AboutPondok Nasi Bakar
A family journey from Jakarta to South Melbourne, sharing the authentic taste of home.
Our Story: From Jakarta to South Melbourne
A family owned Indonesian restaurant bringing authentic cuisine to Melbourne since 2018
Pondok Nasi Bakar began with a simple dream: to share the flavors of home. After immigrating from Jakarta to Australia, our family carried with them generations of recipes, techniques, and a deep love for bringing people together over food. In 2018, that dream became reality.
The path wasn't always straight. We started in Geelong, expanded to Malaysia, searched for where we truly belonged. But when we opened our doors in South Melbourne, something clicked. This was home. Here, we found a community that embraced our cooking, valued our commitment to halal ingredients, and returned again and again, not just for the food, but for the warmth and stories we share.
Today, every plate of nasi bakar grilled over charcoal, every dish wrapped in banana leaves, carries that same intention: to create moments of connection. Whether you're dining with us or we're catering your event, you're not just getting a meal, you're becoming part of our family's story. Explore our menu and taste the journey for yourself.
Our Commitment to Authentic Indonesian Cuisine in Melbourne
What makes us South Melbourne's trusted Indonesian restaurant and catering service
Recipes That Remember
Some things can't be taught from books. The way our grandmother balanced sweet and savory in rendang, how our uncle knew when bumbu was ready just by its aroma, the exact pressure needed to wrap banana leaves so they don't tear but seal perfectly. These are lessons learned over lifetimes. We don't modernize or adapt. We cook the way it was meant to be cooked, the way it tastes in memory.
Sourced With Care
We're particular about what enters our kitchen. Our meats come from trusted halal suppliers we've built relationships with over years. Spices are sourced from specific regions where they grow best, galangal from one supplier, kaffir lime leaves from another. Our vegetables arrive fresh each morning. We taste, we test, we reject what doesn't meet our standards. It's more expensive, more time consuming, but there's no shortcut to quality.
Tables That Tell Stories
We know our regulars by name. The couple who had their first date here and now brings their toddler every Friday. The group of Indonesian students who gather monthly, missing home. The businessman who orders the same thing each time and sits at table seven. These connections, these moments of "welcome back" and "how have you been," are why we do this. Food brings you in, but community keeps you coming back. Come join us and add your story to ours.
Step Inside Our Kitchen
The smell of charcoal and spices greets you the moment you walk in. This isn't a sterile kitchen, it's alive with the sounds of sizzling satay, the rhythmic wrapping of banana leaves, and conversations in Indonesian flowing between our team.
Watch our chefs work with techniques refined over decades. See the way they test the heat of the grill with a practiced hand, judge the perfect moment to flip each piece, adjust seasoning by instinct rather than measurement.
This is where tradition meets every plate. Every dish tells a story, and you're invited to witness it unfold.
In the Heart of South Melbourne
Located on Clarendon Street, we're part of one of Melbourne's most vibrant neighborhoods. Just minutes from the historic South Melbourne Market, Albert Park Lake, and Port Melbourne Beach, our restaurant sits perfectly whether you're exploring the area or looking for authentic flavors close to home.
After a morning at the market or an afternoon walk along the bay, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a home cooked Indonesian meal. We're easy to reach from the CBD, St Kilda, and Port Melbourne, making us your go to spot for authentic halal Indonesian cuisine in the inner south.
We Bring the Kitchen to You
Catering services for celebrations across Melbourne
From corporate lunches to family celebrations, we've catered for events ranging from intimate gatherings of 20 guests to grand celebrations of 250 or more. Every event, regardless of size, receives the same care we give every plate in our restaurant. Our team arrives early, sets up quietly, ensures everything is perfect before your guests arrive. The food is prepared fresh, transported carefully, served with warmth.
What We Handle
Menu planning that considers dietary needs and preferences. Timing coordination so hot food arrives hot. Setup that makes your space look beautiful. Service that's professional but never stuffy. Cleanup that leaves no trace. You focus on your guests, we handle everything else.
How It Works
Start with a conversation about your event. We'll suggest dishes, discuss portions, address any concerns. Once confirmed, we prep everything the day before. On event day, we arrive with everything needed, including backup plans. You won't stress about the food. That's our job.
Our dedicated team brings authentic Indonesian hospitality to every Melbourne event
Ready to Experience It Yourself?
Whether you're stopping by for lunch, planning a dinner with family, or need catering for your next event, we're here to serve you. Same recipes, same care, same welcome.