Makan A Celebration of Indonesian Cuisine in Melbourne

Makan is one of the most important Indonesian words one should know about. Translated simply, it means to eat. But Makan, for us Indonesians, means much more than that. It can also mean celebration (makan makan), a call of respect (silahkan makan) even a term of endearment (tukang makan) and many others.

Birthday Makan Makan (celebration)

The first time we went to Makan Melbourne was for Fafa’s birthday treat last April.

It’s been our tradition to take each other for a birthday treat. Last year, I took him to Atlas Dining and he loved it. This year, his only requirement was that he wanted Asian food, but not Indian nor Japanese. I did some research, and asked local friends as I want him to try somewhere new; for the birthday boy to expand his palate (expanding his world is a part of my wedding vows to him).

At first, I planned to take him to Long Grain, the famous Thai restaurant near Flagstaff station. I made the booking and blocked his calendar when an Indonesian friend recommended Makan Melbourne. An Indonesian herself, she highly recommended Makan Melbourne. Indonesian recommending Indonesian food. I was sold.

Makan Melbourne

Located smack in the CBD it’s not a surprise Makan Melbourne has gained steady popularity ever since it was opened in 2018. It is owned and operated by two Indonesian-born chefs, Tasia, and Gracia Seger. Adding to their cultural affluence, the sisters had lived in India before settling down in Melbourne. They are also the winner of the 2016 Australian Reality TV Show, My Kitchen Rules, and the food bloggers behind Tasia and Gracia. #WomenPower.

Inspired by their grandma’s cooking the food in Makan Melbourne was a homage to their Indonesian heritage, highlighting the well-loved Balinese cuisine and Indonesian street food.

What to Makan (eat) at Makan Melbourne

I had the tasting menu the two times I ate at Makan Melbourne. A tasting menu is a selection of food recommended by the chef, usually the restaurant’s dishes.

On Fafa’s birthday, we had fish ceviche, fried chicken ribs, prawn Balado (my ultimate favourite), and grilled corn cobs for the entree. The main menu was BBQ sticky ribs (Balinese local delicacy), stir-fried Morning Glory, white rice and an assortment of sambal (chilli condiments). The dessert was Banana Brulle. We were happy, drunk (thanks to the wine), and fully satisfied by its end.

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The second time, I went to Makan Melbourne with my colleagues. My Indonesian colleague and I have been wanting to introduce our Italian colleague to Indonesian cuisine. And we thought what could be a better place for delicious and authentic Indonesian food than here. This time we had fish and lamb shoulder Satay (it took me back to the time I took Ubud Cooking Class in Bali and made the same dish), corn cobs again, and Pastel for entrees. The main was Balinese pork shank, grilled fish and white rice. We opt out of the dessert as we were already stuffed.

My heart always swells with pride whenever I spot authentic Indonesian restaurants overseas, from Indonesian food in Zurich and now Makan in Melbourne. Even if you are not familiar with Indonesian food, I promise whatever you choose to eat here, you will be delighted. After all, it’s Indonesian cuisine.

And in Makan, it’s a celebration of Indonesian culture in the form of delicious food.

Makan: 
360, Collins Street Melbourne.

Indonesian Food Around the World series: A Cheat Sheet for Indonesian Food in London / Rijsttafel-ing Indonesian Food in Amsterdam / Indonesia Food in Zurich My Most Expensive Meal in Switzerland / Authentic Indonesian Food in Seoul at Bakso Bejo Korea / It’s Java Authentic Indonesian Street Food in Auckland / Makan A Celebration of Indonesian Cuisine in Melbourne / Rasa Rosa A So So Indonesian Food in Canberra / Indonesian Restaurants in Cairns.

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