Not sure how believable it’s to tell you that eating Indonesian food in Seoul was not on my to-do list (I have other new-to-me Korean food to try). It was Fafa who kept mentioning and eventually spotted an Indonesian restaurant across the street from our hotel in Myeongdong. Well, since we had already stood before it, we decided to check it out. We went inside a small building, took the stairs and reached the eatery.
Authentic Indonesian Food in Seoul
The first thing I noticed was the shelf right beside the entrance, filled with Indonesian food, snacks and condiments. Some are the same things I stock up regularly from Laguna, an Indonesian groceries store in Melbourne.
I also noticed Sambal Dua Belibis, a true test of authentic Indonesian eateries and households. It gave me reassurance that the food we were about to order would be good.
The place was pretty spacious and looked like an apartment turned into a restaurant. There were patrons, even though it was past 2 PM (we had late breakfast). Two tables were filled with youngsters; from how they behaved, they were likely students. Then another table of a stylish elderly who was amused to see us, two Indians, in an Indonesian restaurant in Seoul. Eventually, they called out to the waiter, who appeared from the kitchen.
Fafa knew what he wanted to eat, Ayam Geprek (smashed fried chicken). It was easy; Ayam Geprek is his default choice in an Indonesian restaurant.
Meanwhile, I was torn between Sup Iga (ribs soup) and Sup Buntut (oxtail soup). Both seemed to be great choices for a freezing winter day. But then I saw the word Oseng Mercon (firecracker “Oseng”).
Okay, this is a bit embarrassing to admit, though I have read about it before. I don’t think I have ever eaten an authentic Indonesian-style Oseng. After apologizing for what seemed to be genuine ignorance, I asked the guy what Oseng was:
A Javanese-style stir fry.
He then offered to make Oseng Mercon with chicken skin for me (maybe he assumed I don’t eat beef). I said yes immediately. I love chicken skin, stir fry and spicy AF food. This dish combined all three of these! Also, it felt like the right mix of Korean food (spicy chicken) in an Indonesian restaurant in Seoul.
Our food came, and we had it. Fafa was happy, claiming his Ayam Geprek was perfectly authentic. My Chicken Skin Oseng Mercon was spicy, firecracker-level spicy – combined with the white rice, crackers and a tiny bit of sliced cucumber, each spoon was divine. I polished my plate with a side of Teh Botol. And left the table utterly satisfied.
At the counter, while paying, the guy and I chit-chatted for a while. We talked about his life in Korea, our trip to Seoul and going back to Jakarta after Covid. Then we thanked him and left. I didn’t notice it, but Fafa saw the guy quoted a lower price for the food to me than the actual amount on the bill. God bless his Indonesian generosity.
I have yet to try any other Indonesian restaurant in Seoul to compare. Still, I vouch for this restaurant to check out if you are in Korea and craving authentic and affordable Indonesian food with heartwarming hospitality.
Address: Bakso Bejo Korea - 21 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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.
Follow me on Instagram @KultureKween for more recent updates.
This place was fun, great service and food. Really hit that Indonesian food craving that I had during the trip