Jayakarta Restaurant

Recommends

Chelsea Lin

Joined 6 years ago

Fragrant Indonesian dishes are served in belt-loosening portions (and for less than fast food combo) in this crowded Berkeley favorite.. Empek-empek palembang, nasi semur daging tahu telor and ayam goreng kuning may leave you tongue-tied, but they certainly won't leave you hungry. The Indonesian specialties (fish cake with egg, beef stew and curry fried chicken respectively) are but a few of the offerings found on the extensive menu at this Berkeley diner, where locals line up to get a taste of southeast Asia. While the restaurant is known for its traditional Indonesian cuisine, there are a few Singaporean delights (try the laksa--it is to Singapore and Malaysia what pho is to Vietnam). The service is quick and efficient--many of the servers don't even write down your order, even after you'd botched the pronunciation--but don't expect to linger and relax at your table; the waiting diners will be eyeing your every move.