LOCATIONUp the back of Cavanagh City Centre Arcade, off Cavanagh Street
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAFirst impressions of Sari Rasa belie the taste experience inside. It’s small, down a narrow indoor alley and has no views. In fact, you wouldn’t know it existed if somebody didn’t point it out. But they do. Darwin locals know their food, and Sari Rasa is full to bursting during lunch time as office workers and shoppers queue for their favourite Indonesian cuisine. If you want a seat, arrive early.
The Indonesian dishes include an array of curries, and fortunately the restaurant has aircon because the dishes build up a sweat. The most popular fare is served from the bain-marie, which might not sound like a recommendation, but at Sari Rasa the ready-to-eat selection is so delicious it’s hard to resist, even with a board menu featuring freshly cooked dishes.
Choose from classic beef rendang, chilli chicken or daging empal (dried beef with potato). The food is all halal prepared, and there’s a superb vegetarian selection. If there’s any left, try the chilli eggplant – it’s smooth, succulent and spicy with its own local following. It’s a great lunch when served with the spicy green beans on a bed of rice. For those who suspect vegetarian food is bland and boring – give these dishes a go and you’ll change your mind.
Sari Rasa also opens for dinners five days and caters for functions. The pricing is more than reasonable and service is with a smile.
Merridy Anne Pugh