Calling all Jakarta family dining crews! I'm spilling all the good and bad about this 40-year-old restaurant.
qponx
2026-01-25
Get the full scoop on Riung Tenda, a 40-year-old Sundanese restaurant in Jakarta perfect for family dining. This honest review dives into its beloved, nostalgic dishes like the crispy Gurame fish and rich oxtail soup. But it also warns about the frustratingly slow service and limited parking. Discover essential tips for navigating this classic spot to enjoy an authentic meal without the headache, making it a must-read before you go.
Whenever friends bring their whole family to Jakarta and ask me if there's an Indonesian restaurant suitable for everyone, young and old, the first thing that pops into my head is probably this place, Riung Tenda.
Honestly, this restaurant has been open since 1981[1], it's older than me, basically a living fossil in East Jakarta. The decor has that dated,"old state-run establishment" vibe, not exactly trendy, but the place is spacious and bright, perfect for a big group of people to hang out and Nongkrong.
The Flavor, Just Like You Remember It
The food here is standard Sundanese cuisine, and it's all about consistency. Over all these years, the taste has barely changed; it's the kind of flavor that gives locals that"childhood nostalgia" feeling.
A must-order is definitely the Gurame fried fish[2]. The skin is golden and crispy, while the fish inside is still tender. Dip it in sweet chili sauce, and one bite is just Mantap! Their Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup)[3] is also worth a try; the broth is rich with spices, the beef is stewed until it's fall-off-the-bone tender, and paired with a bowl of white rice, it's perfect. If you have a large group, add an order of Ayam Bakar (Grilled Chicken)[4] and a refreshing Karedok (Sundanese Salad)[5], and you've got a complete meal.
But Hold On, I've Got Some Complaints to Air
Although the food is on point, the service at this place is really something else, especially when it's crowded.
The last time I went on a weekend, I watched the table next to me blow up[6] because they had been waiting for almost an hour and a half for their food. Getting the wrong order or errors on the bill are also common occurrences. So for my impatient friends, I'd advise you to think twice. Also, for those who are driving, they only have a handful of parking spots[7]. If you're late, you'll have to try your luck parking on the street, which is a terrible experience!
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
For all you folks who want to check it out, take some advice from me:
- 1. Don't go during peak hours! It gets super crowded during lunch and dinner rush, and the experience goes downhill fast[8]. It's best to go in the afternoon or during off-peak times.
- 2. Ditch the car, taking a taxi is the best way to go! Don't make things hard for yourself; you know how Jakarta traffic is, and looking for a parking spot will make you lose your mind[9].
- 3. Make a reservation for large groups! If you have more than 6 people, I strongly recommend calling ahead to book a table, and even pre-ordering your food[10]. This will help you avoid the slow service problem as much as possible.
- 4. Keep calm and have a 'zen' meal. Just think of it as experiencing the slow life of old Jakarta. Don't have high expectations for the service, or you'll really go Anjay
- An East Jakarta living fossil, this spot **opened in 1981** `[1]` offers consistent **Sundanese flavor**, a cherished local memory.
- You gotta try the crispy, tender **Gurame** `[2]` (heavenly with sweet chili!). Don't miss the rich, fall-off-the-bone **Sop Buntut** `[3]` – amazing with rice!
- Great for families/groups! Grab **Ayam Bakar (Grilled Chicken)** `[4]` and refreshing **Karedok (Sundanese Salad)** `[5]` for a complete Indonesian meal.
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