Java Padang Cafe, Karama
There’s a certain block in Karama that pulls me back time and again, with a gravitational pull stronger than the sun. Somehow, these quiet streets behind the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel are home to many of my favourite places to eat in Dubai. Yalla Momos for the best momos outside of Nepal, Raju Omlet for spicy Indian-style eggs in all forms, Zagol for a relaxing shared Ethiopian meal. Kulcha King, Betawi, I could go on!! And every time we wander these streets, a new eatery catches our eye, and we make a mental promise to return. Most recently it was Java Padang Cafe.
The first time we visited Java Padang, it was called Chef Bali, and we posted a photo on Instagram of the rather confusing menu. They are covering all corners. Indonesian, Filipino, Mexican, shawarma, AND fried chicken. Hello, you guys forgot sushi? We figured that sticking to the Indonesian specialties would be wise.
The walls in this friendly little Indonesian cafe are covered in photos of families and friends sharing their meals, giving it that community vibe I love in a restaurant. The TV is of course on in the background with Indonesian news anchors soundtracking our meal. A petite lady we presume is the owner of the business is sitting down casually at a table, hanging out and greeting customers as if they were relatives.
From our many trips to Betawi, my knowledge of Indonesian cuisine has somewhat developed a little and I’m now able to just about make my way around a menu. We started with some oxtail soup, which was packed with umami and depth of flavour; served with spicy fried chunks of oxtail. A little bit fiddly, sure, but so worth it for the tender, fatty chunks of spice-smothered meat. And those prawn crackers! Forget the polystyrene nasties you get at your local Chinese takeaway. These Indonesian prawn crackers are made fresh on site, taste 10 times fishier, and serve as the perfect little scoops for your meal.
Nasi Bali was an attractive little selection of rice, skewers of chicken and fragrant fishcake, crispy grilled chicken, tofu, fried egg, and vegetables. Although I’ve got to say I was a little disappointed it wasn’t served on the banana leaf in the menu photo, there is still something infinitely satisfying about this Indonesian way of presenting a platter of food. We might be in dusty, concrete Karama, but for a second you’re transported to tropical island life with these flavours. Although the chicken was a bit dry, and the whole plate could have done with a dipping sauce to bring it all together, regardless, I had a great time eating this beauty!
Beef skewers with peanut sauce - Sate Kambing - were certainly one of the better versions of satay we’ve tried. Plus that tasty peanut sauce - reassuringly chunky with a home-made feel - came in handy with the Nasi Bali selection!
We were waved off with a cheerful smile, and “goodbye, my friends!” Back out into the scorching sun and concrete jungle, our taste of island life beautiful but fleeting. Betawi is still my favourite Indonesian outpost, but Java certainly comes close, and is packed with charm and delicious cheap food.