I'm quite excited to hear that there is a new indonesian restaurant in town.
For a general statement: the food is quite pleasing and have an authentic spice level, but I can see that some people might have some critics. (But the one starred reviews in this restaurant were unfair.) It is just really hard to get everything right the first time opening a restaurant. As long as they strive to improve and know which critics are fair, they will go for a long ride :) And it is also really important for them to figure out what kind of restaurant they really are.
Don't expect Deli Indo as a typical asian restaurant that will serve classic food like red or green curry, noodles or typical fried rice. The foods are (from my experience) specialty dishes that can only be found in specific restaurants in Indonesia. If you're feeling adventurous, this is the restaurant for you :)
I asked for the recommendation from the owner, and she suggested "Ayam Betutu", It is tasty, but the owner should be more confident on her recommendation, it is more comforting and confidence inducing that we will have a great time.
I have some worries regarding the taste of the food and spice level, it is pretty adjusted to the indonesian palates. As I saw in various restaurants that strive to be close to the taste of the home, they always in the end adjusted to the local palates, as it is really hard to be profitable on mainly indonesian people. Some foods can be more authentic in certain countries because the palates are pretty similar, and I am doubtful that authentic indonesian can exist without adjustment in europe. The texture of the chicken skin and the temperature of the meat are some points that might put off the locals.
I was pretty much wondering the whole identity of the restaurant. The name "Deli" implies a small restaurant that has relatively cheap but tasty food, but the price range tells us otherwise, and the plating is pretty much unsuitable for the price range. My suggestion would be either plan a better plating (that is suitable for the price), or simplify the menu so that it did not cost soo much. Then again, the price in Hamburg is generally quite expensive.
From my side, they really need to figure out who their main customers are, what kind of foods that people are generally going for. It is okay to change the menu once in a while. It is also okay to have a simple one page, one column menu. It is okay to cater to the locals a little bit. Asking the customers (expecially locals) more regularly about the specifics like texture, temperature, spiciness level, colours would be helpful, as the foods would be like an experimental experience for them, and they always have certain expectations on how foods should be. (As they generally didn't know how these indonesian food should be). First impressions decides of they will go back, and it might be too late to ask for suggestions if they have decided that they won't come back.
I really wish they could figure out their identity, and improve their menu. As I said it is hard to be perfect in the first years of the service. Keep asking suggestions, keep observing, keep improving, and I hope they will last for a really long time.
As an indonesian, I am satisfied with the food, but as someone who's been in german and a foodie for a really long time, I can see a lot of improvements...
Read moreAs an avid enthusiast of Indonesian cuisine, stepping into Deli Indo was like entering a portal to the heart of the archipelago itself. Nestled in the heart of the city, this gem of a restaurant offers an authentic taste of Indonesia that will leave you craving for more.
One of the standout features of Deli Indo is its commitment to delivering flavorsome dishes without compromising on health. Their Balinese menu, in particular, is a testament to this ethos. From the moment the first dish arrived, it was evident that each bite was crafted with precision and passion. The aroma alone was enough to transport me to the bustling streets of Ubud.
What truly sets Deli Indo apart is its dedication to a "homey, no MSG" style of cooking. In an age where processed ingredients often dominate the culinary scene, it's refreshing to find a restaurant that prioritizes wholesome, natural flavors. Every dish felt like a labor of love, with ingredients sourced meticulously to ensure the highest quality.
The Indonesian menu at Deli Indo boasts a fine selection of dishes, each more tantalizing than the last. From the iconic Nasi Goreng to the rich and aromatic Beef Rendang, every dish was a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate. The use of traditional spices and herbs was evident in every bite, offering a true taste of Indonesia's rich culinary heritage.
And while the Rendang might not adhere strictly to the fiery, bold flavors of Padang-style rendang, Deli Indo's rendition of this iconic dish in Javanese style is a culinary masterpiece in its own right. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, each bite of their rendang was a journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Indonesia.
Another must-try dish is their bala-bala. This crispy vegetable fritter is a popular Indonesian snack that Deli Indo has perfected. The light, crispy batter encases a medley of fresh vegetables, and when dipped in their light chili sauce, it becomes an irresistible treat that balances texture and flavor beautifully.
Aside from the stellar food, Deli Indo also excels in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's warm ambiance and attentive staff make it the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Whether you're dining solo or with loved ones, you'll feel right at home at Deli Indo.
No culinary journey would be complete without the perfect beverage to accompany it and Deli Indo certainly delivers on this front as well. Their selection of drinks complements the bold flavors of the cuisine perfectly. Each sip was a delight to the senses, further enhancing the dining experience.
In conclusion, Deli Indo is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Indonesia. With its menu, commitment to wholesome ingredients and cozy ambiance, it offers a culinary experience like no other. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking to expand your palate, Deli Indo is sure to leave a...
Read moreWhen we heard that there is new indonesian restaurant in Hamburg and servin Nasi Padang as one of their iconic dishes, we went immediately to this restaurant. The waitress and the atmosphere were nice and welcoming, as when our food arrived and the waitress mentioned Nasi Padang is one of the stars in the restaurant, we had a high expectation since all of us coming from the region of West Sumatra and also extremely foodie and culinary enthusiast.
HOWEVER, the taste was really blunt, less ingredients and spices. The only thing we could taste just a massive amount of pepper! It induced a tingling numbness in our mouth, and couldn’t enjoy it! Rendang was lower than basic for the taste! Didn’t even look like rendang, more like Kalio. Sambel Hijau looked more like Sambal Hitam from Madura and totally tasteless. For 25€ and the small Portion? We wouldn’t dare to re order the Nasi Padang from them. Daum Singkong was more like pulp, too often stirred i surmise. Also tasteless. Rice? Not even authentic. We dont use Jasmine Rice in Padang. More like Basmati.
Still, i had to give credits to the waitress who understood the constructive feedbacks and for...
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