As avid visitors to Indonesia, we miss the camaraderie of warungs (roadside restaurants in Indonesia)—sitting by the roadside, peeling fried chicken, and eating among the locals is an experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Until we discovered one of the most authentic Indonesian restaurants in Singapore, better known as Waroeng Anak Indo.
Located along Haji Lane, Waroeng Anak Indo is just a short walk from Bugis MRT. It can be easy to miss it, but you’ll know you’re near when you spot Solace Airlines photobooth, The Halal Corner, or Vintagewknd. The two-storey space stands out with its wood-toned exterior and wooden signboard. Inside, vintage Indonesian pop posters, retro furniture, and a mural of a pakcik (uncle in Bahasa Melayu) by the roadside set the scene.
If the first floor is crowded, head upstairs to the second floor, an 80s-inspired time capsule. Grab a seat anywhere and place your order at the counter downstairs.
Since its launch in 2024, the menu has gone through multiple revisions and changes, with some items being rarer than usual. In our case, we were lucky to try the Nasi Goreng Ayam Penyet Sambal Ijo (S$15), Tahu Sumedang (S$8), and a classic glass of Teh Ais Manis (S$3.85).
Starting with the mains, the Nasi Goreng Ayam Penyet Sambal Ijo features brightly coloured kerupuk (crackers in Bahasa Indonesia), homemade green chilli paste, fried chicken, tempe (fried fermented beans), fried tofu, and a fried chicken thigh.
The fried rice is spicy by itself, while the green chilli paste neutralises the spice with its sourness. Feeling adventurous, we added Sambal Merah (S$1) to test, which was spicier (obviously, the red chilli paste!). Dipping the crackers into the sambal was truly addictive.
Although the fried chicken appeared tough, it was soft and tender, easily shredding from the bones. Each bite transported us back to the roadside warungs, especially since the spiciness was comparable to the standard Indonesian cuisine.
Not a fan of spice? Opt for the Nasi Ayam Penyet (S$12), served with white rice instead of fried rice. Alternatively, the Mi Sedap Anak Indo (S$13) and Bakso Komplit (S$13) are much safer alternatives if you prefer noodles instead.
Moving on to the sides, we were lucky to get the last plate of Tahu Sumedang (S$8 for 4pcs) while the Tempe Mendoan (S$8 for 6pcs) was unavailable during our visit. First thing we noticed was how crisp it appeared—when we took our first bite, we were excited by the contrasting texture—crispy on the outside, soft and comforting on the inside.
Dipping it in the Sambal Merah gave a similar addictive feeling to the crackers we had previously. Safe to say, we devoured the Tahu Sumedang quickly and understood why it was easily sold out even before dinnertime.
Our verdict? Although the restaurant launched in 2024 and had a change in management, the essence of the eatery remains the same. From the nostalgic interior to the comforting, familiar foods, we would definitely visit Waroeng Anak Indo again when we get the chance.
Go give it a try, especially since the restaurant is a walk away from Gemilang Kampong Gelam Ramadan Bazaar.
Waroeng Anak Indo
Instagram | TikTok
📍 53 Haji Lane, Singapore 189246
🕛 12pm–11pm (Daily)
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
Photo by Jae-Eryana Fitri.
