Restaurant
Pondok Nasi Bakar
179-181 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Find Pondok Nasi Bakar
179-181 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Pondok Nasi Bakar
Smoky banana-leaf parcels and fierce spice make this Clarendon Street haunt an easy call for real Indonesian comfort. Regulars queue up for the signature nasi bakar—seasoned rice grilled inside banana leaves until aromatic and deeply charred—paired with tender iga bakar beef ribs slicked in sweet, caramelized sauce. The setup runs casual: order up front at the register, grab your own cutlery, and douse plates with five styles of house-made sambal. Fried tilapia, soothing bowls of soto Betawi, and crisp tempeh round out generous spreads built for sharing across tightly packed tables.
- Signature Nasi Bakar: Seasoned rice wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until fragrant and deeply charred.
- Smoky Grilled Specialties: Tender beef ribs and whole fried tilapia deliver caramelized, smoky traditional flavors.
- House-Made Sambals: Five distinct house-made chili sauces paired to match grilled meats and rice plates.
What's On at Pondok Nasi Bakar
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Pondok Nasi Bakar
Discover why diners flock to Clarendon Street for authentic banana-leaf nasi bakar and grilled specialties.
Smoky Banana-Leaf Grilled Rice
House specialty seasoned rice wrapped in banana leaf and grilled delivers deep aromatic smokiness that elevates signature Indonesian dining.
Incredibly deep smoky flavour of the beef ribs and the rice.. oh the rice is something else.
The Boonch Reviews Caramelized & Tender Iga Bakar
Tender grilled beef ribs and chicken are caramelized with rich, well-balanced sauces and layered spices.
The beef ribs were tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, caramelized sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Diko Daswin Comforting Taste of Home
Traditional recipes and comforting classics evoke a genuine sense of home for diners craving nostalgic tastes of Indonesia.
so good, it instantly reminded me of home 🤍
Livia Samudera Transporting Cultural Nostalgia
From heartfelt hospitality to nostalgic aromas, diners experience the warmth and atmosphere of dining back in Indonesia.
feel like iam in Indo
IRMA Generous Value-Driven Portions
Guests enjoy generous traditional portions at accessible price points, making satisfying meals easy on the wallet.
delicious Indonesian food in a no frills place with great value!
Hanmo Li Five House-Made Sambal Varieties
The kitchen crafts five distinct varieties of house-made sambal, giving guests customized heat profiles to pair with their meals.
They have 5 different types of house made chilli sauce.
Kim Wang
Most popular items
Smoky banana-leaf baked rice and signature grilled Indonesian dishes
Nasi Bakar
The highlight of the menu is the Nasi Bakar (grilled rice) wrapped in leaf. It was super delicious, I can eat it just by itself!
Ignatius Soputro Iga Bakar
The beef ribs were tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, caramelized sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Diko Daswin Ikan Bakar
We tried the Ikan Bakar and it was absolutely delicious, really worth it.
Syazwan Nasir Ayam Bakar
I had the Ayam Bakar Balado — the sambal was perfect and full of flavour!
Billie henry Sabattini
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you order and get cutlery?
You can order either at the counter or directly from your table using a QR code. Cutlery, water, glasses, and napkins are available at a self-serve station.
What is nasi bakar?
The signature Nasi Bakar is seasoned fragrant rice wrapped inside banana leaves and grilled or baked, pairing with smoky grilled meats like iga bakar (beef ribs) or fried fish.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Peak lunch and dinner times can get busy with lines and occasional waits. To avoid waiting for a table, consider arriving early for dinner around 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Bookings can also be requested in advance.
What is the parking situation like?
Street parking is available nearby on and around Clarendon Street, though finding a spot can be competitive during weekday rush times.
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