Japan-Indonesia Friends Festival and Indonesian Restaurants in Tokyo

Sep 27, 2016

Japan-Indonesia Friends Festival and Indonesian Restaurants in Tokyo

As summer marches into autumn, the only thing that cant’s be stopped other than the rolling of time is the parade of international festivals held in Yoyogi Park. The next one coming up is the Japan Indonesia Friends Festival.

Japan-Indonesia Friends Festival

Officially named the “Japan Indonesia Citizens Friendship Festival”, this event is to celebrate the connection between the two Asian countries, and what better way to do that than get together, eat some great food and have something of a party.

The first thing you notice as you head over to Yoyogi Park is the undeniably mouthwatering scent of the food: nasi-goreng (stir-fried rice), skewered meat, mango, rich spices and coconut wafting everywhere. A word of warning though, some dishes can be a touch on the spicy side, so keep an eye out for chili pepper illustrations on the menus. Mind you, if things get a little too hot for your liking, why not sate the spice with some Indonesian Bintang beer.

As well as food there are of course handicraft stalls with jewelry and boho-indo-chic clothing. On top of that there are musical instruments, artwork and incense stalls selling the scent of the islands.

To keep you entertained once you have had your fill and shopped around, there is also a full lineup of performances in Indonesian costumes dancing to traditional music, as well as plenty of other acts.

If that all takes your fancy, head down to Yoyogi Park, and make some friends.

• When: October 15 and 16, 2016
• Website: www.indonesia-festival.com
• Where: Yoyogi Park

Indonesian Restaurants in Tokyo

The Indonesian flavor need not stop there. Why not check out these Indonesian restaurants in the capital city?

Cabe

Meaning ‘chili pepper’ in Indonesian, Cabe (pronounced ‘cha-be’) more than lives up to its name. They serve up a variety of dishes from not just Indonesia’s main islands of Java and Bali, but also the rest of the country’s diverse cuisine culture. It has recently relocated close to the Indonesian Embassy, which should speak for itself, and authentic dishes include “Rendang”, a beef stew cooked with coconut milk and spices, and “Sate Ayam”, a type of Indonesian yakitori.

• Where: Daiichi Tanaka Bld. 2F, 3-5-4 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku
• Contact: 03-6432-5748

Jembatan Merah

Jembatan Merah is an Indonesian restaurant with very much an eye on Bali, something that is apparent from the moment you open the door. The decor is very much reminiscent of the paradise island, and the food is no different. Prepared by Indonesian chefs, the spicy fish comes recommended, as does the fried banana and ice cream. There are musical performances once a month, and for those wanting a little Indonesian isolation, there are two private rooms that can be reserved.

• Where: Spice Road, Shinjuku I-Land Tower, B1 Patio, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku
• Contact: 03-5323-4214

Ayung Teras

Another restaurant with Bali on its mind, Ayung Teras is heavily decorated on the ‘local flavor’ front, but as it stays just on the right side of “ethnic”, don’t let that distract you from the great food. A good place to start is with the Sate Ayam which is smothered in a mildly spiced peanut sauce. Also recommended is the Gado Gado, one of Indonesia’s most popular dishes, a salad of both raw and blanched vegetables with a superb peanut cream dressing and freshly fried shrimp crackers. If you want a change from the Bintang beer, they have Bali Hai.

• Where: Shibuya-ku, Sakuragaokacho 20-12
• Website: www.ayungteras.com

 

Mark Guthrie

Image: http://www.ayungteras.com/ Screengrab - Modified