Saji – Tasty food, but atmosphere and pricing fall short
On Friday evening, May 23rd, we visited Saji, an Indonesian restaurant in Copenhagen. We had made a reservation and opted for the six-course tasting menu, expecting an evening of authentic flavors. While the food itself was solid, the overall experience didn’t quite meet expectations.
Atmosphere and interior The space felt a bit gloomy and bare. The furnishings were simple—cheap-looking tables and chairs—and there was little that evoked the feeling of Indonesia, which is disappointing for a restaurant built around that cuisine. That said, the place was pleasantly busy, which added some energy to the room.
Food and drinks The tasting menu included six small dishes, all nicely presented and well-seasoned. The rendang was the standout: tender meat, rich flavor, and clearly made with care and tradition in mind. Unfortunately, the portion sizes were lacking. After six courses, we left still feeling hungry—never a good sign for a tasting menu.
We started with a “special cocktail,” which was underwhelming: very little alcohol, but priced at 145 DKK. We also had four beers (30 cl each) at 70 DKK apiece, which felt overpriced for the size.
Service The service was the highlight of the evening: friendly, attentive, and efficient. Everything ran smoothly and the staff was welcoming.
Price and value This is where things really fell short. At 395 DKK, the tasting menu could have been fair—if the portions had been satisfying. On top of that, the drinks felt excessively priced. We understand Copenhagen is an expensive city, but this felt more like taking advantage of that reputation than offering honest value.
Conclusion Saji serves tasty, well-made Indonesian food, but the full experience doesn’t quite come together. The decor could use an upgrade, and the pricing—especially for drinks and the tasting menu—needs better alignment with what’s being offered.
Would we recommend it? Yes, for those curious about Indonesian food and willing to pay for it. But no, if you’re looking for an experience where food, atmosphere, and value...
Read moreIf you haven’t been to Saji yet, you’re truly missing out on one of Copenhagen’s absolute gems. As someone who has visited more than 20 times since they opened, I can confidently say this place is nothing short of remarkable. Whether I’m dining solo at the bar, catching up with a friend, or celebrating with a larger group, Saji has consistently delivered an experience that’s fun, fulfilling, and utterly delicious.
What makes Saji stand out above the rest is the incredible dedication of its owners, two immensely talented chefs from Indonesia, whose passion for their craft shines through in every dish. Their innovative blending of fresh Danish produce with authentic Indonesian recipes from various regions is simply masterful. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu – it’s all worth trying - the fried chicken is already a staple. Every visit feels like a culinary adventure, and we always leave full, happy, and satisfied - and that goes for both vegetarians and meat lovers, lovers of spicy food and more careful ones. The value for money at Saji is one of the best you’ll find in Copenhagen, which is no small feat in this city.
As someone hailing from Southeast Asia, Saji’s flavors strike a deeply nostalgic chord for me – they take me straight back to my childhood. Their desserts, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. The pandan ice cream and coconut cake are nothing especially – a must-try for anyone who visits.
And let’s not forget the drinks - Whether you’re in the mood for natural wine, a refreshing lychee kombucha, a crisp beer, or their standout Pandan Old Fashioned, the beverage selection is as thoughtful and exciting as the food.
Saji is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again – and I definitely will. Thank you, Saji, for bringing authentic Indonesian flavors to Copenhagen and for constantly raising the bar. Keep up the amazing work - this city is all the better...
Read moreWe ordered the “Journey to Indonesia Tasting Menu” and received 6 types of Indonesian dishes presented beautifully. This was our first time (even for us Indonesians) trying Gohu Ikan, and it was an unforgettable experience! The other fish, Grilled Fish with Arsik Butter and Plecing Kankung tasted exactly like in Bali. I was quite surprised when the Bebek Madura was served with black Sambal, which was exactly like the original! All the dishes tasted very authentic, like we were in Indonesia. We had made a reservation for 19:45, but we could only get in around 20:00 because the previous guests were late. Due to the delay, they kindly offered us a Bandrek, which was very authentic, just like in Indonesia. The flavors of ginger, spices, and milk were very soothing, especially during this winter season. That night was our wedding night, they congratulate us and also gave us a complimentary shot of liquor for each guest at our table. Thank you so much for that! We brought two friends from Greece to try Indonesian food at Saji. All the staff explained each dish clearly, so our friends understood exactly what they were eating. Overall, the food was very authentic (the spice level was no joke 🔥), all the staff were very warm (It truly felt like coming home ❤️) and last but not least, our Greek friends were very satisfied with both the food and the service, as Saji made a fantastic first impression of Indonesian cuisine. P.S. Bonus points for having pete in the...
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