Waroeng Padang Lapek — Restaurant in The Hague

We stumbled on Warung Padang Lapek almost by chance on a rainy afternoon in Den Haag, and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we stepped in the warm, spiced air wrapped around us like a blanket — cloves, coconut, and that unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked rendang and sambal. The staff greeted us with easy smiles and patient kindness; they put our toddler at ease right away, which made the whole visit feel calm and relaxed.

I ordered Soto Padang first because I wanted something heartwarming. The soup arrived steaming, with tender beef, clear rich broth and little nests of vermicelli that felt like a hug in a bowl. The flavor was gentle but layered — turmeric warmth, a hint of lime, and soft aromatics that made every spoonful soothing. The sambal was a revelation: bright, balanced, and addictive. Even just a dab transformed a spoonful into something electric.

There’s a small story that made the meal unforgettable. Our toddler had been on a “rice break” for nearly a month, refusing his usual portions of rice. I nervously ordered Soto Padang hoping the vermicelli would be enough carbs for him. He loved the vermicelli, but then — to my surprise — he tried the rice in the Nasi Padang plate and insisted we packed some to take home. Seeing him eat like that, smiling and pointing to the box, made the visit feel like a tiny family triumph. It might sound silly, but that moment turned a simple meal into something special.

I was a bit hesitant about the Sate Padang because visually it looked drier than some versions I’ve had elsewhere, but that turned out to be a plus: the meat had a concentrated, umami-rich punch and the thick sauce around it packed bold, fragrant heat. The texture didn’t need extra juices — the spices and the sauce carried the whole thing. We also tried Bakso Mercon; it wasn’t the single-best bakso I’ve ever had, but it was lively, peppery and satisfying — a fun contrast to the richer dishes.

We finished with Es Teler Duren — creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet with a gentle durian note. It was the kind of dessert that lingers as a happy memory.

What truly makes this place special — beyond the food — is the atmosphere. Staff move with welcoming efficiency: they ask questions, recommend plates, and genuinely seem happy to share the menu. Between laughter, story-swapping and the occasional excited “have you tried this sambal?” it felt like dinner with friends at a favorite...

Waroeng Padang Lapek in Den Haag is a must-visit restaurant every time my friends and I are in town. As fellow Indonesians, it's always a delight to dine at an Indonesian restaurant where many of the customers are also Indonesians. Indonesians are known for being friendly and easy to make friends with, and sometimes we strike up conversations with other customers who are strangers. The owner is also very friendly and hospitable, making us feel like we're being hosted by our own mothers.

The food at Waroeng Padang Lapek is undoubtedly delicious, serving authentic Sumatran cuisine. If you're lucky, you might even hear classic dangdut music playing, making us feel homesick and longing for Indonesia. It's bizarre to eat Indonesian food with fellow Indonesians while being in the Netherlands, but it's a unique experience that we always cherish.

The location of the restaurant is in the heart of Den Haag, making it easy to find. Every dish we've tried so far has been a hit, from the spicy rendang to the savory gulai. The portions are also generous, so you'll definitely get your money's worth. If you're a fan of Indonesian cuisine, Waroeng Padang Lapek is a must-visit restaurant in Den Haag.

Taken together, the combination of authentic Sumatran cuisine, the friendly staff, and the cozy atmosphere make Waroeng Padang Lapek a gem in Den Haag. It's a place where Indonesians can feel at home and where non-Indonesians can enjoy the taste of Indonesia. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique culinary experience in the...

The worst experience! The rudest server i have ever have to deal with

I ordered 2 meals because i wasn’t satisfied with the first one and the male server had the audacity to lecture (angry and yell) me twice because he couldn’t accept that i don’t like the first one.. i paid both food and wrap the first dish for takeaway.. so i thought he was being mean and delusional

i even had to tell him to leave me alone several times because my second food came, I want to eat and not getting yelled at.. he finally left..

As i was about to eat.. he came to my table AGAIN. He straightaway lectured the exact same thing to me and i kept telling him to leave me alone until a lady server came in and kind enough to scold the guy to leave me alone.. although he kept side eyeing my table and i could hear the talking in the kitchen.. i was so baffled

The nasi padang special was good but the whole experience makes me want to vomit out of anger and disgust.. worst attitude!

So many instances i could tell you about his blunders and claims as if he’s the only indonesian who ever eats indonesian food. Open your eyes cause the world is wide and always be wise when talking to people, especially customers and guests.. so...