For the indecisive! At this classic Padang spot, you can't go wrong.
qponx
2026-03-06
Struggling to decide what to eat in Padang? Head to Hoya, a legendary spot in Chinatown beloved by locals. This classic canteen serves a delicious mix of Indonesian, Western, and Chinese food. Must-try dishes include the fall-off-the-bone oxtail soup and the legendary melt-in-your-mouth ox tongue steak. With a bakery on the first floor and a chill vibe, it's the perfect, affordable choice for a guaranteed satisfying meal that never disappoints.
Whenever I'm in Padang and don't know what to eat, I always end up quietly driving my car to Hoya in Chinatown. This place is basically the locals' "comfort food canteen." Whether you're craving Indonesian, Western, or Chinese food, it always satisfies—a place that keeps you coming back for more.
A Legendary Old Spot, The Flavor is Always on Point
The first floor is a fragrant bakery, while the second floor is the actual dining area. The environment is clean and comfortable, with an air-conditioned indoor area, or you can go outside to Nongkrong and smoke. The vibe is very Chill. Don't be fooled by its age; I've almost never had a bad dish from the menu. Every dish is amazingly good[1].
My must-order every time I come is the signature oxtail soup (Sop Buntut)[2]. The broth is rich, and the meat is stewed until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The portion is so big that my friend and I can share it with no problem, Mantap!
But the real showstopper has to be the legendary ox tongue steak (Bistik Lidah)[3]. Anjay, how can they make the ox tongue so tender! It has that melt-in-your-mouth feeling, and the accompanying mashed potatoes and salad are not an afterthought at all. It's definitely a legendary-level flavor.
If you're a carb lover, you must also try their seafood fried kway teow (Kwetiau Goreng Seafood)[4]. It's full of 'wok hei,' they're super generous with the seafood, and you'll feel a burst of happiness after eating it. Don't rush off after your meal; go downstairs to the bakery and get some vanilla cream horns (Sus Keong)[5] to go. Even though they're smaller now, the taste is actually even more amazing!
Praise First, Then Some Real Talk
After all that praise, I have to be honest about a few things. Their serving speed can really test your patience. The last time I went on a weekday, I still had to wait for almost an hour[6]. I was so hungry I drained my phone battery just scrolling. So if you're impatient or in a hurry, you should really think twice.
Also, the parking spots out front are very limited and narrow[7]. If you come during peak hours, be prepared to be called down to move your car at any moment. It can kind of ruin the dining mood.
My Pro-Tips
All in all, Hoya is the kind of choice that will never disappoint when you don't know what to eat but still want something good. A true hidden gem canteen for locals, highly recommended to you all! 🤙
- Price: Really great value for money! The average cost per person is between 30,000 and 70,000 Indonesian Rupiah[8], enough to eat until you're stuffed.
- Time: It gets super crowded on holidays, and long queues are common[9]. If you want a quiet meal, I suggest coming on a weekday or during off-peak hours.
- Ordering: If you have trouble deciding, just pick from the items I recommended. You definitely can't go wrong.
- Layout: Remember, the restaurant is on the second floor, and the bakery is on the first. There's also a prayer room on the third floor[10], which is very thoughtful.
- Bistik Lidah is legendary [1]: melt-in-your-mouth tender ox tongue with great mash and salad.
- Kwetiau Goreng Seafood [2] has that smoky wok hei and is loaded with seafood. Every bite is pure bliss.
- For just 30k-70k IDR [3], eat till you're stuffed at this local comfort food spot. Unbelievable value for money.
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