Ramayani Brings Exotic Indonesian Flavors to the Westside

You don’t have to travel to the Far East to try exotic dishes like Tumis Ayam Pedes (spicy chicken with chili, lemongrass, onions, shrimp paste and tomatoes) or Sambal Goreng Tahu Buncis (string beans and tofu in a coconut curry). Just north of Santa Monica Boulevard on Westwood Boulevard sits Ramayani, a family-owned business serving Indonesian cuisine since 1983.

My Indonesian friend recommended this restaurant and said I wouldn’t be disappointed. I wasn’t. I really hadn’t had much Indonesian food before and wasn’t sure what to expect. Indonesian cuisine is like a cross between Filipino and Thai food and is very flavorful.

Owners Hertha and Jim Tan are a hardworking elderly couple and have created a menu with more than 100 dishes. Hertha serves as chef and  “boss," while her husband takes care of the books.

I decided to order takeout, though the dining room was bright and cozy. It was torturous driving home with all the tempting aromas from the delicious-smelling food. On my friend’s recommendation, I ordered the Tahu Telor, a giant crunchy loaf of breaded and deep fried tofu and egg, served with a thick and sweet soy sauce. This appetizer was enormous and enough for several of us to share.

Other appetizers that sounded enticing were Frekedel Jagung (corn fritters), and the Martabak—a panfried flour tortilla filled with beef, onions and eggs.

I also ordered some satay skewers (grilled chicken, lamb, beef or pork), served with a thick, peanut sauce. Two vegetarian satay options are tofu and potato. I tried both and the tofu tasted better with the peanut sauce.

I skipped the Nasi Goreng (fried rice), which I’ve been told is delicious (maybe next time) and opted for steamed rice to go with my Sambal Goreng Tahu Buncis coconut curry. Diced string beans and cubes of tofu swam about in a fragrantly seasoned sauce.

My favorite dish, though, was the Bakmi Goreng—Indonesian-style egg noodles panfried with vegetables, egg and tofu. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted so good I wanted more. The noodle dishes can be made with your choice of chicken, shrimp or pork, or a combination of all three.

Lunch specials run Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and include a choice of entree from 20 menu items (noodles, satays and  curries). Entrees are served with soup or salad.

Ramayani, 1777 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-477-3315

Hours: Tues.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.