In the vibrant heart of Sydney CBD, where global flavours collide with the energy of the city, Aroma of Indonesia has quietly risen as one of the most compelling new arrivals on the dining scene. More than a restaurant, it’s a journey - a celebration of culture, memory and flavour where the warmth of Indonesian hospitality meets Sydney’s appetite for elevated, meaningful dining.
A Cultural Experience with Soul
Aroma of Indonesia blends modern elegance with the spirit of the archipelago. The space feels intimate yet alive - warm timber, soft lighting and fragrant hints of spice drifting from the kitchen. It’s transporting without being theatrical, refined without losing its heart.
Whether you slip in for a lingering lunch or settle in for dinner that stretches long into the evening, the atmosphere draws you in with a gentle sense of belonging. It’s Indonesia as seen through a contemporary lens - graceful, aromatic and deeply comforting.
A Must-try Dish: Beef Rendang from West Sumatra
At the centre of the menu is a dish that defines the philosophy of Aroma of Indonesia: the beef rendang, a slow-cooked treasure from Padang, West Sumatra. Here, it’s elevated with premium Australian Wagyu, whose natural richness and tenderness transform this beloved classic into something extraordinary.
Simmered for hours in coconut, fragrant spices and fresh aromatics, the result is deeply flavourful - tender beef infused with layers of warmth, complexity and tradition. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and revelatory, an impeccable balance of authenticity and refinement.
Pair it with the Bali Breeze, a signature cocktail that captures Indonesia’s tropical heartbeat. It blends bright citrus, subtle spice and a whisper of Brem - a caramelised Balinese rice wine - into a smooth, refreshing drink that complements spices without overpowering them.
Perhaps choose from the restaurant’s curated list of Asian food-friendly wines, each selected to harmonise with the rich flavours woven throughout the menu.
A Dining Philosophy: Tradition, Elevated
What sets Aroma of Indonesia apart is its dedication to storytelling. Each dish represents a different corner of Indonesia - a tapestry of flavours stretching from the bold, aromatic spice blends of Sumatra to the gentle sweetness of Java and the sunlit, tropical notes of Bali.
These recipes aren’t merely recreated; they’re honoured. Passed through generations of the owners’ own families and refined with professional technique, they become something new - respectful of origins, yet proudly contemporary.
The result is a dining experience shaped by memory, shaped by craft, shaped by heart.
The Story Behind the Chefs
Not many diners realise that Aroma of Indonesia is not the beginning of the owners’ culinary journey. It’s the evolution.
Both husband and wife are Chefs and their first restaurant - The Sambal, opened in 2017 - quickly became a local favourite for its bold, authentic Indonesian flavours. With time, their vision expanded: to bring Indonesian cuisine into a premium, casual fine dining setting without losing its soul.
Aroma of Indonesia is the fulfilment of that dream - a place where heritage meets modern expression, where familiar dishes are elevated with technique and top-quality Australian produce.
It’s also proudly Halal, embracing inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels welcome at the table.
A Venue with Heart
What truly defines Aroma of Indonesia is its balance of warmth, culture and elevated culinary craft. It’s the kind of place that suits both celebration and spontaneity - a date night, a family gathering, or an impromptu dinner after work. Service is heartfelt without being formal, the energy lively without being overwhelming.
Here, food becomes a bridge: between tradition and innovation, between Indonesia and Sydney, between the past that shaped the recipes and the future they now inspire.
Aroma of Indonesia isn’t just a restaurant - it’s Sydney CBD’s gateway to the flavours, stories and spirit of the world’s largest archipelago. A place where every plate has a heritage, every spice has a purpose and every visit feels like coming home to somewhere beautifully new.
