A taste of Indonesia at Berempah by Reza in Holland
Berempah by Reza in Holland opened its doors in January and it's quickly become my favourite Indonesian restaurant in the Netherlands. With 156K followers on his YouTube channel, Chef Reza already had a strong following and gained immediate traction since the restaurant launched.
On his channel “Reza in Holland”, Chef Reza shares his love for Indonesian food – whether he’s cooking or visiting Indonesian restaurants across the Netherlands. He previously worked as the chef for Sampurna on the Singel in Amsterdam and I couldn’t be happier that he’s now cooking in The Hague.
Chef Reza opened Berempah with his business partner Comex and when they announced their opening date, I made sure to visit that same week. Since then I’ve been back six times – and my goal is to try as many dishes as I possibly can!
A true Indonesian experience
When I think about Indonesia, I think of the country where my family is from - the friendly people, the green rice fields, colourful orchids, the sound of gamelan music, and ofcourse the food. Berempah captures all of that. In the past few months, I’ve had the chance to try a wide range of dishes, and many brought me right back to my childhood.
Berempah’s menu offers a good mix of well-known classics and regional specialities. Here are some of the dishes I recommend if you’re planning a visit.
Sate Ayam
The first time I took a bite I had a “Ratatouille” moment – suddenly I was a kid again, eating sate ayam (chicken satay) from a street vendor in Jakarta. Berempah’s chicken satay must be among the best I’ve had. The juicy chicken is topped with a thick and creamy peanut sauce, with a subtle tang from the kaffir lime that ties it all together.
Nasi Kuning
This vibrant turmeric and coconut-infused rice is served with crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken, a side of sayur lodeh (a coconut-based vegetable stew), sweet and sour pickled cucumber, and house-made sambal—a spicy chili paste that really packs a punch!
Ikan Bumbu Bali
This dish that has become one of my favourites at Berempah. Pieces of fried fish filet are coated with a rich, spicy Balinese sauce and served with rice. The sauce isn’t overly spicy but full of complex and aromatic flavours.
Bebek Hitam Berempah
I can’t stop thinking about this fried duck dish. The duck is seriously delicious. The skin of the duck is super crispy, the meat cooked to perfection and to finish it off, coated with another one of Chef Reza’s aromatic sauces.
Nasi Goreng
One of Indonesia’s national dishes, this classic fried rice dish is found in almost every kitchen in Indonesia. Chef Reza’s version has a lovely smoky finish and it’s generously filled with shrimp, slices of sausage and vegetables. A chicken satay skewer tops the dish, making it complete.
Martabak manis
I had my first martabak manis as a small child when my parents took me and my sister to the Pasar Malam (night market) in Jakarta. Not many Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands serve this dessert, so I was excited to see it on Berempah’s menu. It’s a thick, pancake-like treat filled with condensed milk, chocolate, and crushed peanuts. Comforting and familiar, it was the perfect way to end the meal.
Berempah by Reza in Holland is a very welcome addition to The Hague’s food scene. Chef Reza’s passion and his talent for creating rich, layered flavours are at the heart of every dish. As I’m writing this, I’m already thinking about my next visit.
The food at Berempah is made by a chef who’s not only passionate about cooking, but also deeply committed to sharing his love for Indonesian cuisine with others. You can taste the pride and care in every dish he puts on the table.
Whether you’ve grown up with Indonesian food or trying it for the first time, Berempah offers something that feels both personal and special.
📍Zoutmanstraat 90,
2518 GT The Hague,
the Netherlands
