The parking lot of the Duarte Inn plays host to some of the best Indonesian cooking in Los Angeles every Saturday from 10 in the morning until to 2 in the afternoon. Pondok Kaki Lima, popularly described as an outdoor “food bazaar,” is composed of three different vendors hawking homey Indonesian fare.
The Astronomer and I first explored Pondok Kaki Lima while I was researching and writing the Food Lovers’ Guide to Los Angeles. Considering what a terrific time we had and how close Duarte is to home, it took us far too long to return. Better late than never, as always.
This time around, we came with our daughter June in tow. She was quite receptive to the spice and funk of Indonesian cooking, which pleased her (not smug) parents to no end.
At our first stop, Bali Island, we shared the nasi bungkus ($8), an Indo three-item combo served on fresh banana leaves with coconut rice.
For our three proteins, we selected a fragrant and mildly spicy beef rendang, a fish filet smothered in a chili-tomato gravy, and some awesomely pungent anchovies with peanuts. All three dishes, as well as the scrambled egg- and shallot-topped coconut rice, were very, very good.
Next, we scooted over to Sate Babi Manis “Heidy” for some meat on a stick ($9). The grilled beef skewers, which were served over steamed Jasmine rice with a sweet and smooth peanut sauce, weren’t particularly tender, but the flavor was on point.
At the third and final stall, Satay Lenny, we went for broke. We ordered another three item combo ($8), this time with “yellow rice” (turmeric rice), chicken curry, spicy beef, and beef rendang. While Bali Island’s seasonings were more to my taste, the curries and stews here were solid.
The combo also included soup; we chose the curry-tinged vegetarian option with jackfruit, which was simple and good.
I also picked up an emper ayam ($2), which was composed of glutinous rice stuffed with shredded chicken. I love log-shaped carbs (see also: fan tuan).
And finally, a cool cup of es cendol, a mung bean jelly drink with coconut milk and palm sugar, for the road.
This was an afternoon very well spent.
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Pondok Kaki Lima
1200 East Huntington Drive
Duarte, CA 91010
One year ago: Ice Cream Lab – Pasadena
Two years ago: Yulin Comprehensive Market – Chengdu
Three years ago: {swoon} Choux aux Sésames at Pâtisserie Chantilly
Four years ago: Food & Wine All-Star Weekend: A New American Lunch at Sage (Aria Resort & Casino)
Five years ago: Kam Hong Garden – Monterey Park
Six years ago: Edgar’s Old Style Bakery – Birmingham
Seven years ago: Phở 79 – Alhambra
Eight years ago: Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng
Nine years ago: Cranberry Cornbread Mini Loaves
Food looks great; daughter’s cuter!
Ahhhh your daughter is so cute, and getting so big!
Thanks, Lauren and Mark! It’s been so fun thus far introducing the little lady to all that’s good to eat 🙂