory shredded tuna, was a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The duck spring rolls showcased a fusion of Indonesian and Chinese influences, with tender duck meat encased in a crispy spring roll wrapper. The pork belly satay with lonton offered a tantalizing combination of succulent pork belly skewers and steamed rice cakes, complemented by a rich peanut sauce.
Continuing our culinary adventure, we tried the pork belly taco, coquilles, and spareribs. The pork belly taco was a creative twist on traditional Indonesian flavors, featuring tender pork belly, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sauce served in a soft taco shell. The coquilles, or scallops, were perfectly seared and paired with a delicate sauce that enhanced their natural sweetness. The spareribs, marinated in a flavorful sauce and grilled to perfection, were tender and finger-licking good.
As an Indonesian girl, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the dishes at Indobar Indonesia lacked the depth of flavors that I associate with authentic Indonesian cuisine. While Javaanse Meisjes and Ron Gastrobar excel at creating dishes that burst with spices and bold flavors, Indobar Indonesia seemed to offer a slightly milder interpretation.
Nevertheless, the food at Indobar Indonesia was undeniably delicious, and the restaurant’s ambiance provided a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The attentive staff and the shared dining concept made it an ideal place to gather with friends or family and explore the diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
In conclusion, Indobar Indonesia in Haarlem offers a unique dining experience, inspired by renowned concepts in the Netherlands. While some dishes may not have the same intensity of Indonesian spices as other establishments, the restaurant still provides a delectable selection of Indonesian cuisine that is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, if you find yourself in Haarlem, make sure to pay a visit to Indobar Indonesia and indulge in the flavors of this vibrant cuisine.
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Review: 9.2/10
Price / Quality: 8 | Service: 8 | Atmosphere: 8.5 | Originality: 8 | Freshness: 9 | Choice: 9.5
