GaramMerica Melbourne Original Warteg Nasi Bungkus

Definitely one of the best Indonesian restaurants in Melbourne. The name of the restaurant has “Warteg”, = Warung Tegal, which means Tegal (style) Roadside Stall. Warteg is a simple yet permanent res- taurant that sells a wide range of dishes at cheap prices. Tegal is a town in central Java and, although the owner will probably be from there, the food available isn't necessarily specific to the region. This restaurant sells “nasi bungkus” (=packeted rice) for $19 per pack where you choose 2 meat and 2 veggies or 1 meat and 3 veggies or 4 veggies from the menu. I have tried many from the menu and so far like them all. Occasionally it will sell sate (=meat skewers) or bakso (=meatball). There is a good selection of Indonesian style drinks here too, such chendol and soda gembira. This is currently my favourite Indonesian restaurant in Melbourne. So yes, it is highly recommended for those who want to try authentic Indonesian (Javanese) food.

As an Indonesian, I can say that the food served at Garam Merica is authentic and as good as those available back home. Since our first visit a couple of months ago, we have been back every 1-2 weeks and happy to report that the quality is always consistent and all the dishes we have tried have been delicious! Have recommended this restaurants to some friends and family and they love it too!

Love to go here for nasi bungkus - mixed rice combo of 2 meats and 2 vege (there is flexibility to go 1 meat/3 vege or all vege option as well). Some of the items in the menu changes from time to time but the classics are always there, e.g. beef rendang. There are other options too such as fried noodles if you don’t feel like rice. Take note of its limited opening house (11am to 3pm; Thu-Sun)