Archive for 'Indonesian'

Hidden Indonesian Food from Java Colonial

I like to do some of my grocery shopping at the Asian market on 12th and Washington. It is part of a small shopping plaza, the same one that is attached to Pho 75. While walking through the plaza from Pho to the grocery store, I came across a small Indonesian restaurant I had never heard about, Java Colonial.  Full from pho, I made a note to come back with friends to try out the menu  which was full of things that were new to me.

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Satay and Stained Glass at Indonesia Restaurant

I love that Philly has multiple Indonesian restaurant to choose from. Down on Snyder is the creatively named Indonesia Restaurant. A few blocks away from the holiest hole in the wall Hardena, this spot, in contrast, has pretty table cloths and stained glass. The ambience is completely opposite from the plastic table cloths of Hardena. But at Indonesia restaurant, authentic food is not sacrificed in favor of decor.

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Beef Rendang at Hardena: (ren)dang, that tastes good!

How about some hearty Indonesian food to warm up? Hardena is a bit off the beaten path, but close to the Broad & Morris Station,  so it is perfectly feasible to make it there for lunch. While on a bus to NYC, a former Philly resident overheard my food related conversation and joined in to tell me I must visit Hardena. Inside the little restaurant is a steam table with Indonesian home cooking to choose from.  Hardena does not have much to offer in terms of ambiance, but the food served is quality.  For $6 you get 3 choices over rice. The nice ladies who work there are happy to explain what is in each dish that you point to and they are more than happy to slap on some hot sauce on top of your selections. I tried many of the options and came up with my ideal plate…

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