Dinner @ Waroeng Sunda

Jakarta -  Jakarta’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, and every now and then, a dining experience reminds you why Indonesian cuisine holds such a special place in Southeast Asia. My recent dinner at Waroeng Sunda @ Kebon Jeruk with our channel partners was exactly that — a memorable evening filled with laughter, good company, and some of the best Sundanese food I’ve had in a while.

The dinner was part of a casual get-together to catch up with our partners, but we all agreed to go local, authentic, and delicious — no better place for that than Waroeng Sunda. The restaurant, nestled in the heart of Kebon Jeruk, offers a traditional Sundanese atmosphere with rustic decor, open seating, and an air of warm familiarity. It’s one of those places where locals bring their families, colleagues come for a hearty meal, and visitors discover the magic of West Java’s cuisine.

As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the unmistakable aroma of grilled seafood and fried spices. The setting was charming — wooden furnishings, open-air design, and a humble buffet-style sambal and vegetable corner that immediately caught our eye.

One of the unique highlights of dining at Waroeng Sunda is the free flow sambal counter. This was not just one kind of sambal — but a variety that would excite any chili lover. There was sambal terasi, sambal ijo, sambal bawang, and even sambal mangga, each more vibrant than the next. Next to it was a fresh assortment of lalapan — raw vegetables like cucumber, basil, lettuce, and long beans, served cold as an appetiser. A small but delightful nod to the Sundanese tradition of starting your meal light, spicy, and crisp.

Each of us started with a small plate of sambal and lalapan while waiting for the mains. The sambal was fiery and fresh, with just the right balance of tanginess and heat. It whet our appetites perfectly.

The Feast Begins – A Symphony of Sundanese Dishes

When the main dishes arrived, the table quickly transformed into a colorful spread of Sundanese classics. First came the fried tempeh — golden, crispy, and wonderfully nutty. It’s a humble dish, but one that rarely disappoints when done right. Waroeng Sunda’s version had a nice crunch outside and a soft interior, perfectly paired with the sambal of your choice.

Next was the BBQ prawns, the crowd favourite of the night. Grilled over charcoal and brushed with a sweet-spicy marinade, the prawns were smoky, juicy, and utterly addictive. The natural flavour of the seafood was beautifully enhanced by the caramelised glaze, and we found ourselves reaching for more even before finishing the first piece.

Why Waroeng Sunda?

What makes Waroeng Sunda stand out isn’t just the food — it’s the entire experience. It’s the unpretentious authenticity, the generous portions, the pedas (spicy) thrill of sambal, and the joy of eating with your hands if you choose to. The service was friendly and efficient, and the restaurant’s family-style layout encouraged conversations and sharing.

And though some might consider the prices slightly higher than your typical warung, it’s easy to understand why — the quality of ingredients, the generous servings, and the clean, comfortable dining area all justify the experience. When you want to host partners or guests for a true taste of Indonesian flavor, Waroeng Sunda hits all the right notes.